Is f2.8 sufficient for concert photography on a 5D?

[philthejuggler]

Hi all,

I've got some concert photography to do soon and it may be before my 85L is back from Canon.

That means I have the 35L & my 70-200 F2.8 L IS to go at.

The 35L may be too short (although I can stick it on the 400d for 1.6x)

Is the 70-200 f2.8 going to let in enough light for decent shots?

The concert is a rock/pop concert - what sort of shutter speed might I get at ISO 800, f2.8 for a lead singer in a spotlight?

Thanks

Phil

[philthejuggler]

If desperate I suppose I could get a 50 1.4 & stick it on the 400d, but I'm not convinced how much I'd use it with a 35L & an 85L knocking around.

Phil

[bacchanal]

Hi all,

I've got some concert photography to do soon and it may be before my 85L is back from Canon.

That means I have the 35L & my 70-200 F2.8 L IS to go at.

The 35L may be too short (although I can stick it on the 400d for 1.6x)

Is the 70-200 f2.8 going to let in enough light for decent shots?

The concert is a rock/pop concert - what sort of shutter speed might I get at ISO 800, f2.8 for a lead singer in a spotlight?

Thanks

Phil

A relatively large rock/pop concert with actual spotlights will not be a problem...esp since you have the IS version of the 70-200 2.8. It's hard to say exactly what shutter speeds you'll be getting, but the 5D should have the capability to get you by (don't be afraid to up the iso if you need to). The tricky part is metering for a spot-lit face against a dark bg.
If you run into a situation like a really dark venue or the promoter just decides to use no lights during the first 3 songs (if that's what you're shooting), the 35L will provide you with at least some insurance.

edit: btw, who are you shooting and do you have credentials?

[blackshadow]

And don't be afraid to jack the ISO up over 800 (nothing wrong with 1600 or 3200 at times) to keep your SS up. You might like to read the FAQ sticky in the Performing Arts section; lots of good info there.