Lens advice for music fest

[mikeofmandan]

I've been hired to shoot a weekend music festival. Not only will I be shooting multiple stages throughout the day but also shots of the campgrounds and people in attendance. I will generally be close to the stage, as they are all smaller, and at no point more than one hundred feet away. There is no photo pit. I'm planning to rent the a dream assortment of lenses to get the job done. Here is what I'm thinking. Any advice would be much appreciated.

I already own the Canon 50mm 1.8, which has served me well locally.

The potential rentals include:
Tamron 17-50 2.8
Canon 85mm 1.8
Canon 70-200mm 2.8 or Sigma 50-150 2.8 (is this even a decision?)

I have a Canon Rebel Xti with a grip. So I'm dealing with the 1.6x factor.

My goal with this lens selection is to have a low light arsenal that covers a large range.

[DDCSD]

Not much help on the lens suggestions, but I'd get/rent a second body also. Much easier than swapping lenses in situations like that.

[skifurthur]

Looks like you've got a good mix there. I would substitute the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS for the Tamron and add the Canon 300mm f/2.8 IS for those shots from 100 feet away. Of course the problem with the 300 is that you won't want to return it.

[blackshadow]

I'd be renting the Canon 70-200 f2.8L IS (the IS really helps) and the 17-55 f2.8L IS as well. I'd also be looking at a second body to rent.

[mikeofmandan]

Alright,
With the 17-50mm, 50mm, and the 70-200mm is the 85mm 1.8 necessary? Or does it really depend on the light. For those of who are well established at gig photography, how much more will the 85mm 2.8 come in handy?

[blackshadow]

Alright,
With the 17-50mm, 50mm, and the 70-200mm is the 85mm 1.8 necessary? Or does it really depend on the light. For those of who are well established at gig photography, how much more will the 85mm 2.8 come in handy?

Definitely worth keeping in your bag just in case.

[René Damkot]

For the audience, a flash might also come in handy:
Click (http://www.moonglade.net/~rene/070825GP/content/rhd_20070825_Geuz_1617_large.html).

I'd second the 17-55 EFs and 70-200 IS.

[thelightofsound]

For the audience, a flash might also come in handy:
Click (http://www.moonglade.net/%7Erene/070825GP/content/rhd_20070825_Geuz_1617_large.html).

I'd second the 17-55 EFs and 70-200 IS.

i think you have your answer here. don't worry with the 85, as you can use your 50 if it gets real dark. but hopefully at a festival they will have decent lighting. also the 300 isn't worth the money for your needs. it is not easy to keep up with and is not something you really want to be responsible for at a festival, when you don't even own it.

[mikeofmandan]

Correction - I meant 85 1.8 not 2.8.
The answer to the following question might clear everything up: How many steps does it take to make up the difference between 85mm and 50mm? They are 35 mm apart, and both constant f/1.8. Does that extra reach justify taking along an extra lens to a festival?

[thelightofsound]

if you own the 85, then by all means, take it. if you are considering renting it then i think you should go with the above mentioned lenses first.

[mikeofmandan]

The 85 would need to be rented. I'm questiong myself as to whether or not it would be useful, or just a piece of equipment that would go unused all weekend?

[René Damkot]

How many steps does it take to make up the difference between 85mm and 50mm?

Wrong question: Changing position changes perspective, and that's not what you want. I'd rather crop the 50mm shot then compromise the perspective I'd want in a shot!


The 50 mm shot would about cover in landscape the same height as the 85mm in portrait.
Not exactly, but gives an idea.

More visual illustration:
Two shots, taken from close to the same spot. (balcony)
50mm:
Click (http://www.moonglade.net/~rene/071103VolkFest/content/rhd_20071103_Volk_0332_large.html)
80mm of the 80-200L:
Click (http://www.moonglade.net/~rene/071103VolkFest/content/rhd_20071103_Volk_0366_large.html).

Both are probably cropped somewhat :p

The question is more: What's the light like? Can you use the 70-200 instead of the 85mm?

[mikeofmandan]

Thanks everyone,
Rene, your visual example is very helpful. To answer your question about light - its going to vary wildly. I know I will be shooting in low light with possibly dim stage lights.

Having visited thelightofsounds website, musicphotog.com, and viewing the EXIF data on some of the pictures taken at 2.8 between mm 70-200 I see how that lens performs (great website by the way)

I think I may forgo the 85mm. Between the Tammy, the 50mm, and the 70-200 I should be well suited.

[SuzyView]

I use the 70-200 2.8 IS exclusively at concerts that are lit by stage lighting only. I don't use flash, can't it's not allowed. Pictures are amazing. Just rent it and practice with it.

[PhotosGuy]

70-200 f/4 ISO 1600 EXIF is included in:
The Johnny Headband Band (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=372180)

I could have used the 85 f/1.8 here ISO 3200 EXIF is included in:
Barbara Payton @ ISO 3200 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=497298)

[mikeofmandan]

Nice,
I live in Bismarck, never heard of the JOhnny Headband Band. I dig the photos. So, in summation you could have used the 85 at the Payton show?

[PhotosGuy]

you could have used the 85 at the Payton show? I should have used it. The band before had brighter lighting & I left the 85 in the car. Another lesson learned! :D

[fxk]

I like your lens choices. The earlier suggestion of a second body can make changing expensive (rented) lenses much less exciting (if you get my drift...) There is the weight factor, though.