Lens/body combo for Concert - should I have kept the 135L?

[philthejuggler]

Hi all,

I recently had a clear out and sold some lenses I didn't use much - the 24-105L, the 300F4L and most reluctantly of the lot, the 135L. If I want serious seperation outdoors I go for the 85L and the 70-200 f2.8 gets used for indoor studio stuff & my kids running around outside.

A friend with good connections in the music industry kept threatening to get me a few gigs photographing at concerts. After lots of promises nothing seemed to happen, but now (finally) long after I'd given up waiting a confirmed date is in the diary. The group is a straight-forward pop act.

I'm now thinking I shouldn't have sold the 135L, or do you think my 70-200 f2.8 IS will be more than adequate (if not better due to IS and the flexibility of the zoom)? I would consider re-acquiring the 135L if you think the extra stop is critical at this FL.

Given I have a 5D, a 40D, 24L, 35L, 85L, 17-50 f2.8, 70-200 f2.8 please could you suggest the best combo for the night if I take both bodies along?

My thoughts:

40D + 35L (Fast prime @ FL equiv of 56mm could be useful)

5D + 70-200 f2.8 IS L (70-200 could be too long on the 40D + I will appreciate the low noise of the 5D in low light)

Don't know if the 85L should figure somewhere here. Also is the 24L is a better choice on the 40D than the 35L?


All suggestions appreciated,

Thanks in advance,

Phil

[NeutronBoy]

I would leave any primes at home. Because you will be relatively constrained by crowds, barriers and the like, you need to be able to get the shot from wherever you are standing. A zoom is what would solve this problem. If you have access to the front of the stage, I think a fixed wide angle would work for you.

Having said all that, I have never done this kind of work. I have taken lots of shots at my kids plays and the like, so it sort of qualifies.

[philthejuggler]

Thanks for your thoughts - has anyone with concert experience got any comments?

Thanks

Phil

[René Damkot]

What band? What type of music? What Venue? What lighting?

Sometimes I shoot all zoom, sometimes I *need* f/1.8 or 1.4....

[bacchanal]

If there is any stage lighting to speak of, you should be just fine with the 5D + 70-200. I use the 135L and typically shoot it at 2.8 if I can due to the narrow dof at f/2. In many situations (but not all) IS will trump the extra stop of the 135L.

Your choice of gear will really depend on the size of the venue and the type of lighting that you anticipate, as well as your shooting style.

I am a prime shooter, so personally I would take all three L primes and the 70-200. With both bodies, this would give you a range from 24mm on the 5D to 200mm on the 40D...with plenty of FOV options for extreme low light situations.
On the other hand if you're more comfortable with zooms or if you know that you'll be limited to three songs, you could stick the 17-50 on the 40D, the 70-200 on the 5D, and throw the 35L in your bag to cover you in case you need f/1.4.

edit: try to google previous photos of the band and venue that you will be shooting at so you have some idea what you're up against.

[philthejuggler]

What band? What type of music? What Venue? What lighting?

Sometimes I shoot all zoom, sometimes I *need* f/1.8 or 1.4....

As mentioned above a straightforward pop-band - I prefer not to mention the name until I've sorted out all the fine details. I haven't yet got any info about the exact nature of the venue but I'm working with the assumption it is a standard indoor venue - not arena-sized affair. I will be the official photographer so will have my pick of spot to photograph from. The only thing I have been told is the lead singer is a little precious about having a large lens up his nostril! The lighting I guess will be stage spotlights but I'll no for sure nearer the event (Dec) - I just wanted plenty of notice if I'm going to acquire more kit.

[philthejuggler]

If there is any stage lighting to speak of, you should be just fine with the 5D + 70-200. I use the 135L and typically shoot it at 2.8 if I can due to the narrow dof at f/2. In many situations (but not all) IS will trump the extra stop of the 135L.

Your choice of gear will really depend on the size of the venue and the type of lighting that you anticipate, as well as your shooting style.

I am a prime shooter, so personally I would take all three L primes and the 70-200. With both bodies, this would give you a range from 24mm on the 5D to 200mm on the 40D...with plenty of FOV options for extreme low light situations.
On the other hand if you're more comfortable with zooms or if you know that you'll be limited to three songs, you could stick the 17-50 on the 40D, the 70-200 on the 5D, and throw the 35L in your bag to cover you in case you need f/1.4.

edit: try to google previous photos of the band and venue that you will be shooting at so you have some idea what you're up against.


Great advice - many thanks. I think the suggestion of googling previous shots is a really good one. Sounds like I don't really need the 135L. I checked some shots I took on it of a bad a while a go (although not a typical concert) and I was mostly @ f3.5 - so it sounds like the IS will win.

[90c4]

You've got some great fast lenses. When I go to a show I bring my 35L, 85L, 135L, and 70-200 2.8 IS. The 85L and 70-200 get used the most, then the 35L. I'd bring those, or if if you really want to travel lighter just the 35L and 70-200 on a 5D

[spelunker]

In the concerts I've gone to, I've needed f 2.2 or higher. These have been small venues, so I've been able to push myself to the front and use my 50 1.4 which worked wonders.