Sam Roberts Concert

[robie]

Alright, so I will be getting a press pass for the upcoming Sam Roberts Concert. I was wondering what is the best lens to use and what settings are good for concerts?

I will be using the Nikon D300 and I will bring my 70-200 f/2.8 VR Lens. The lens is probably too long so that's why I am asking this question. Thanks.

Edit: Actually, I have been doing some research and a wide angle lens is not apropriate unless you plan on shooting the whole band together most of the time. I will bring my 70-200mm f/2.8 VR and buy a 50mm f/1.4 or f/1.8. I should set the ISO to 1600 no matter what and have the shutter speed from 200-250 or higher. The shutter speed should be 1/200 or so.

[skifurthur]

Congratulations on getting your credentials. I looked at some Sam Roberts photos on the internet and it looks like they often have some good lighting...that's a plus. The 70-200 VR should serve you well. There have been many nights where all I shot with was my 70-200 IS. I disagree with a couple of things you have said though. If shooting from a photo pit, a wide angle might not even take in the whole band. I have often shot portraits (single person) at 17-28mm. When they are in your face, they are in your face. In those cases I use a EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS. If the light is good, don't be afraid to lower the ISO...with my equipment I usually start at ISO 1250 and adjust as needed. I also will change aperature as needed.

Good luck with your shoot.

[robie]

Congratulations on getting your credentials. I looked at some Sam Roberts photos on the internet and it looks like they often have some good lighting...that's a plus. The 70-200 VR should serve you well. There have been many nights where all I shot with was my 70-200 IS. I disagree with a couple of things you have said though. If shooting from a photo pit, a wide angle might not even take in the whole band. I have often shot portraits (single person) at 17-28mm. When they are in your face, they are in your face. In those cases I use a EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS. If the light is good, don't be afraid to lower the ISO...with my equipment I usually start at ISO 1250 and adjust as needed. I also will change aperature as needed.

Good luck with your shoot. Thanks for the tips. The lighting looks amazing during their performances. It's cool that I will be able to shoot for my favorite band. I have to provide the bands tour manager with the shots after. It will be cool if some or all of my shots get published on their website.

Check out these pictures from their latest 4 day concerts in Toronto:

http://www.petenema.com/article.php?story=sam_roberts-08

[johnms88]

They tour with a very large and expensive lighting rig. Were my favorite band to shoot out of the hundred or so that I have shot.

Glad to see you were able to answer your own question. Iso 1600 and fastest aperture are correct. Its hard to tell what lens without seeing the venue.

http://stuiephoto.com/samroberts/

[robie]

They tour with a very large and expensive lighting rig. Were my favorite band to shoot out of the hundred or so that I have shot.

Glad to see you were able to answer your own question. Iso 1600 and fastest aperture are correct. Its hard to tell what lens without seeing the venue.

http://stuiephoto.com/samroberts/ Very nice shots. What shutter speed do you shoot at?

Here is the Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver, BC:

http://vancouver.ca/Theatres/ORPHEUM/orpheum.html
http://vancouver.ca/Theatres/graphics/Orph6.gif

[johnms88]

I don't pick settings at the start of a night and stick with them. I am up and down and all around all night depending on the song/amount of action/color or intensity of light for that song. There isn't a "cookie cutter" shutter speed for every situation.

Be sure not to just "not bring" the 70-200. It would be a shame to get there and you are stuck at the soundboard/rear of house.

[robie]

I don't pick settings at the start of a night and stick with them. I am up and down and all around all night depending on the song/amount of action/color or intensity of light for that song. There isn't a "cookie cutter" shutter speed for every situation.

Be sure not to just "not bring" the 70-200. It would be a shame to get there and you are stuck at the soundboard/rear of house. I will bring my 70-200.