First concert w/ the XSi, Need advice

[djready1202]

I'm taking my son to his first concert, he's a huge Green Day fan, and I have a couple questions that some of you seasoned vets might be willing to help me with....

I have 3 lenses, the 50 1.8, the 18-55 IS, and the 55-250 IS...which one should I have on my XSi most of the time? From my limited knowledge the 50 seems like the ideal choice with it's 1.8 aperture but the focal length doesn't seem so ideal. I wish I could swing an 85 1.8 right now, but the budget this month won't allow it. :(

Is it pointless to take the 55-250, I'd really like to be able to get in close if I could but will the lack of ample light make the lens totally ineffective?

What basic settings would you shoot with? I mostly shoot in Aperture Priority but would you suggest shooting in something else (TV or M), I haven't shot with a DLSR in this type of environment before.

The event will take place at the Times Union Center in Albany and we'll be in section 118, row N, not sure if this info is needed to help with any advice given. Thanks for any help in advance. :D

http://www.casatickets.com/images/maps/times_union_center-1314-272-seating_chart.gif

[Jacobredphoto]

I'm not a seasoned vet by any means, haha. I'm more raw at this stage ;). Have you considered renting a lens? The Canon 200mm f/2.8 is a fast lens, prime, black to draw no attention, and a short lens at that. You might want to check if DSLR's are allowed into the venue.
I would suggest practicing in similar low light events that would be good practice. Maybe check out some local bands and practice there. I would shoot in manual to have the most control of everything.
Section 118 looks good, you might even be able to avoid the mic mouths, haha.

[djready1202]

My bad, I've posted this in the wrong section....I meant to post this in the Performing Arts Discussion section. Hopefully a mod can help me in moving this over, sorry for that. :oops:

[djready1202]

I'm not a seasoned vet by any means, haha. I'm more raw at this stage ;). Have you considered renting a lens? The Canon 200mm f/2.8 is a fast lens, prime, black to draw no attention, and a short lens at that. You might want to check if DSLR's are allowed into the venue.
I would suggest practicing in similar low light events that would be good practice. Maybe check out some local bands and practice there. I would shoot in manual to have the most control of everything.
Section 118 looks good, you might even be able to avoid the mic mouths, haha.

Thanks Jacob, I did give renting a lens a thought but kind of steered away from it because I don't plan on going nuts with the photos, just a few in key moments. I'm just hoping that one or two of my lenses will be sufficient enough to grab some decent photos of my son in the moment and also of Armstrong and them, they've always been great for putting on a show.

I will take your advice and look into if DSLRs are allowed in the venue...I didn't even think of that. That would really suck to get up to the entrance with my camera only to be denied entry with the thing. I'm taking my little P&S just in case now that you mention it.

I'd also try the whole practice thing if I could but I'm running short on time and my next few weekends before the concert are pretty much accounted for.

Really appreciate it again Jacob.

[Jacobredphoto]

Thanks Jacob, I did give renting a lens a thought but kind of steered away from it because I don't plan on going nuts with the photos, just a few in key moments. I'm just hoping that one or two of my lenses will be sufficient enough to grab some decent photos of my son in the moment and also of Armstrong and them, they've always been great for putting on a show.

I will take your advice and look into if DSLRs are allowed in the venue...I didn't even think of that. That would really suck to get up to the entrance with my camera only to be denied entry with the thing. I'm taking my little P&S just in case now that you mention it.

I'd also try the whole practice thing if I could but I'm running short on time and my next few weekends before the concert are pretty much accounted for.

Really appreciate it again Jacob.

If you want to stick to your lenses, then I would take the Nifty-Fifty to get some shots of your son rockin' out if you want. The 55-250 is definitely the reach that you have to have, you'll just have to push that ISO up to 1600. Considering the band, I'm sure they have good lighting :lol: but still the ISO would probably at least need to be 800 to get the shutter speed needed. DEFINITELY take your P&S, getting A shot is better than getting no shot in my opinion. That kind of stinks that you don't have the extra time, you'll just have to give your current knowledge a go :).

IF your still considering renting, I would go with LensRentals, absolutely amazing people. Went there for my first rental ever, the lens was spectacular and the service was as smooth as butter. Prices are the cheapest from what I've found and that's with less hassle, so much better service, and amazing gear to choose from.

http://www.lensrentals.com/rent/canon-200mm-f2.8-l/for-canon

[shannyD]

based on where youll be sitting.. i am leaning on jacobs suggestion of renting.the 50mm i feel will be too short. i find it too short when im right at the stage trying to get shots of the drummer in a small club.. but a huge arena like this.. i would highly suggest renting the 200 lens that jacob suggested. or even the 135L.

i would be willing to bet that you will have more than ample lighting.. especially with a huge place like that. maybe eben to use one of your other lenses.. but i wouldnt risk it.

if you were going to be closer to the stage i would be ok with the 50.. but for me.. it just doesnt seem ideal.

and AV mode would probably work best.. especially since you dont usually shoot with your dslr. and dont bother with your flash.. wont do a lot of good.

shan

[skifurthur]

The Times Union Center is an old arena in which the 100 sections are low to the floor with not a lot of rise to them. Row N is farther from the stage than you think it might be. The 50mm will be useless for anything but very wide shots. I have shot 50mm on a crop body form approx. mid Sec 5 and I get the whole stage in the shot. Sec 118 row N might be a tad closer, but not more than 10-20 ft I would bet. From that distance on a crop body you need at least a 200mm lens to get single person full-body shots. Closer to 300mm does better.

[djready1202]

Cool, thanks for the replies everyone. You guys are definitely swaying me towards the renting idea. If I do end up renting I'll definitely go with the 200 2.8, and I'll check into LensRentals for sure Jacob (I really appreciate you providing me that info). Real quick Jacob, when you rented from them was it an actual physical location that you dealt with or did you go through their online service? Just wanted to know how their online service was, with shipping, return shipping, and all.

Skifurther, you seem to be pretty familiar with Times Union Center in Albany, do you know if DSLRs would be welcomed for this event? I've been to other venues that didn't allow such equipment and am wondering if it's the same in this arena. I'll call and double check but just wondering if you know off hand. Thanks for the other advice too.

Thanks shannyD, I'll only take the nifty for shots of my son then, maybe for a couple wide angle shots of the stage like you suggested, but I'll definitely go with something longer in focal length for most everything else. Jacob and you have definitely got me thinking that the renting option is the best way to go. The 55-250 may be too risky.

[Jacobredphoto]

Cool, thanks for the replies everyone. You guys are definitely swaying me towards the renting idea. If I do end up renting I'll definitely go with the 200 2.8, and I'll check into LensRentals for sure Jacob (I really appreciate you providing me that info). Real quick Jacob, when you rented from them was it an actual physical location that you dealt with or did you go through their online service? Just wanted to know how their online service was, with shipping, return shipping, and all.

Skifurther, you seem to be pretty familiar with Times Union Center in Albany, do you know if DSLRs would be welcomed for this event? I've been to other venues that didn't allow such equipment and am wondering if it's the same in this arena. I'll call and double check but just wondering if you know off hand. Thanks for the other advice too.

Thanks shannyD, I'll only take the nifty for shots of my son then, maybe for a couple wide angle shots of the stage like you suggested, but I'll definitely go with something longer in focal length for most everything else. Jacob and you have definitely got me thinking that the renting option is the best way to go. The 55-250 may be too risky.

djready, I rented from them via online. I can't rate them high enough, absolutely phenomenal crew. They were polite, quick, AND intelligent. I'd like to know where else you can get that b/c I haven't found it, haha. You can reserve the lens ahead of time, super easy to create an account. When you go to the page I provided, there is a shipping price underneath the time you would want with the lens. That price includes both ways and is shipped via Fed-Ex 2 day air. They also ship so that IF everything goes as planned when it is shipped, you get one extra day before your rental period begins. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!

[londonblue007]

Not to be a buzz kill on this one... but, just to throw this out there, most venues do not allow DSLR's, unless you have a Press/Photo pass.

From the Times Union Center website :

What is the camera policy for Times Union Center events?
As a general rule, cameras are not allowed at Times Union Center events. Why? The camera policy is up to the tour management...and it is different for every show that comes into the Center. If cameras are allowed, you usually are allowed to bring in a small, non-professional camera (digital cameras are typically not allowed). In the past, we have had shows (e.g., Back Street Boys and American Idol) where cameras were OK until five minutes before the doors opened - and then we were informed by tour management that absolutely no cameras were allowed! So if you think it is absolutely necessary to try and bring a camera, take a disposable one! That way, if it is announced at the last minute that they aren't allowed, you can just throw it away. Your best bet is to call our main office at 518-487-2000 the day of the show and ask.


In my experiance, you can get digital P&S's into any show, I have for the Police, Buffett, Paul McCartney, The Who...
DSLRs however, I've been stopped at the entrance into venues (Tsongas Arena for Dashboard Confessional as an example), even with a photo pass!

I also seem to remember hearing that Green Day are pretty strict. (I'm sure its management, not the band that care so much)

As far as a lens goes... In big arena shows, I've had excellent luck shooting at ISO 800 at f/4 or better and 1/200. You may be able to get away with that zoom lens of yours, ISO1600 (which is totally fine to use in Concert Photography).



Anyway, that's my 2 cents.

[Jacobredphoto]

Wow, that one's new. I've never heard of a venue not accepting at the very least, digital P&S.

londonblue, quick question and I don't want to overtake this thread by any means. In your experience if you try to take a in a "professional" grade camera and your caught with it, do they take it or do they just tell you to put it back in your car?

[londonblue007]

Wow, that one's new. I've never heard of a venue not accepting at the very least, digital P&S.

londonblue, quick question and I don't want to overtake this thread by any means. In your experience if you try to take a in a "professional" grade camera and your caught with it, do they take it or do they just tell you to put it back in your car?


In my experience... I've never tried to take a DSLR into a venue before, unless I had a pass... Usually because I take public transportation to shows (It sucks parking in Boston).

[narlus]

Wow, that one's new. I've never heard of a venue not accepting at the very least, digital P&S.

i take it you've never been in a House of Blues?

londonblue, quick question and I don't want to overtake this thread by any means. In your experience if you try to take a in a "professional" grade camera and your caught with it, do they take it or do they just tell you to put it back in your car?

depends on the venue...i think they would allow you to take it back to your car, or perhaps give you the option of checking w/ the coat check room.

[Jacobredphoto]

Narlus, thanks for the info. No I have never been to a House of Blues, is that there rule because I've seen lots of videos on YouTube from cameras at that House of Blues?

[narlus]

well they can't police everyone's cell phone, but i've seen people using point and shoot cameras being told by security to stop using them and to check them w/ coat check. even if you have a photo pass HoB makes you sign a venue-specific waiver.

[Jacobredphoto]

Good information Narlus. I never knew that.

[djready1202]

Not to be a buzz kill on this one... but, just to throw this out there, most venues do not allow DSLR's, unless you have a Press/Photo pass.

From the Times Union Center website :

What is the camera policy for Times Union Center events?
As a general rule, cameras are not allowed at Times Union Center events. Why? The camera policy is up to the tour management...and it is different for every show that comes into the Center. If cameras are allowed, you usually are allowed to bring in a small, non-professional camera (digital cameras are typically not allowed). In the past, we have had shows (e.g., Back Street Boys and American Idol) where cameras were OK until five minutes before the doors opened - and then we were informed by tour management that absolutely no cameras were allowed! So if you think it is absolutely necessary to try and bring a camera, take a disposable one! That way, if it is announced at the last minute that they aren't allowed, you can just throw it away. Your best bet is to call our main office at 518-487-2000 the day of the show and ask.


In my experiance, you can get digital P&S's into any show, I have for the Police, Buffett, Paul McCartney, The Who...
DSLRs however, I've been stopped at the entrance into venues (Tsongas Arena for Dashboard Confessional as an example), even with a photo pass!

I also seem to remember hearing that Green Day are pretty strict. (I'm sure its management, not the band that care so much)

As far as a lens goes... In big arena shows, I've had excellent luck shooting at ISO 800 at f/4 or better and 1/200. You may be able to get away with that zoom lens of yours, ISO1600 (which is totally fine to use in Concert Photography).



Anyway, that's my 2 cents.

Not a buzzkill londonblue, I appreciate the heads up. I went to their site early this morning and was reading the same thing. In a way it's a bummer but I guess I can look at it as a way to rock out, and enjoy the experience more with the kid. I'll try to get the P&S in or I may just go the phone route...or just capture everything in my brain kind of thing. :D Thanks again for all the help guys.

[ScottME]

JUST got back from a concert and I was turned away with my XSi.

I probably could have gotten a Photo Pass (it was a smaller venue) but just took it back to my car.

On a side note, I very well could have snuck the body and the kit lens in various pockets/my girlfriends purse.