Sub $500 lens for indoor bar / stage photography?

[GoodOmens]

I'm interested in snapping some pictures of some local bands and was wondering what a good lens to get would be.

Unfortunately I'm constrained by a fairly tight budget and would rather get one good lens then two ok ones.

I have a t1i with a 24-105 F4 and was thinking of getting either a 85 1.8 or a 50mm 1.4. Buying used is OK for me.

What do you think?

[narlus]

those are both good choices, though the 85 is a bit long on a crop and would likely be good for just head shots.

another lens to consider is the sigma 30 f/1.4.

[GoodOmens]

Yea I took some stage photos a few years ago with a 35mm 1.4 and thought it was a bit too wide ... perhaps it was the stage I was on as it was tough to get close.

Maybe I'll get the 85 1.8 and a cheap 50 1.8? If I like the 50 then just upgrade to the 1.4 at a later date?

Any other choices?

[ChrisRabior]

For $500, you could consider a Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 or their 28-70mm f/2.8.

[GoodOmens]

I like the sound of the 28-70

You would do that over primes?

[ChrisRabior]

I've got Sigma's 18-50 and 50-150 f/2.8 lenses because I prefer the versatility of a zoom. Low lighting, you can always push the ISO, and do B&W conversions for the really rough conditions. Most of the venues I shoot at have fairly adequate lighting, so it's never been an issue. I'd like to eventually pick up a fast prime like the 50mm f/1.4 or 35mm f/2 for more versatility in the darker venues, but for now it's easier for me to carry the two sigmas and have my 11-16 in the bag that came with the one sigma.

[GoodOmens]

I've got Sigma's 18-50 and 50-150 f/2.8 lenses because I prefer the versatility of a zoom. Low lighting, you can always push the ISO, and do B&W conversions for the really rough conditions. Most of the venues I shoot at have fairly adequate lighting, so it's never been an issue. I'd like to eventually pick up a fast prime like the 50mm f/1.4 or 35mm f/2 for more versatility in the darker venues, but for now it's easier for me to carry the two sigmas and have my 11-16 in the bag that came with the one sigma.

What range do you find yourself shooting the most?

The one time I shot a concert I was using a 17-55 and found myself in 55 the most ... hence I think for 1 lens a 24-70 would be better then 18-50.

[ChrisRabior]

Depends on how close I can get to the stage. I'm spoiled with two bodies, so I find my 50-150 on regardless, since reach is always nice for close crop shots. If I'm right up at the stage, the 11-16 is usually on the other body. If I'm backed up a bit, the 11-16 gets put away after one or two stage/crowd shots, and the 18-50 goes on. Since I work in really close quarters a lot, the wider lenses were my best bet.

Something to consider is that you'll be limited if you go to FF depending on which lens you choose. If I get a 5D or 5D mk2 (which is eventually the plan for me), my 11-16 and 18-50 are NOT compatible with full frame, so eventually I'll probably be in the market for a 24-70 lens.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Add 28mm f/1.8..

All are excellent, chose the FL you think youll use most.

[GoodOmens]

Cool thanks for the feed back everyone. Considering swapping my 24-105L for a 24-70L

Decisions, decisions lol.