Do I have a chance at decent pics tonight with this setup?

[Molson1020]

Hey everyone. I am attending a U2 concert tonight and am going to try and sneak in my DSLR for some shots. I've heard security is pretty laxed at Soldier Field in Chicago from others who have taken DSLR's.

Here is what I can only bring though, my Canon XSi and my Nifty Two-Fifty lens. Now I know it's going to be night outside and I will be in the cheap seats (hence the choice of a Zoom lens), but will I be able to get any ok-to-decent shots? The 250mm is only 5.6 at full Zoom which scares me, but the stage apparently is very lit. Will this make a difference being so far away from the stage?

Thanks!

[Molson1020]

Also, here are some pics of the stage. You can see how lit it will be. Again, will the 250mm be good enough for casual pics?

http://www.flickr.com/search/?s=int&w=all&q=u2+360&m=text#page=10

[Rock Photo Star]

I think what you are really trying to ask if whether it is worth it to bring the 250mm f/5.6. Without double checking, I'm prety sure I've shot at f/5.6 and wider apertures (even up to f14.0) during daylight, summer afternoons.

I don't believe I've ever shot at 5.6 or wider at a night or indoor concert. I think 5.6 was probably possible at a number of concerts I shot at but the way I shoot, I emphasize getting as much shutter speed as possible so I deliberately never really try to shoot beyond f2.8.

Others may be able to attest to whether one can hit apertures of f5.6 and wider with big touring acts at night or indoors.

U2 brings a lot more lighting than most, so if there was any band worth trying that lens with, U2 would be the one.

It's pretty much the risk you are going to have to take. Let us know how it turns out.

[DDCSD]

A few years ago I shot a few concerts from the stands with my old Tamron 100-300. It was f/6.3 on the long end. I think some of the shots I came away with were just fine.

Nothing spectacular, but good memories. My seats were fairly close though. 250mm isn't going to get you very close for a stadium show.

http://www.derekcecilphotography.com/photos/459055708_m7rVG-L.jpg (http://www.derekcecilphotography.com/Concerts/Concert-Portfolio/7153708_zZBRP/1/#459055708_m7rVG-A-LB)

http://www.derekcecilphotography.com/photos/459054038_73Q2y-L.jpg (http://www.derekcecilphotography.com/Concerts/Concert-Portfolio/7153708_zZBRP/1/#459054038_73Q2y-A-LB)

http://www.derekcecilphotography.com/photos/459055136_yBCpj-L.jpg (http://www.derekcecilphotography.com/Concerts/Concert-Portfolio/7153708_zZBRP/1/#459055136_yBCpj-A-LB)

http://www.derekcecilphotography.com/photos/459053332_kYFsj-L.jpg (http://www.derekcecilphotography.com/Concerts/Concert-Portfolio/7153708_zZBRP/1/#459053332_kYFsj-A-LB)

[Rock Photo Star]

Daughtry shots are fantastic and shows that when the lighting gives you lemons [the band in darkness] that don't fight it [like I always try to do] ... make lemonade by going for silhouettes, which shockingly can be as powerful as a fully lit, sharp artist capture.

[BPL]

Agree about the Daughtry shots! Nice!!

[DDCSD]

Daughtry shots are fantastic and shows that when the lighting gives you lemons [the band in darkness] that don't fight it [like I always try to do] ... make lemonade by going for silhouettes, which shockingly can be as powerful as a fully lit, sharp artist capture.

Agree about the Daughtry shots! Nice!!


Thanks! They had incredible lighting, but I was in the stands and 300mm at f/6.3 just wasn't getting the shutter speeds needed for close ups. I was really happy with how the full stage shots came out.

[DDCSD]

Molson, how was the show? Get any shots?

[advaitin]

You go with what you got, but get as close as you can. !!Oops, sorry, after the fact itn't it. Did you go to jail?

[narlus]

I can say that a 300 f/2.8 on a full frame is a good lens to shoot U2 from the 'wide angle' lens pit. :D

[DDCSD]

Looks like he got it in!

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=752529