Lens choice

Im looking to start shooting concert/bands photography. What lens do you all recommend.
I have a 16-35, and a 70-200 2.8. I just want to be prepared.

those are two great ones to have. the 24-70 zoom is popular too, but i find myself using it less and less.

if you are shooting bands in smaller clubs, usually their lighting is kinda poor so having at least one prime is good too. i see you have the 50 f/1.8, but i would look for something a bit wider, esp w/ the 1.6 and 1.3 crop bodies you have.

^^ Ditto ^^

I was using my 50mm f/1.8 until a few months ago I bought a Sigma 30mm f/1.4 which now rarely leaves my camera. I only shoot small to medium venues so it seems to work out well so far.

Sigma 18-35mm

35L is my lens of choice with crop and even then the lighting is so terrible I have to bump up ISO to over 3200 on a 1.4.

Now, it seems like it may be too wide since I've upgraded to a full frame. I think I may go with a 50.

70-200, nonstop. Wide-angle shots to get the whole venue are pretty good, but clean closeups of faces and expressions are priceless.

nathancarter wrote in post #16692417
70-200, nonstop. Wide-angle shots to get the whole venue are pretty good, but clean closeups of faces and expressions are priceless.

Ultra wides are useful for other shots too.

Agreed, though it's rare that I can get that close.
Nice shot.

You have it covered.

I used the 70-300L until I got the 100/2. That lens has helped a lot. Affordable, reasonably fast, sharp!

My concert lenses are typically the 16-35 or 24-70 on one body (depends on if it's a single artist or a whole band, and the venue) - and the 70-200 on the other
Or 70-200 on one body and a 400 on the other if I'm shooting from the sound desk (I always ring and check first)

The last concert I shot, posted in Performing Arts, was shot mostly with a 400mm f/2.8L IS USM with a 2.0TC on a 1DX making it 800mm at f/5.6. Why use anything else?

I use both those lenses as a staple. You will love em.

If you like getting in close sometimes, the 135/f2 is relatively affordable and lets you get close with a big aperture. Some of my favorite shots are from that one.