What lens should I purchase...

In order to get good zooms while at concerts? I usually don't attend the largest concerts - so I don't need a lens that will zoom up 400 miles - but then again, I rarely ever get "front row seating" (or standing, in this instance).

I also plan on using my lens for portraits, so I will most likely need a lens that varies in terms of how far/close it'll zoom in and out (because, from what I know, portraits are typically shot fairly close up, while concerts are normally [for me, at least] shot from a pretty far distance).

Anyway, what lens(es) would you suggest for these purposes?

70-200 f/2.8 IS

I use the 70-200 2.8 IS for concerts and it's a great lens. If you are not willing to spend $1500 or more, consider the 85 1.8 because it's a good portrait lens and is great for low light. What camera do you use?

twoshadows wrote in post #6040022
70-200 f/2.8 IS

Is 70mm a rational range for close-up portraits? (I'm obviously new to photography, so this is probably a dumb question... but it's better to be sure than to purchase it and be unsatisfied with the results.)

SuzyView wrote in post #6040026
I use the 70-200 2.8 IS for concerts and it's a great lens. If you are not willing to spend $1500 or more, consider the 85 1.8 because it's a good portrait lens and is great for low light. What camera do you use?

I'm currently using a Canon Digital Rebel XT.

You will be surprised to hear that most wedding shooters here have the 70-200 2.8 IS and use it a lot. And it's a fantastic portrait lens. I can take pictures at a reception and get close ups and people don't even know. If the 85 is a favorite lens, then 70mm would definitely be acceptable. The bokeh with the f2.8 is amazing.

BoxandJamaica wrote in post #6040034
Is 70mm a rational range for close-up portraits? (I'm obviously new to photography, so this is probably a dumb question... but it's better to be sure than to purchase it and be unsatisfied with the results.)

yes the 70-200's are used alot for portrait stuff.
just a heads up u might want to ask/call the concert ppl because the 70-200 is big and is deemed a "pro" lens by most events and dont allow you to use them.

SuzyView wrote in post #6040059
You will be surprised to hear that most wedding shooters here have the 70-200 2.8 IS and use it a lot. And it's a fantastic portrait lens. I can take pictures at a reception and get close ups and people don't even know. If the 85 is a favorite lens, then 70mm would definitely be acceptable. The bokeh with the f2.8 is amazing.

Would it work for something similar to a portrait like this?

mackidbrendan wrote in post #6040071
yes the 70-200's are used alot for portrait stuff.
just a heads up u might want to ask/call the concert ppl because the 70-200 is big and is deemed a "pro" lens by most events and dont allow you to use them.

Alright, thanks for the heads up!

BoxandJamaica wrote in post #6040081
Alright, thanks for the heads up!

ya no prob.
BTW what is your budget?

Whats your budget?? In regards to the 70-200mm F/2.8 will make your XT feel grossly unbalanced especially if you are handholding.. The 70-200mm F/2.8 is a large lens while the XT is a tiny camera.. Is your XT gripped??

I've been using the Sigma EX 50-150mm F/2.8 APO DC HSM on my gripped 350D,,, brilliant lens and a good combination..

I assume you're attending and not a official badge.

In that case, you may want to get a "black" lens as it draws less attention and most concerts don't allow photography. There the recommendation would be the 70-300mm IS F/4-5.6, but with a dark concert you may miss somethings that the f/2.8 would have been able to get.

I would avoid anything less that f/2.8 for a club type venue unless you're using external flash for fill. If you're relying solely on house lighting and can't remove some gels for fill, then you'll want a fast prime.

That's what I did this weekend. f/4 did not cut it for most of the shots and the lighting was absolutely horrid. ...and thanks to USPS not delivering my 580 EX

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/png'

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/png'

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/png'

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/png'

At f2.8, that is definitely doable. And I attend concerts with my gear, just read the website to what is allowed.

70mm It is not too close for portraits. Ideally you want to be about 15 ft away for portraits because if you are closer it distorts the nose and ear angles.

Historically, the portrait lens was 110mm which is very close to an 85mm lens on a 1.6 crop.

Also, you need a bright lens if shooting indoors with poor lighting.

So my recs depend on how much you want to spend.

$80 50mm f/1.8

$300-400 50mm f/1.4 (very bright lens) or f/1.8 85mm

$1500 70-200mm f/2.8

Personally, I think the best price for performance comes with the 50mm f/1.4 .

However, with the 50mm f/1.8 on your Rebel, no one will EVER turn you away at the door and you will have the lightest DSLR setup known to man.