Camera setting for concerts

Joined: 19 May 2005 Posts: 2

Just wondering what would be the best for shooting concerts, i will have a pit pass so i should be close to the action but always wanted to get my pictures a little sharper. I have a canon 10d and canon 30d

lenses are
Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM AutoFocus Telephoto Lens
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8
Sigma 120-300mm f2.8

which lens would you use and what setting on the camera? Is there a better lens to use?

Thanks

Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008 11:26 am

Speed is the critical factor for sharpness in your situation. Depending on the amont of action I would try to keep your shutter speed at least 1/200 or faster. Use the widest apature possible and then adjust your ISO until you get the speed you need. If the 85mm will give you the reach you need that would be an excellet choice. It all depends on the types of shots your going for and how close you are to the action.

A flash will help stop the action but you would need a pretty powerful one to properly light the scene. You could try for rear sync and slow shutter speed (say 1/15 or so) for special effects.

Joined: 06 Jul 2006 Posts: 251 Location: Metro Detroit

The situation is largely going to depend on how well lit the venue is. I've shot exceptional images during concerts at f/5.6, 1/400, ISO400.. and I've had horrible results at f/1.8, 1/400, ISO1600.

The general rule is that the faster the lens, the more freedom you'll have. f/1.8 gives you a lot more freedom in terms of shutter speed and ISO than f/2.8.

It also depends on the proximity of the photo pit to the stage. Again, I've been in spots where 28mm was too tight, and others where 200mm wasn't close enough.

I would probably put the two sigmas on for starters. f/2.8 is usually enough for most venues, although I'd definitely bring the prime just in case it was really dark.