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Gig photography lens advice
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Hello all,
I’ve managed to wangle mysef some pit passes for some gigs this Autumn, and have decided to invest in a new piece of glass.
Currently my gig kit consists of only the 50mm f1.8 and Sigma 24-70mm f2.8. I’ve found that the latter lens struggles with the lighting in some venues (such as the Academy) where the lighting technicians are notoriously poor. The 50 has worked wonders however.So Ive decided that the 35mm or 85mm primes would be best to look at next. However I torn between the two. One will give me wider views, the other will give me better portraits.
If you were in m shoes what would you do?
Im working with a D80 and a D40.
Cheers,
SeanI’d go for the longer focal length to get in closer. I’ve used a 50mm and it is not much good for getting across a stage. You could use the 24-70f2.8 for the wide field work in conjunction with indirect flash.
Personally I’d go for the 85mm lens. I prefer longer to wider lenses generally. If you like you 50mm lens you’ll be happy with the 85mm too, the two lenses have similar quality.
I’d imagine the 35mm is nice too. Why not get both? :) :D
If you’re talking about the 35mm f/1.8 which is relatively new, be aware that this lens won’t cover full frame/film cameras (the 85mm will). I know you’re currently using DX but it’s just something to be aware of for the future if you ever plan on getting a D700 maybe.
It it’d be worth having a luck through some of your pictures taken with the 24-70mm lens. Where on the zoom range do you usually use it? If you can figure this out you’ll be on the road to making a decision.
Thanks guys.
Really considering the 85mm now… Just worried that the lack of a zoom would really constrict my work and give me very similar shots. But, I suppose that’s what the legs are for. and the extra stop from the 1.8 would be a gem, not to mention the focusing and sharpness…
Hmmmm… the thick plottens. :P
On a similar note, how much would I get for a second hand sigma 24-70 (new ed.) with less than 2000 shots on it?
How did you go?
For gigs, bright n’longer sounds good; but whatever (cheap) fast glass you can lay your hands onto would be a good starting point:
I’ve done some work with old glass on DX cameras and old favourites are: 20mm f2.8, 24mmf2, 35mm f1.4 or f2, your 50mm f1.8, 50mm f1.4, 55mm f1.2 (even pre-AI) (just leave it open on your D40 in M-mode). 85mmf1.8…. You’ll get to a point where you want to weigh up looking into a low-noise at high ISO body in your specific case (I’m no expert there, haven’t looked into that in detail as I rarely shoot digital these days)….but: I rather invest in lenses than in bodies, but that’s just me.A recent enough issue of Digital Camera has a feature on photographing a gig. I think he was using a Nikon D300 and a 16-85mm for the pit and a 70 – 200mm on a different body for back in the audience.
Sell your 50 and 24-70 and buy both 35 and 85. To be honest, 50 mm is not the best length for gigs, but it´s a reasonable compromise – if you step closer it´s long enough for portraits and if you step back it´s short enough for whole body shots.
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