whats would be a good lens for taking photos of live bands , or what settings are the best to use?

i did my first gig on saturday took some ok pics and 1 or 2 good ones

i used my 50mm f1.8 and EF-S 18-55mm Lens

Thanks in advance

links to the photos i took

http://s273.photobucket.com/albums/jj226/andywatson00/GallHammer/?start=all

http://s273.photobucket.com/albums/jj226/andywatson00/The%20Sontaran%20Experiment/

and my fave photo from that nite

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj226/andywatson00/GallHammer/gallhammer1a.jpg

I haven't shot any live bands for a while. Last time I shot a big concert (Blink 182, 411, and Bush) I was using a film camera. So that makes it quite a while ago. But I like my 70-200 f/2.8 at ISO 800 in shutter-priority (Tv). The 70-200 f/2.8 L IS lens would be a filler concert lens. However, you're pretty close for this photo. The 24-105mm f/4L IS would also be a good choice. I sure do like the f/2.8 aperture on my 70-200 lens, though. The more light the better for concert photography. A lot of photographers used to use fast 85mm prime lenses for concerts.

It really depends on your budget but what you want is lots of light so the Canon 85mm/f1.2 or 50mm/f1.2 would be ideal but for $1500 less you can get a nice selection of f/1.4 & f/1.8 lenses.

Another neat lens for low light photography is the 70-200 f/2.8IS for right around $1,000 but note that the IS will help with camera shake but won't help with subject movement.

You might try renting one of these lenses the next time you have a chance to shoot a band. That is a great way to learn which expensive lens is right for you.

You might try renting one of these lenses the next time you have a chance to shoot a band. That is a great way to learn which expensive lens is right for you.

Great suggestion, MB1. I have rented lots of equipment over the years. Renting is the best way to try something out.

any ideas what store/companys do rentals in england ( birmingham area) ? as the lenses are a fair bit of cash and would be worth trying them out first

30 seconds googling gives:

Calumet Photo, Calumet Birmingham 0121 326 7636 rent out gear, but it is not cheap.
Calumet state that should the equipment get damaged, stolen, lost you pay the full 100% retail price.
http://www.calumetphoto.com/rental/digitalcameras

www.theflashcentre.com also do rental, and are located in Bloomsbury. Their EOS stuff is hidden near the end of a pdf price list for their main rental business -lighting equipment.

thanks for searching for me wombat :)