Good Lens for Concert Photography?

[Destiny989]

Hi All,

I own an Olympus E-510 and am looking for recommendations on a lens for concert photography. I have been using the kit lenses that came with the camera for a few years now and haven't done bad with them (been published a few times) but I need something faster. I usually shoot in the pit as well so it has to be something that can work in low light and can work in close up situations.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[Greg McCary]

I would say the 50-200mm would be your best bet. Depending how close you get to the stage. If you are in the pit I would.go with the 12-60mm or even the 50mm. Both fast enough.

[Destiny989]

Thanks! Those are the lenses I was looking at but wanted to get some input from more exxperienced photographers.

I was also told the Sigma 7-200mm is a good lens for this type of photography too. Any experience with the Sigma lenses?

[Greg McCary]

No I haven't used any Sigmas but there was a post in Help Forum a few days back and someone was complaining with focusing issues. I think if you could you should stick with Olympus. The three lenses I suggested are great for focusing in low light. The 14-54mm is also a very good lens and is much cheaper than the 12-60mm. The 14-54mm is weather sealed and tough as nails. But if you are thinking E3 down the road I would try and find a 12-60mm.

[Marc2B4]

The faster the lens, the better. 3 that I'd use are, 11-22 2.8, 14-54 2.8, and the 50-200 2.8. All three of those lenses are razor sharp, relatively fast, and cover the whole focal length spectrum you'll need to shoot a concert. I'd also recommend shooting at either 400 or 800 ISO.