May '24 • 💬 General
My favourite lens for taking concert photos:
I have tried a BUNCH of different lenses for concert photography.
Zooms, The Nifty Fifty, Ultra-Wides…
But now I don’t use ANY of those.
These days, I only carry ONE LENS for my shoots - and I’ve taken it from dive bars to arenas.
So, what lens am I talking about?
It’s the 35mm.
And today, I want to share with you 5 reasons why I love it:
1️⃣ LOW-LIGHT LEGEND
The 35mm is a “prime” lens (it has a fixed focal length).
Primes typically have a wider aperture than zoom lenses.
This means that it can take in more light - which is crucial, especially for smaller concerts.
Combined with a full-frame camera body (which also takes in more light), this makes for a very reliable setup.
I can count on it performing well in any lighting situation.
2️⃣ ALL-STAR
A lot of people would recommend a 50mm for a one-lens setup.
I find them to be a bit too tight - especially in smaller venues.
With a 35mm, I can get more inside my frame from the photo pit - but still get details of the performer’s face.
I can also get wide shots of the whole room/venue from the back.
This makes for GREAT variety across my photos.
And it does all of this while still having that natural, “undistorted” look that the 50mm is praised for.
3️⃣ MAKES YOU MOVE
Not having a zoom ring forces you to move.
If you want a tighter shot, you actually have to move yourself closer.
If you want a wider shot, you need to move yourself away.
This is great for learning how to move with your camera to frame your shots.
4️⃣ LIGHT-WEIGHT
Concert photography is very fast-paced.
A 35mm lens is lightweight and compact.
Need I say more?
5️⃣ AFFORDABLE
Trying to get a good zoom lens (with a wide aperture) can be costly.
The 35mm, however, is a fantastic option for a lower budget.
Saving money never hurts (especially when starting out).
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So if you're deciding on your first lens, this would be my suggestion for you. Hope this helps :)
What lens is your #1?
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My favourite lens for taking concert photos:
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