Lens and camera set up

[61keys]

Would like to experts here. I would like to capture pix of bands performing in the club or concert hall. How to capture them without blurring the subject in low light condition. What type of lense and particular set up on lens/camera should be. Im using a Sony A200 with the kit lense, i would like to get a lense that would fit my purpose. Thanks so much.

 

[Reportage]

1. Fast shutter speed with powerful flash.

2. Super fast lens.

3. Know how the lightshow works, take when bright and somewhat clear.

 

[61keys]

Thanks Reportage Any particular spec of lens?

 

[pro_FHM]

first of all, it depends on how far u are away from the performers. if far away, u will want to get a telephoto lens.

it will be advisable to get a lens with a wide max aperture eg. f2.8, but it will be expensive

otherwise, increase your ISO to the max & prolong the shutter speed to a stable level for you.

 

[adiknaim]

i suggest a f2.8 zoom, could be ex, but u can look at 3rd party ones...

other wise, flash or higher ISO...

 

[Blur Shadow]

1. To capture an image without motion blur, a sufficiently quick shutter speed should be used.
2. Unfortunately, concerts tend to be pretty dark. With aperture limited by the lens, and ISO limited by the sensor's capability, your last resource is to increase the shutter speed.
3. Because of the inherent conflict of the 2 points above, to maintain a sensible shutter speed, you need to find ways to:
a. Increase the aperture
b. Improve the ISO performance
c. Find a way to improve the amount of light

3A. This means using a lens with a larger aperture, or a "faster" lens. In your case, the Sony 70-200mm F2.8 G seems like a good bet, if you can stomach its price.
3B. That means increasing the ISO until you reach the acceptable level, or buying a new camera with superior ISO performance... Don't think you wanna do that right now.
3C. That means using a flash. You've gotta know how to control the light. Plus, certain concerts forbid flash photography.

 

[61keys]

Thanks everyone for a quick reply. Is a Sony 50mm f1.4 any use to my purpose? Just asking since someone selling me his at a low price, and i know i maybe needing one eventually.
Re: location, i will probly/always be right in front of stage for some band performance in clubs, but in major concerts, i'd probly or will always try to be at least 30m max away from stage.

 

[gymak90]

A fast lens like 50mm f1.4 may be helpful.

But take note of the thin depth of field if you use it at f1.4. Your subjects may end up looking out of focused.

 

[sherchoo]

50mm range may not be your best choice for this situation. As mentioned, you can't possibly use anything less than f2.8 as the DOF will be too shallow. Photgraphing concerts is a tricky affair. Actually, Blur Shadow has pointed out good points on what you can do. You'll just have to adjust according to the available lighting conditions.

If it was me in this situation, I would use a Tamron 90mm f2.8 or Minolta/Sony 100mm f2.8. Fast lens with adequate range (depending lah....). Plus, these lens are great macro lens.

 

[Rashkae]

30m is quite far... You may want to consider a 2-lens setup. Maybe a Tamron 17-50 2.8 and a Minolta 70-210 f/4 "beercan".

 

[Blur Shadow]

I wouldn't think 50mm at 30m is sufficient.

Oh, a point that I missed out. Each method has its own shortcomings.

1. Larger apertures will lead to shallower depth of field. This may be desirable in some cases, but terrible in others.

2. Higher ISO leads to more noise. Enough said.

3. 1 flash unit, no matter how big it is, is probably not able to light up the entire scene. It is here that your control of flash lighting becomes crucial. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be anywhere else to pick up the skill but at the event itself. In addition, certain events forbid the use of flash.

4. Shutter speeds have to be kept fast enough to avoid motion blur, a problem that the Super Steady Shot cannot save.

If it's any help, here's what I do for concerts:

1. My Lenses:
- Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF]
- Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED
- Nikon SB-600 Speedlight

As you can see, mostly "cheapo" gear. I'd prefer a 70-200mm f/2.8 VR, but, alas, cannot afford that. In your case, I recommended the Sony equivalent in my earlier post.

2. My Preferred Setting:
Aperture: Largest Possible
Shutter Speed: > 1/20s
ISO: < 800

3. Flash
Direct, most of the time.

I do change my settings and gear to fit the situation, but I suppose this is a fair general guide.

 

[sORe-EyEz]

try firing your flash remotely with a low budget trigger when your cam flash pops? place the flash nearer stage if possible. that may eliminate distance restriction [(shutter speed/aperture/ISO setting limitations) that causes blurring & the need for very powerful flash when far off stage] when taking pics at different distances.

 

[sherchoo]

I believe that the Alpha sytem comes with the in-built wireless flash trigger. Something you can make use of.

 

[sORe-EyEz]

I believe that the Alpha sytem comes with the in-built wireless flash trigger. Something you can make use of.

sadly, A200 dun have. :sweat:

 

[ombre]

Thanks everyone for a quick reply. Is a Sony 50mm f1.4 any use to my purpose? Just asking since someone selling me his at a low price, and i know i maybe needing one eventually.
Re: location, i will probly/always be right in front of stage for some band performance in clubs, but in major concerts, i'd probly or will always try to be at least 30m max away from stage.

I query the 30m max. where will you be? 30m is a long long distance. If you're at Esplanade theatre, you're about 5 rows from the back? Maybe you need to recheck your distance.

If you're really at 30m, you're going to need a 200mm F2.8 or F4.. and still pump some ISO.

If you're in front, (not too far front) try the 50mm F1.4, stopped down to about F2? try to control your DOF properly nevertheless.

 

[61keys]

Thank you very much. Ill take note of all the guidelines you gave me. Glad to have joined ClubSnap.

 

[Galdor]

sadly, A200 dun have. :sweat:

A200 do have wireless flash trigger build in.

 

[sORe-EyEz]

A200 do have wireless flash trigger build in.

oh, my mistake. further reading i realised it has, high speed sync, wireless. ;p