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As Chris mentions, without knowing what your budget is, its impossible to recommend what lens(es) to get. Because of the low light, you're ideally looking for fast glass. Bright conditions aren't a problem as you just set the camera to aperture priority and let it pick the shutter speed for you. The only time it might be an issue is if the lights are continually flashing, which might cause the camera to meter incorrectly and either under expose or blow out the highlights. Shooting in RAW format will definitely be the better option, as it will allow you to reclaim much more detain in post processing, something that a JPEG won't allow you to do.
Fast glass doesn't come cheap, with the exception of the 50mm f/1.8 MKII which is under £90. The only problem is that as its a prime lens with no pull on it, you have to physically move closer to fill the frame. Any shots of the artists on stage will be probably be a bit distant as a result. Backstage, with easy access to performers, the 50mm would be a great choice as its a fantastic close portrait lens.
For flexibility, a telephoto zoom like the 70-200 f/2.8 would be ideal but, again they are expensive. You could go the 3rd party route and look at the Sigma/Tamron/Tokina offerings (provided they are FF compatible and not designed for APS-C), which will probably run you to £300-£400 on eBay depending on the lens and its highly unlikely to have any IS for that price.
Another, cheaper option, would be to look for manual focusing f/2.8 telephoto zooms or primes. If the singers aren't jumping about on stage, then focusing shouldn't be too much of an issue. If they are, then you'd probably struggle a bit.
If you can use a monopod, all the better as it will help you stabilise the camera to help eliminate blur and get out of peoples's way in a hurry. That and bumping your ISO up to a level where noise is acceptable and can later be removed in post processing, to give you faster shutter speeds to freeze the action.
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08-12-10, 12:56 AM
