Canon 50D

[KWalker]

My hobby is going to Texas Country Music concerts and I have started taking pictures at them as well. Two hobbies for the price of one! I am looking into buying a 50D and was wanting to know if it would be good for this and what lens I should get also. These concerts are usually in low light places. I can get close to the stages so I am not to concerned right now with a big zoom. Any suggestions?

[OsmosisStudios]

The 70-200 f/2.8 is likely the best. You could probably get away with a prime, though.

[GadgetRick]

Can you shoot with a flash? If not then you'll need the faster lens for sure. My friend shot a concert with his 50D (now my 50D) and the Canon EF-S 18-200mm lens and flash. He was not close at ALL to the stage (quite a distance actually) and his shots came out exceptionally well. When I saw the pics I thought he was 10' from the stage. So you could go that route as well. Just not sure if they'll allow flash.

Also, with a flash, you won't capture any of the color effects they may use during the concert as the flash will over-power those colors.

But the 18-200mm is certainly cheaper than an f2.8 zoom. But I'd rather have the f2.8...

[sybren]

If you can get close enough anyway, you could take a look at the 85mm f/1.8 (the f/1.2 exists, but at 5x the price) or the 50mm f/1.4 prime lenses.

Also, with a flash, you won't capture any of the color effects they may use during the concert as the flash will over-power those colors.

This is only the case if you set your flash to automatic. Otherwise you're in control over the balance between continuous and flash light.

[inkista]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

The 70-200 f/2.8 is likely the best. You could probably get away with a prime, though.

To me, it's the other way around. f/2.8 is borderline at best, and the 70-200 f/2.8Ls are big white conspicuous beasts that are likely to get you kicked out of clubs. The 50/1.4, 85/1.8, 100/2, and 135/2L are all smaller and much more discreet, as well as being a stop (or more) faster. I'm much more comfortable with an f/2 or faster lens for available light photography, particularly at telephoto lengths. My recommendation would be for the >50mm lenses, since they all have ring-type USM.

Not to mention that for less than the price of the 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM, you could easily purchase any two of the four lenses I listed above.