Shooting at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville

calebbrown22 · Oct 20, 2011

Hello all! This is my first post here on the photo forum. I am attending a concert next weekend and I am planning on renting a lens, but I can't seem to decide on which one to rent! I want to keep my costs fairly low, and I am using a Canon 550D. I have tickets for floor seating, so I am considering a 200mm f/2.8 or a 135mm f/2. Are either of these good lenses, and will I be happy with the shots I get? Am I really looking at too much telephoto here? Should I be looking for more of a wide angle? thanks in advance!

shootermcgavin · Oct 20, 2011

Why not do the 70-200mm you talked about in your other post. Seems to me that would be a great lens. A bit bulky if it's a mosh pit type concert... If it were between the two above I'd go 135mm at f2 just because lighting won't be that great.

calebbrown22 · Oct 20, 2011

the 70-200 is quite a bit more expensive to rent. that's why I am wanting to stay away from it.. I'd rather save my money for it.

willis_927 · Oct 20, 2011

I think it really depends on how close your floor seats are.. Assuming you are not alloud to get up and move closer to the stage for pictures, I would agree with shooter that a 70-200 would be a better choice. It give you much more flexibility to change up the composition from one spot. Prime lenses often require the photographer to move around alot to get more or less of the subject in the view finder.

If you are front row, really close to the stage, a 17-70 type range might be a better choice yet.

gsgary · Oct 20, 2011

Are you sure they will let you in with a camera ?

mjhoward · Oct 20, 2011

Why not rent the Non-IS 70-200 f/2.8: LensRentals.com - Rent a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L
Its only $10 more to rent over 4 days than the 200 f/2.8 (non-IS): LensRentals.com - Rent a Canon 200mm f/2.8L

tirediron · Oct 20, 2011

gsgary said:
Are you sure they will let you in with a camera ?

Read the terms and conditions before you spend any money. Many stadiums don't allow cameras period, and of those that do, most won't allow "pro" gear (generally any DSLR with a large lens).

calebbrown22 · Oct 20, 2011

Phew, thanks guys. No detachable lenses allowed at Bridgestone. Too bad it's not an outdoor festival!

mangtarn · Oct 20, 2011

I highly doubt they'd let you in unless you are a press photographer.

if they do let you in, i don't think you'd get many good shot among the whole mass of people, and your (rented) gear are susceptible to be damaged.

i usually bring a good point and shoot to concerts.