The best lens for concert photography should be fast and work best in low-light situations. Therefore, to get a great, properly exposed concert photo, you will require a reliable camera and a fast lens that performs well in the dark.

The best lens for concert photography is the one that gives you the freedom to have a great shot without having to be too close or too far.

There are many different lenses on the market today. It can be hard to decide which one to choose. To minimize your stress, this article will help you find the best lens for concert photography. Consequently, you can start taking better pictures of your favorite band or artist.

The best lens for concert photography is usually an f/2.8 zoom lens with a 75-200mm focal length. It can range from 75mm to 400mm, which is good for getting very close shots of the musicians, or you have your zoom wide open at 200mm to capture the entire venue.

Zoom lenses are preferred in concert photography since you never know when you will need to zoom in or out due to the distance between you and the stage.

Your lens must be fast and quiet because if it’s not, the musicians will hear the lens, and they may stop playing or change their song.

The f/2.8 aperture is necessary for low-light situations where you have very little light so that your camera can properly expose your photo without having to use a flash.

We have also reviewed the best lenses for fashion photography.

What Lens Should you Buy for Concert Photography?

Several factors will help you decide on your lens, including your budget, your style of photography, and other specific requirements such as portability or wide-angle.

First of all, let’s talk about how much money you want to spend. The best lens for concert photography will be somewhere between $300 and $1,000.

Anything more than that might be a bit overkill. Yes, some lenses cost a lot more than that, but they’re generally meant to be used by professional photographers for commercial purposes.

Consider our unbiased review of the best lens for portrait photography.

So keep in mind that going too cheap might not give you the results you’re looking for.

The lens that you choose also depends on your tastes. For example, some photographers like prime lenses better than zooms because prime lenses are usually faster and more reliable.

They’re also often cheaper than zoom lenses, but of course, if you want the convenience of a zoom, you’ll have to pay more money.

If you want to take photographs of nearby objects, then a wide-angle lens will be more suitable for your needs.

However, if you’re trying to take photos of objects further away, choosing a telephoto lens is generally better.

Finally, there are some other factors that you have to keep in mind when choosing the best lens for concert photography. For example, your lens should be lightweight, so it doesn’t affect your comfort when you’re taking photos.

You should also get a lens with image stabilization if you know that you will be taking lots of photos during the event.

After all, if you can take more great photographs without blurry photos due to camera shake, it will make your life easier!

The 5 Best Lenses for Concert Photography

The All-Purpose Lens for Concert Photography – Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master

What is the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master?

The Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master is a high-quality, professional-grade zoom lens that’s designed for your camera.

It features an advanced optical design and uses Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens elements.
This means the 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master has a bright f/2.8 aperture, making it ideal for low-light photography.

This is especially useful in concert photography because you can get really close to the stage without using a flash.

It has four aspherical elements that help reduce distortion and aberration, which can cause blurring or other issues.

This helps you get professional quality photos every time, even when you’re zoomed in!

The 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master is also compatible with Sony E-mount cameras, which works well with Sony’s full-frame cameras.

You can also set the focus manually, which helps you adjust the depth of field without having to change your focus point mid-shoot.

Features of the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master

Why Do I Recommend the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master for Concert Photography?

I love the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master because it has almost everything you need for concert photography.

It has a wide range of 24-70mm, so you can capture everything happening on stage. It also has a fast aperture of f/2.8 so that you can take close-up shots without having to use a flash.

It’s also very versatile, thanks to its manual focus, aperture, and focus adjustment mechanism.

I recommend the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master as a concert photography lens because it gives you a lot of freedom to take many close-up photos from the stage.

It’s also easy to use, with an auto/manual focus switch and aperture ring so you can quickly switch between using your camera and manually adjusting the aperture settings.

Wide-Angle Lens for Concert Photography – Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8 IF-ED

What is the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8 IF-ED Lens?

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8 IF-ED is an ultra-wide-angle lens that can take images with a field of view equivalent to 27.0-52.5mm in 35mm format.

This makes it perfect for concert photography, where you want to get lots of detail and natural-looking images without having to crop your photos later on!

It’s compatible with Nikon FX (full-frame) cameras like the D810 and D750.

You can also use it with DX (APS-C) cameras like the Nikon D7200 and D7100.

This lens has a built-in hood, so you don’t have to add one on yourself, but it doesn’t feature image stabilization, so you will need a tripod if you want to take photos in low-light situations.

Features of the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8 IF-ED

Why Do I Recommend the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8 IF-ED for Concert Photography?

I love the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8 IF-ED because it’s an ultra-wide-angle lens that can capture a lot of concert photos from a wide angle.

You will also find that it’s easy to use thanks to its auto and manual focus and aperture functions.

I recommend the Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8 IF-ED as a wide-angle lens for concerts because it gives you more freedom and flexibility with your camera position.

You can get many photos from a wide-angle that still appears natural and immersive, and you can even capture the entire performance using this lens.

It’s also great to shoot from different angles, so you don’t have to re-adjust your camera angle when the artist moves around on stage.

However, it’s not ideal for beginners, so if this is your first time getting a wide-angle lens, I recommend you consider getting another type of lens.

Pancake Lens for Concert Photography – Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM

What is the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens?

When you don’t have a press pass and the concert organizers, have not placed restrictions on entry with a camera. The Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM will come in handy. This lens is small and compact, which makes it easy to bring into the concert.

The EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM is a wide-angle lens with a focal length equivalent to 36mm in a 35mm format. It’s a very light and compact lens designed for use with APS-C sensor cameras like the Canon EOS Rebel series.

It’s compatible with Canon EF-S mount cameras, from entry-level DSLRs like the EOS 1200D to the EOS 7D Mark II.

This lens has a maximum aperture of f/2.8, which is suitable for taking photos in low-light conditions. It has a silent STM focusing motor and a stepping motor for smooth and quiet autofocus.

It’s super small and lightweight, so it’s ideal if you’re looking for a pancake lens that you can use to shoot concerts without drawing too much attention to yourself.

Features of the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens

Why Do I Recommend the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM for Concert Photography?

In my opinion, the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM is a good choice for concerts because you can use it to get a wider angle without moving your camera position.

You can also get up close and personal without having to step on anyone’s toes.

It’s also lightweight and compact so that you can bring it into the concert hall with no issues at all.
This makes it a great lens to take photos of just about anything from a wide-angle perspective.

The Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM is an easy-to-use lens, and it’s great for beginners, so I think it’s a good choice if you’re looking for a pancake lens that you can use to shoot concerts.

But because the lens is different from most lenses that concert photographers favor, you might want to do some research and ask around before deciding on this as your go-to lens for concerts.

Telephoto Lens for Concert Photography – Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM

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What is the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Lens?

If you’ve been practicing concert photography for a while and need something that provides the closest focus distance, then this lens is a great choice.

It’s a telephoto lens from Sigma that will give you the distance from the performers you’re used to, and it’s designed to be strong and durable.

It has a minimum focusing distance of 0.28 meters (0.92 feet) and a weight of 1500 grams. However, because it’s designed with special materials and technology, it’s still very compact and comfortable to carry around if you’re on the road for your gigs.

The lens has a maximum aperture of f/2.8, which provides smooth and silent focusing, and it has an internal focusing system for simple maintenance.

It has a built-in OS or Optical Stabilizer that will provide up to four stops of shutter speed when you’re shooting in low light conditions.

Features of the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Lens

Why Do I Recommend the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Lens for Concert Photography?

You can achieve your desired shot using this lens because of the minimum focusing distance and the autofocus feature.

The autofocus will allow you to concentrate on getting your shots instead of worrying about camera shake. You can shoot without moving the camera position, which means that you’ll be able to get more shots in less time.

This lens is also very sharp, making it great for concert photography. However, it’s also heavy and bulky, making it hard to carry around with you when traveling.

But for concerts where there are multiple levels of lighting changes or low light conditions, this lens will handle the job.

It’s also not terribly expensive, so if you’re looking to get into concert photography for a reasonable price, this lens will be a great choice.

Smartphone Lens for Concert Photography – Moment Wide 14mm Fisheye Lens

What is the Moment Wide 14mm Fisheye Lens?

The moment wide 14mm fisheye lens is perfect for those strict concert events where you cannot get in with a camera if you do not have a press pass.

Most people just take their phone with a camera, but I recommend this fisheye lens if you want to take high-quality photos with your phone.

It gives you a 180-degree wide-angle of view so you can capture the whole event. It is made of fluorinated plastic, and it is very light.

You can take photos without using your hands since it’s an all-in-one lens. If you are tired, just place it on your face, put it on the table, or hang it around your neck.

This allows you to take pictures without any obstructions that could damage the lenses or cause blurriness on your pictures.

Features of the Moment Wide 14mm Fisheye Lens

Why Do I Recommend the Moment Wide 14mm Fisheye Lens for Concert Photography?

When you start in concert photography and build your portfolio, this lens will come in handy. It’s lightweight and compact so that you can bring it anywhere.

You can also get up close to the performers without worrying about obstructions or damages since it only has a minimum focusing distance of 0.8 feet.

While some lenses might be more expensive or have better quality, this lens will suffice if you’re starting in concert photography. It’s something that you can easily carry around with you because it’s durable but also lightweight.

It can also provide you with enough images with whatever angle you want to take your photo. Without having to move around too much, you’ll be able to capture everything.

Frequently Asked Questions Around Best Lens for Concert Photography

Do concert photographers use flash?

No, concert photographers will not use flash in concerts. This is because it will ruin the atmosphere and the mood of the shows. People come to concerts to connect with their favorite performers and enjoy their favorite songs.

If someone is using a flash, then there’s a slight chance that they’ll interrupt what’s going on stage. It also disrupts others sitting around you, and it can create unwanted distractions for other concert-goers.

As such, it’s best not to bring or use your flash in an event where other people are watching.

How do you shoot low-light photos at a concert?

Shooting low-light photos at concerts is not the same as shooting other events. You can take your camera to a concert, but the results will be different.

The best way to capture low light photos at concerts is by buying a lens with an aperture of 1.8 or 2.8 because it will let in more light for you to capture clear photos without having to adjust any settings.

Because the lights at concerts aren’t as bright as a night sky in a room, you can use a polarizing filter to reduce glare in your photos.

Some photographers use a tripod or monopod to set their shots up, especially if they’re taking pictures of the performers from up close.

I recommend the Manfrotto MKBFRA4-BH with a ball head because it’s lightweight, compact, and can hold up to 8 kg or 17.6 lbs of your camera equipment.

However, if you don’t like this particular tripod, you can also get the Sirui T-025X 5-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit. Both of these tripods will be able to handle your camera and lens while giving you a stable base for your shots.

Why are my concert photos blurry?

If your photos are blurry, it might be because of either of two things: You didn’t use a tripod or didn’t master the correct settings for low-light environments.

When you use a slow shutter speed, the shutter is open for long enough that any movement by the subject or yourself will cause blurry photos.

The camera will also shake if you don’t use a tripod because it’s not firmly mounted on something.

This is why using a tripod is essential, especially if you’re taking photos of people or anything with moving parts. They can’t move with any additional forces that are applied to them.

The best way to master the correct settings for low light environments is by setting your ISO low and choosing an aperture that matches your lens.

What is the best shutter speed for low light?

The best shutter speed for low light will vary based on your camera, lens, and aperture.

While many people say that you should use a shutter speed of 1/125 because it works for most situations, it isn’t the one that you should use for concerts.

Your shutter speed should be a fraction of your focal length to get crisp, clear photos in low light.

For example, if you use a 50mm lens at f/2, you should shoot 1/100 of a second. However, if the room is dark, then your shutter speed should be at 1/50.

However, if you’re using a lens with an aperture of 2.8 or less, you can use a shutter speed between 1/80 to 1/125. This will also depend on the ISO that your camera offers in low-light environments.

Final Thoughts on The Best Lens for Concert Photography

There are many other types of lenses that you can use to shoot concerts, but these are some of the best lens choices for getting the job done.

Have a look at our best lens for street photography and best camera for street photography if you cover street concerts.

Although they are not all for everyone, you can use them according to your needs and preferences.

Concert photographers will have a wide field of view to capture everything from one shot to the next. While you can always go out and purchase a specialty lens to shoot concerts, you might not need it.

If you are just starting in concert photography, then these lenses are something that I recommend for your first purchases.

They will come in handy when you get ready to go to an upcoming event, college concert, or even a family function.

They are durable enough for rough environments that you will face while at concerts, and they’re also lightweight so that you can easily bring them to your next concert.

If you have any suggestions on the lenses you use to shoot concerts, please share them below! We would love to hear from you, so feel free to share your thoughts!

If this article helped you in some way, please let me know by sharing it with your family and friends on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or Twitter so that they can also learn more about choosing the right lens for concert photography.

Happy shooting! 🙂