Best Camera Lenses for Concert Photography – Our Picks for 2023

Last Updated on: 11th January 2023, 08:53 am

A concert is a musical performance by a world-famous singer in front of an enormous crowd. Featuring both vocals and instrumentals, this composition creates a sense of magic and beauty in form and movement. It is one of the universal cultures because it combines various genres of music depending on the palace.

Taking concert photos and sharing them on Instagram is what makes me attract more and more followers. In addition, I have friends who are interested in what I’m doing and help me form a team of concert photographers.

The challenges of concert photography are numerous, even without ambient lighting and other distractions. A sharp lens is necessary for capturing high-quality shots of your favorite performers. This article will look at some of the finest lenses for concert photography. We’ll explore their features to help you decide which ones are right for you.

Best lenses for concert photography

Below are our top recommendations that might help you to select the best concert photography lens are as given:

1. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8– best portrait lens for concert photography

After a hectic week at work, I felt bored last Sunday. I need a low-cost ticket for a famous local singer from the USA to refresh my mind. This singing concert was organized in the beach area.

As a concert photographer, I set up my camera with the finest Nikon 24-70mm F/2.8 portrait lens. I capture eye-catching photos of the singer by including a small view of the beach in the photograph.

My stunning collection of photographs helped me restore maximum energy in the office and calm my mind for a month. It gave me inner calm and relaxed my mind.

My standard zoom lens is capable of capturing concert portraits. It is highly compatible with FX-format and F-mount cameras. My focus range was increased by combining it with a DX sensor to get a 36-105mm flange distance. This attribute ensures maximum clarity and color accuracy when I focus on captions.

Specifications

Item Dimensions4.96 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches
Item Weight0.16 ounces
Lens TypeWide Angle
Maximum Aperture2.8mm
Maximum Focal Length70mm
Maximum Aperture RangeF2.8
Maximum Format SizeFull frame
Minimum Aperture22mm
Minimum Focal Length24mm
Photo Filter Thread Size82mm

Why I recommend

I get a shallow depth of field in my entire focusing range with the 24-70mm focal length at the fixed aperture F/2.8. With this lens, I can achieve a natural portrait view of the singer by adding bokeh to the background.

I caption local concerts more accurately and without error. I have always been disturbed by the maximum amount of stray light and reflecting light when photographing outdoor concerts.

This lens finds the answer in the shape of the three aspherical elements that narrow down the spherical deviation and curvature. The three extra-low dispersion elements significantly reduce color fringing and chromatic variations.

Why I don’t recommend

The concert area was silent when the lights dimmed out. There was not a single noise. I noticed that this lens made horrible noises that I didn’t like.

Pros

  • Wide zoom range
  • Fast aperture
  • Good build quality
  • Weather-sealed construction
  • Image stabilization.
  • The focus ring is very smooth.
  • Quick focusing motor.
  • Significant in a low-light situation.

Cons

  • Heavy weighted
  • Some distortions
  • Does not include a tripod collar

2. Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM – best mirror-less lens for concert photography

Before getting into Concert Photography, I started as a Landscape and Architectural/Cityscape Photographer, which I have been doing for nine years. My knowledge of low-light cityscape photography helps me capture concert performances, usually in low light.

Since I am into a genre that involves nature and buildings, I find it strange that I am also into concert photography. For this, I usually use the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master, which may be the most versatile mirrorless lens that provides excellent results no matter what the situation in the concert is. After the Sony 24-70mm, F/2.8 G-Master was announced and released, many buzzes emerged in music photography.

 The G-Master lenses from Sony were designed to provide quality, style, and durability for their Alpha mirrorless systems. Sony’s FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM Zoom Lens is an excellent choice for portrait/travel/event photography and simple everyday use.

Specifications

Item Dimensions  13.46 x 8.64 x 8.64 cm
Item Weight0.88 kg
Maximum Aperturef/2.8
Maximum Focal Length105
Minimum Aperture22
Minimum Focal Length36
Optical Zoom0.24x
Lens TypeStandard
Real Angle Of View‎84 Degrees

Why I recommend

The lens will perform flawlessly since it is a native brand lens. Lens focal length delivers very sharp and crisp auto focusing results that almost make me feel like I can shoot blindfolded. The construction is rugged and sound, so a bump here and there won’t hurt anything.

 I can quickly jump to specific settings with the 24-70 mm programmable button, allowing me to maximize its performance. An extremely precise XA (extreme aspherical) element has been developed to reduce aberrations and deliver the highest possible resolution throughout the entire zoom range and the aperture range.

This lens is perfect for still and video photography during the concert due to its dust and moisture resistance, AF/MF switch, circular aperture, Nano AR coating, compactness, and a silent and smooth SSM (Super Sonic Wave Motor) focusing system.

Why I don’t recommend

Despite its F/2.8 aperture, this lens does not come with image stabilization. There can be significant chromatic aberration and distortion in heavily contrasting situations.

Pros

  • Fast and accurate autofocus
  • Bright f/2.8 aperture
  • Excellent build quality
  • Sharp images
  • Extremely durable with great gasket sealing
  • Weather-sealed construction

Cons

  • Bulky and heavy
  • Can’t use filters

3. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM – best telephoto lens for concert photography

Before getting into photography, I was passionate about music. While growing up, I was fascinated by singing and was part of my school’s choir. I also dreamed of becoming a performer and photographer.

For capturing musical nights, etc I need a lens that will provide a clearer image, so I prefer to use a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM lens. With this lens, I can shoot fast and tack-sharp images.

This lens performs exceptionally well in dramatic photo shoots in the dark and dark lighting typical of stage lighting. It removes the standard shake associated with a long zoom lens and allows extra f-stops as advertised.

Specifications

Item Dimensions7.8 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches
Item Weight3.18 lbs
Lens TypeTelephoto
Maximum Aperturef/2.8
Maximum Focal Length200
Maximum Aperture Rangef/2.8-32
Maximum Format SizeFull frame
Minimum Aperture32
Minimum Focal Length70
Filter size77mm

Why I recommend

While capturing the musical night, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM delivers me outstanding performance with an f/2.8 maximum aperture for fast shutter speeds and beautiful background blur.

 I also use Canon’s Air Sphere Coating (ASC), combined with enhanced Super Spectra Coatings, to significantly reduce lens flare and ghosting.

 It’s incredibly bright maximum aperture stays constant throughout the zoom range while focusing on the musician, with an 8-blade circular aperture that blurs the background beautifully.

 My favorite lens is the 70-200 for many situations, as I can choose between beautiful bokeh backgrounds or excellent depth of field depending on my goal.

Why I don’t recommend

Handheld photography is difficult due to the weight. Low-light images are soft at some range, which sometimes causes an issue while capturing the musical night.

Pros

  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • Fast and accurate autofocus
  • Weather-sealed construction
  • Sharp images produced
  • Versatile focal length

Cons

  • Heavy and large
  • Slow maximum aperture

4. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G – best wide angle lens for concert photography

At university, my friend was famous for his excellent singing skills. Some students take classes to learn the ideal singing pattern during their free time. Last year, he made my day by singing one of the best songs I’ve ever heard. He looks like a professional singer and has an incredible sense of self-confidence.

As a souvenir, I brought my camcorder equipped with a Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 wide-angle lens for concert photography. My sole purpose was to promote my friends’ talents globally.

As a result of a wide-angle view of the concert venue and a flexible 14-24mm focal length holding lens, it is possible to capture the famous picture of the concert venue in concert photography.

All these are possible because my wide-angle best focal length resolution allows me to select different angles for getting far-off views.

Specifications

Item Dimensions5.19 x 3.85 x 3.85 inches
Item Weight2.20 lbs
Lens TypeZoom wide angle
Maximum Aperturef/2.8
Maximum Focal Length24mm
Minimum Focal Length14mm
Angle of View 114 – 84
Minimum f/stop22

Why I recommend

It was specifically designed to follow the parameters of FX-format sensors when it comes to wide-angle lenses. Due to my inner desire to get more from this lens, I switched over to a DX model, which offers a maximum power of 21-36mm equivalent focal lengths.

 A petal-shaped lens hood houses the lens’ innovative, basic sailing design. The petal-shaped lens enhances the lens’ overall appearance. As a result of the round blade diaphragm’s design, I get the best quality images.

Against the singer, the bokeh is remarkably enhanced due to the aperture shape and value. I also get the best results from the round nine-blade diaphragm because it protects my lens from stray light, which causes a significant flare, and helps save the front lens element.

Why I don’t recommend

It does not have image stabilization (Nikon’s VR system), nor is it intended for standard portraiture, and it is pretty heavy, so you may feel arm pain after using it.

Pros

  • Ultra-wide angle of view
  • Bright f/2.8 maximum aperture
  • Nano Crystal Coat for reduced flare and ghosting
  • Silent Wave Motor for fast, quiet autofocusing.
  • Compatible with Nikon’s DX-format cameras

Cons

  • Some vignette at wide angles
  • No weather sealing.

5. Canon EF 8-15mm f/4 – best fisheye lens for concert photography

Music is my weakness, but concert photography is my passion. Last month, I had the opportunity to attend the recent concert by the most-liked actress and singer, Selena Gomez, in Paris. I bought the ticket online for a high price. I arrived early to avoid the heavy crowds.

I equipped my camera with the most suitable fisheye Canon 8-15mm F/4 lens for concert photography. I set my camera in front of the stage to capture the best bubble shots that coincide with Selena Gomez’s particular actions during her singing. I must have had fun clicking photos using the fisheye zoom lens sometimes.

It made my day to see my dearest singer’s face and produce live concert pictures I will cherish forever. I also used this lens in combination with the DX models, where it distributed the range of 8-15mm focal lengths. I believe it was made to be used in the FX-format of F-mount DSLR cameras.

Specifications

Item Dimensions3.27 x 3.11 x 3.11 inches
Item Weight1.19 lbs
Lens TypeWide angle
Maximum Aperture3mm
Maximum Focal Length15mm
Maximum Aperture RangeF4.0
Maximum Format SizeFull frame
Minimum Aperture22
Minimum Focal Length8mm
Minimum Operating Distance0.5m

Why I recommend

This camera works perfectly with a pano head, but I find it most fun to shoot 360s handheld. The 8-15 zoom is optically excellent and extremely practical for multiple practical situations, making it easy for me to take my camera places where a tripod wouldn’t fit.

I love using it, and I’m confident of its results when I want professional results. This lens has UD glass, Subwavelength coating, and Fluorine coating to keep smears, fingerprints, and soiling to a minimum with a new Fluorine coating.

It has full-time manual focus, so I can instantly switch from automatic focus to manual, and it is built to Canon’s excellent standards.

With this lens, I can expect the best optics available, the best construction, and the best performance, all in a lens designed to inspire creativity and produce stunning images every time.

Why I don’t recommend

This lens will get scratched if the hood and lens cap come off. I am careful not to scratch my lenses, but I scratched mine within the first two months. The hood came off in my bag and I scratched the lens.

Pros

  • Ultra-wide field of view
  • Fast and accurate autofocus
  • Weather-resistant construction
  • L-series quality optics
  • Built-in fisheye correction function

Cons

  • Limited zoom range
  • Heavy and bulky for a fisheye lens

6. Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS – best zoom lens for concert photography

Creating a singing studio is an excellent way of showcasing the musical talent of youth across the globe. Having walked to the fine photo studio, I enjoyed the singing of my favorite buddy. Having my Handycam tied to a Sony 70-200mm F/2.8 lens, I stood there taking concert photos with ease.

To capture the best shots of my friend during the signing session, I stand in an elevated position. My friend received all these photos as a gift. I use a Sony 70-200mm F/2.8 with a longer focal length over a limited view angle to capture gripping images of concerts.

For shooting large-scale concert pictures, I prioritize a zoom lens. This bokeh effect is enhanced when you change your aperture to defocus the background so that light sources appear blurred. The circular aperture blades can help you achieve this bokeh effect when you modify your aperture to defocus the background.

Specifications

Item Dimensions11.93 x 5.47 x 5.67 inches
Item Weight4.91 lbs
Lens TypeTelephoto
Maximum Aperturef/2.8
Maximum Focal Length200
Maximum Aperture Rangef/2.8-22
Maximum Format SizeAPS-C
Minimum Aperture22
Minimum Focal Length70
Photo Filter Thread Size77mm

Why I recommend

While singing in the studio, I chose a bright, constant aperture F/2.8 lens to provide maximum illumination at all focusing zoom ranges.

Using this lens, I can control the depth of field while working with my preferred focus method. I always choose things with dual traits when I use them. This lens has the most power while staying true to the FX image sensor, which is why I selected it.

 A 105-300mm equivalent focal length can also be achieved with the DX sensor of the camera. Vibrations and blurring of images are common problems among thousands.I can minimize camera shake by up to four shutter speed stops using a vibrating lens. I have overcome this stumbling block by using this lens shutter speed stop.

Why I don’t recommend

This will work with no Sony A mount cameras (A99, A77, A65, etc). It is exclusively designed for E-mount cameras like the A6000, A6300, A6500, and A7R2.

Pros

  • Fast and accurate autofocus
  • Excellent image quality
  • Fast maximum aperture
  • Weather-sealed design
  • Robust and well-built design

Cons

  • Heavy and large
  • Requires an adapter for use with Sony E-mount cameras

7. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm F/4 – best macro lens for concert photography

Due to my delay, I could not purchase a ticket for the concert of the wonderful singer Lady Gaga. A close friend gave me this ticket after some issues arose. They paid a lot for this ticket, so he allowed me to attend this concert with his key. To capture the concert’s photograph, a Canon 300mm F/4 macro lens is fitted to the camera.

Standing on the small table, I positioned myself to capture the most effective shots of Lady Gaga with the most appropriate focal length. With the 300mm focal length, this lens can be focused on the dime, concentrate on the back of beyond objects, and present at a specific distance from the gaga.

It also focuses on the backs of the things present to a particular distance from the stage. The focal length is so expansive that it also precisely meets the parameters of concert photography.

Specifications

Item Dimensions4.92 x 2.83 x 2.83 inches
Item Weight0.88 lbs
Lens TypeTelephoto macro lens
Maximum Aperturef/4.5
Maximum Focal Length300
Maximum Aperture Rangef/4.5-6.3
Maximum Format SizeAPS-C
Minimum Aperture22
Minimum Focal Length70
Photo Filter Thread Size58mm

Why I recommend

Due to its intelligent design and compatibility with FX-format F-mount lenses, this lens offers a strong combination with DX models for obtaining the 450mm near output needed for your project. Moreover, the slime optical design also provides color edging and chromatic uniformity.

In addition, it carries two extra-low dispersion elements, which give me the ability to achieve the best clarity and color reliability for open-air concerts.With the inclusion of an internal focusing system, the AF response is enhanced by the silent wave motor and highly responsive AF system.

I got soundless, and quick autofocus within hours of the concert. As a result, I am free to minimize the irritating sound of the motor in my current collection of lenses. The sleek and innovative lens body takes the phenomenal clicks of a renowned worldwide lady. The Nikon 300mm F/4 is the perfect telephoto lens for concerts, videos, and portraits.

Why I don’t recommend

There was no vibration reduction in the lens, so it created a lot of flickers. The lens wasn’t weather-sealed like the one that came with the camera.

Pros

  • Excellent image quality
  • Fast and accurate autofocus
  • Good build quality
  • VR (vibration reduction) technology for steadier shots
  • AF-P (pulse motor) for silent autofocusing

Cons

  • Cannot be used with full-frame cameras
  • Can produce some distortion at the extremes of the zoom range

Conclusion

We’ve put together a list of the seven best lenses for concert photography, so you can make sure you have the right gear for the job. From telephoto lenses to wide-angle lenses, a lens on this list will suit your needs. This compiled list of seven lenses is a great place to start if you’re looking for the best lenses for concert photography.

FAQs

What is the best ISO for concert photography?

Photographers use a fast shutter speed when shooting concerts, so they typically use ISO 1600 or above for concert photography. The three pillars of exposure in photography are shutter speed, aperture, and sensitivity.

How do photographers shoot at concerts?

It can be difficult to take photos of photographers at concerts due to stage lighting, musicians, and venue limitations. A digital SLR camera will have an aperture priority setting and a manual setting. It might be tempting to use aperture sensitivity mode and let the camera do the work, but manual shooting mode gives you more control.

How do you get sharp concert pictures?

It would be best to have a fast lens to get sharp concert pictures. A fast lens has a large aperture, typically f/2.8 or wider. This lets in more light, which allows you to use a faster shutter speed and still get a sharp image which will be enough for concert photography.

David Wanson
David Wanson

I have professional photography experience of about 18 years and I would to share my experience with lenses built by different brands. As a professional photographer from the USA, I have used a number of photography lenses during that time. As a result of my experience with these programs, I would like to share my experiences with you on this website. I wish for this website to serve as the final destination for people seeking the best lenses to suit their needs. Our unbiased reviews can be found on cameraslens.

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