Best Lens for Concert Photography

What Is the Best Lens for Concert Photography?

I recommend you buying a pair of zoom lenses 24–70 and 70–200 mm with a 2.8 aperture. The images taken with a wide-angle zoom have a striking effect, since you may shoot the whole band or capture the most part of the audience.

Best Lenses for Concert Photography in 2024:

1. Sigma 24-35 mm f/2 DG HSM Art

Available for Nikon, Canon, and Sigma, this lens is a representative of an Art series from Sigma Company, famous for its optical properties, such as a full-frame zoom lens with a constant f/2 aperture ratio, typical solely of its representatives.

• View more best camera for concert photography with good characteristics.

Optical lens construction is rather complicated and consists of 18 elements in 13 groups, among which we may find aspheric lenses as well as low-dispersion elements.

The main advantage of the construction is that it does not have a so-called “trunk”, i. e. while zooming and focusing the front part of the lens does not move ahead. I haven’t found significant distortion or unwanted effects, such as chromatic aberration, vignette, and etc.).

2. Samyang SY14M-C 14 mm f/2.8

This concert photography lens by Samyang has manual focus but there is also the internal focus information in the viewfinder (at least Nikon offers it). I can claim that it is a pleasure to work with this lens, actually. The focus ring turns very smoothly making the focus extremely sharp.

• Read more about the best lenses for family photography for affordable price.

There is no lose play in the aperture ring and it stays solid when you set the aperture. Although it is developed in a plastic body, this lens may compete with expensive L lenses in quality.

Moreover, the plastic does not seem low-cost. You may correct lens distortion in Lightroom or Photoshop, which provide a special profile for Samyang. The images are bright and sharp and little distortion in the corners is not a big deal.

3. Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 DI-II VC PZD

Tamron 18-270 mm is considered to be the lightest and the tiniest 15x zoom lens across the camera gear market. It is one of the best lenses for concert photography thanks to its portative size, light construction, new Piezo Drive (PZD) AF system, and VC picture stabilization technology.

• Read my review of the best portrait lenses for all camera brands and budgets.

It is quite difficult to take sharp images shooting at long focal lengths. Luckily, this concert photography lens comes with an integrated VC technology so you will not get blurry pictures.

Moreover, correct settings will help achieve better results. All you have to do is to set ISO up to 12-13000 and the optical exposure equal to 1/200 or 1/300s.

With such adjustments, the parameters will compensate each other and you may use illumination solely accessible in the hall. Furthermore, the events on the stage will look realistic in the frame.

4. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR

Concert photography equipment must be very qualitative. The camera has to meet two main criteria ‒ low noise level with high ISO values and the speed of frame by frame shooting; and, of course, the qualitative lens, like this one.

• If you like this camera brand, read more about the best Nikon portrait lenses you can buy for any budget and purpose.

Modern NIKKOR lens is a perfect alternative to the professional premium lens. The developers did not compromise on picture quality and equipped it with the improved VC system.

This technology minimizes the camera vibration and is useful in low light conditions and for capturing fast-moving objects. There are two VC modes: average ‒ for an every-day shooting, and active ‒ to minimize high-frequency vibration of a camera which is essential for shooting concerts.

5. Sony FE 24-70mm f2.8 G Master

Powerful zoom, ultra-fast autofocus, and high power resolution are the main advantages of this model. Thanks to the constant maximal aperture, you may get qualitative images even in poor lighting without changing the exposure settings on the whole focal distance range.

• What is the best Sony camera? Study the list and choose the model to your taste.

The convenient location of the switch, regulating change from manual to auto focus and focus hold buttons make the shooting a pleasant process, allowing you to control it without any difficulties. Water and dust resistance is essential for concert photography lenses since you may shoot in severe weather conditions.

6. Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art

This is a modern lens, the first that Sigma produced for the Art line of the Global Vision series. It is among the best lenses for concert photography due to the unique concept and lens design of the new development.

The 35mm focal length paired with the Sigma technology opens new possibilities to render your artistic vision. The Hyper Sonic Motor provides noiseless operation, high speed and accurate autofocus.

The floating focusing mechanism provides incredible optical performance with the objects situated closer. You can take pictures from below, behind or from the side, or climb onto a balcony and shoot from above.

• Choose the best Canon camera from this article and enjoy the shooting process.

7. Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8

This low-budget Chinese 50mm is fitting for many genres and is usable on both full-length Nikon and Canon DSLRs and their crop factor companions. The model replicates the design of the basic 50mm fixes of the photo industry giants, however, not modern, but from the past generations.

Its design includes 6 optical elements in 5 groups, which move inside the lens barrel during focusing. On maximum aperture values (up to f/1.8), the lens blurs the background well, allowing you to emphasize the main object.

8. Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X116 Pro DX II

This Tokina model could be the best lens for concert photography within the mid-price range. It is the cheapest ultra-wide model which performs great in poor light with an f/2.8 aperture.

Initially manufactured for the EF-S crop sensors, the device can successfully be mounted on the full frame cameras, which, however, can cause strong vignetting at focal length below 15mm.

If you remain above 16mm, your full-frame will take good shots with possibly some vignetting. The f/2.8 aperture works great at night so you’re free to shoot with no tripod on 11mm focal length. The zooming and focusing processes occur inside the barrel. So, accidentally hitting it won’t damage the mechanism.

9. Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro

The color rendition looks natural and pleasing. Vignetting is noticeable at 2.8 aperture, but it isn’t critical. This Sigma lens also produces images that are sharp edge-to-edge on a full frame camera already with f/4. It tolerates side and back illumination well not giving you problems with glare.

Chromatic aberrations are completely absent. Neither appeared the color fringing (purple and green edges over blurred areas) that is so common for such lenses. The bokeh is soft, even and pleasant to the eye thanks to the rounded aperture with 9 blades.

• Looking for cheap Canon cameras? Then read our review to find the best option.

10. Fujifilm Fujinon Lens XF 35mm f/2 R WR

The expression “a little goes a long way” is the best characterization for this model, because, for its size and weight, the results are unexpectedly high. It is the best lens for concert photography as it combines low price among models for the X-mount system cameras with high-level photos.

The relatively high f/2.0 speed is perfect for shooting in conditions of insufficient light, which is what concerts are generally known for. Small details are well defined both in dense shadows and in bright lights.

• Find the best Fujifilm camera for convenient and productive shooting process.

Top 10 Best Lenses for Concert Photography

Image	Name	Features
	Sigma 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM Art OUR CHOICE	Large max aperture Fast autofocus Long zoom range	Check PRICE →
	Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 DI-II VC PZD BEST ZOOM	Compact Internal focus	Check PRICE →
	Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR BEST TELEPHOTO	Image stabilizer Great sharpness	Check PRICE →
	Sony FE 24-70mm f2.8 G Master PROFESSIONAL	Water resistant Ultrasound motor	Check PRICE →
	Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 FOR BEGINNERS	No distortion Fast focus	Check PRICE →
	Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X116 Pro DX ii BEST WIDE-ANGLE	Auto slip ring No zoom creep	Check PRICE →
	Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro	Bright colors Optical stabilization	Check PRICE →
	Fujifilm Fujinon Lens XF 35mm f/2 R WR	Waterproof Lightweight No distortion	Check PRICE →
	Samyang SY14M-C 14 mm f/2.8	Cheap Flare-protective	Check PRICE →
	Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art	Smooth bokeh Petal lens hood	Check PRICE →

How to Choose?

Make sure to consider all the crucial criteria when choosing the best lens for concert photography:

1. Focus System

Applying precise focusing, we put the emphasis on the image. The challenging shooting conditions and wide aperture give a small depth of field, so focusing errors often happen even with the best lens for concert photography.

Achieve accuracy by using a manual selection of the focus area and focusing on those objects that you consider important for the particular shot. The choice of emphasis should be conscious and clear.

2. Shutter Speed

Among camera settings for shooting concerts, the most important one is the shutter speed. For grand occasions on big stadiums with powerful lighting, I shoot at 1/250 or higher and consider it a luxury.

More often you deal with small and dimly lit clubs where staying between 1/100-1/200 is preferable. This will allow you to avoid most motion blur and give the camera more stabilization without calling for stronger illumination.

Going below that value, you will get smudged shots, especially shooting a dynamic band. Recommended Setting: 1/100-1/200, faster whenever possible.

3. Additional Equipment You May Need

XQD Cards are another useful purchase for longer events. This format is way better than CF and SD. It is reliable, has a compact form factor and the highest processing speed for its class. Using several DSLRs for an event, I fit within 64GB of space, shooting the whole concert all-access.

• Choose a good SD card holder to keep your memory cards in one place not to lose at the concert.

Finally, a body strap will make a big difference, especially for heavy and bulky lenses. Whenever you work with two cameras, wear the harness system. It will situate cameras at waist-level for you to grab at any moment and evenly distribute the weight on your shoulders.

• Read more about the best camera straps you can buy to keep your gear safe.

Take care of your hearing and purchase earplugs to avoid suffering from the loudness. They are available in different sizes and materials and can vary from really cheap to expensive. They will not fully mute the sounds, only lower the intensity while letting you hear the music.

4. Large Aperture

Typically, concerts are organized in dim places, where the only light sources are spotlights and stage light directed at the musicians and their fans. That’s why, you need a lens with a max large aperture, so that more light reaches the sensor.

Choose the aperture from f/1.2 to f 2.8. If you go with a smaller value, then you’ll have to photograph at slower shutter speeds to get enough light entering a lens. Of course, this isn’t a problem if you have a tripod at hand and your lens comes with an integrated stabilization. Another way out is to use a higher ISO.

Ann Young

Hi there, I'm Ann Young - a professional blogger, read more