Has anyone used their Pentax K-5 for concerts?

snake · 12-03-2012, 03:28 PM

In Europe, no issue.

In the US, I've not had much of an issue, either.

rawr · 12-03-2012, 09:16 PM

Originally posted by Into The Lens

why did you go to 12800 ISO for this particular shot? You could've shot it with a faster SS and wider aperture and you could've taken the ISO down a little (to 3200?). What are the reason to go there as you mention?

Well, I was using my Sigma 70-200 2.8 II, TAv and auto-ISO up to 12800. I simply couldn't go any lower than f2.8 with that lens and I needed a touch more DOF, so I went with f3.2. Since some other shots were at 200mm (or likely to be) I kept the shutter speed at 1/250 to reduce camera shake and help capture the rather dynamic movement of the lead singer, especially as I was shooting him side-on.

In retrospect I could indeed have gone with a tad slower shutter speed and hence lower ISO, but that Sigma is a big, heavy beast, and shooting it handheld is tricky. With a monopod, and the action a bit further away, I've used 1/60 with that lens even at 200mm with good results, but that wasn't an option at the concert.

memo90061 · 12-03-2012, 09:52 PM

Originally posted by john5100

Memo - your RX100 shots are great! If you can keep doing that you do not need for a DLSR really.

I go called to do a shoot and I only had my point and shoot at the time

Thank you.

What point and shoot camera did you use for that picture? It looks good!

Into The Lens · 12-03-2012, 11:03 PM

Originally posted by rawr

Well, I was using my Sigma 70-200 2.8 II, TAv and auto-ISO up to 12800. I simply couldn't go any lower than f2.8 with that lens and I needed a touch more DOF, so I went with f3.2. Since some other shots were at 200mm (or likely to be) I kept the shutter speed at 1/250 to reduce camera shake and help capture the rather dynamic movement of the lead singer, especially as I was shooting him side-on.

In retrospect I could indeed have gone with a tad slower shutter speed and hence lower ISO, but that Sigma is a big, heavy beast, and shooting it handheld is tricky. With a monopod, and the action a bit further away, I've used 1/60 with that lens even at 200mm with good results, but that wasn't an option at the concert.

That makes perfect sense. Personally, I try not to go under 1/60 sec, and even then, it'll be on slower songs where the musicians don't move as much. Also, I leave the SR activated throughout the concert since I rarely have the chance to go above 1/125 sec, wider than f3.2 and under 800 ISO since the lighting is so poor. It's always give and take. That's why concert photography is such a challenge. And that red light (on skin), makes for great black & white pictures. Blue and green, I find not so much.

Take care,
Ben

Into The Lens · 12-03-2012, 11:15 PM

Originally posted by john5100

Thank you so much and yes, I am very lucky.

These are for you then. Just shot Dick Dale again on Friday night. The site that I shoot for makes them a little soft but you get the idea.

UPDATE
Better link Dick Dale 2012 - a set on Flickr

Wow!! Great pictures. That's really something. Thanks so much for sharing these pictures with us. The Great Surf King, Mr. Dale.

I notice that on most of your photos, the skin tone is very natural. Is that how the light was at the concert or did you adjust the WB in post-editing? Do you shoot with Auto WB and then adjust WB afterwards? It seems like all the concerts I attend always have very strong colored light (mostly red, yellow and blue). That's why I end up with many B&W photos. Also, were those shot with a 50-135mm?
Hey, sorry for all the questions. I'm just so amazed right now, I want to know it all!

Ben

Lurch · 12-04-2012, 02:27 AM

I suddenly have the urge to sneak into every/any concert I can.
A very eye-opening and inspiring thread - thanks guys.

BlackRockBacon · 12-04-2012, 04:20 AM

Here's a few more from lenses older than myself...

Super Takumar 50mm 1.4 @ 2.8
ISO 8000

ISO 6400
1/100
Auto-Takumar 55 1.8 @ 5.6?

ISO 6400
1/100
Auto-Takumar 55 1.8 @ 5.6?

I always shoot RAW with AWB because the camera is accurate most of the time...but can be changed if needed.

Into The Lens · 12-04-2012, 05:47 AM

Originally posted by BlackRockBacon

Super Takumar 50mm 1.4 @ 2.8
ISO 8000

Niiiiice!!

RonHendriks1966 · 12-04-2012, 07:09 AM

Well only twice a year or so:

snake · 12-04-2012, 07:11 AM

Who is that? Looks almost like The Gathering.

john5100 · 12-04-2012, 11:22 AM - **1 Like**

This really is a fun topic
BlackRockBacon and Ron excellent photos! Really creative stuff by everyone.

Into The Lens - Thanks again, I love concert photography

Is that how the light was at the concert or did you adjust the WB in post-editing? The light was very red for most of the show but I found that using the "Muted" option under shooting styles really helps. Also, I find that Pentax does a great job with AWB so I leave it there and edit a little in LR4 too.

Were those shot with a 50-135mm? Not this time, I used my Sigma 24-60mm F2.8 which is really good. I just received my DA* 16-50mm so I'm excited to try that lens to see how it will work. Preliminary testing says that it should be better for low light AF.

I shot in manual using Zone Metering with -2 EV on Dick's clothing since he was wearing black. Really worked well.

A good video on how

You Tube

works.

My settings were:
Spot Meter and Spot Focus
ISO1600 - ISO2000
Maintain F4 for DoF
Varying the shutter between 1/200 and 1/160 (depending on how the light fell)

The Grizzled Mighty opened and you can see much more red here

**crewl1** · 12-04-2012, 11:31 AM - **1 Like**

My concert shots are more sedate

Anvh · 12-04-2012, 12:07 PM

Originally posted by Into The Lens

That makes perfect sense. Personally, I try not to go under 1/60 sec, and even then, it'll be on slower songs where the musicians don't move as much. Also, I leave the SR activated throughout the concert since I rarely have the chance to go above 1/125 sec, wider than f3.2 and under 800 ISO since the lighting is so poor. It's always give and take. That's why concert photography is such a challenge. And that red light (on skin), makes for great black & white pictures. Blue and green, I find not so much.

Take care,
Ben

Same here, i'm mostly around the 1/80 mark and with the SR on that's quite okay unless they move a lot then i tend to use higher speeds.

Anvh · 12-04-2012, 12:09 PM

Originally posted by john5100

My settings were:
Spot Meter and Spot Focus
ISO1600 - ISO2000
Maintain F4 for DoF
Varying the shutter between 1/200 and 1/160 (depending on how the light fell)

The Grizzled Mighty opened and you can see much more red here

Little bit off technical advice but i wouldnt go above ISO1600 when you're using RAW because the K5 then applies noise reduction to the photo.
So ISO1600 is my max, i simply bright up the photo in post if needed.

john5100 · 12-04-2012, 12:27 PM

Originally posted by Anvh

Little bit off technical advice but i wouldnt go above ISO1600 when you're using RAW because the K5 then applies noise reduction to the photo.
So ISO1600 is my max, i simply bright up the photo in post if needed.

You are right to a point. Some shows don't allow for ISO at or below 1600 to stop or slow down the action.

This was shot at ISO5000

ISO3200

12-03-2012, 11:15 PM	#35
Into The Lens Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Between clever and stupid Photos: Albums Posts: 216	Originally posted by john5100 Thank you so much and yes, I am very lucky. These are for you then. Just shot Dick Dale again on Friday night. The site that I shoot for makes them a little soft but you get the idea. UPDATE Better link Dick Dale 2012 - a set on Flickr Wow!! Great pictures. That's really something. Thanks so much for sharing these pictures with us. The Great Surf King, Mr. Dale. I notice that on most of your photos, the skin tone is very natural. Is that how the light was at the concert or did you adjust the WB in post-editing? Do you shoot with Auto WB and then adjust WB afterwards? It seems like all the concerts I attend always have very strong colored light (mostly red, yellow and blue). That's why I end up with many B&W photos. Also, were those shot with a 50-135mm? Hey, sorry for all the questions. I'm just so amazed right now, I want to know it all! Ben Last edited by Into The Lens; 12-04-2012 at 05:46 AM.

12-04-2012, 12:27 PM	#45
john5100 Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 1,725	Originally posted by Anvh Little bit off technical advice but i wouldnt go above ISO1600 when you're using RAW because the K5 then applies noise reduction to the photo. So ISO1600 is my max, i simply bright up the photo in post if needed. You are right to a point. Some shows don't allow for ISO at or below 1600 to stop or slow down the action. This was shot at ISO5000 ISO3200 Last edited by john5100; 12-04-2012 at 12:49 PM.

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12-03-2012, 03:28 PM	#31
snake Banned Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: NY/Germany Posts: 1,183	In Europe, no issue. In the US, I've not had much of an issue, either.

12-03-2012, 09:16 PM	#32
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Originally posted by Into The Lens why did you go to 12800 ISO for this particular shot? You could've shot it with a faster SS and wider aperture and you could've taken the ISO down a little (to 3200?). What are the reason to go there as you mention? Well, I was using my Sigma 70-200 2.8 II, TAv and auto-ISO up to 12800. I simply couldn't go any lower than f2.8 with that lens and I needed a touch more DOF, so I went with f3.2. Since some other shots were at 200mm (or likely to be) I kept the shutter speed at 1/250 to reduce camera shake and help capture the rather dynamic movement of the lead singer, especially as I was shooting him side-on. In retrospect I could indeed have gone with a tad slower shutter speed and hence lower ISO, but that Sigma is a big, heavy beast, and shooting it handheld is tricky. With a monopod, and the action a bit further away, I've used 1/60 with that lens even at 200mm with good results, but that wasn't an option at the concert.

12-03-2012, 09:52 PM	#33
memo90061 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 218 Original Poster	Originally posted by john5100 Memo - your RX100 shots are great! If you can keep doing that you do not need for a DLSR really. I go called to do a shoot and I only had my point and shoot at the time Thank you. What point and shoot camera did you use for that picture? It looks good!

12-03-2012, 11:03 PM	#34
Into The Lens Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Between clever and stupid Photos: Albums Posts: 216	Originally posted by rawr Well, I was using my Sigma 70-200 2.8 II, TAv and auto-ISO up to 12800. I simply couldn't go any lower than f2.8 with that lens and I needed a touch more DOF, so I went with f3.2. Since some other shots were at 200mm (or likely to be) I kept the shutter speed at 1/250 to reduce camera shake and help capture the rather dynamic movement of the lead singer, especially as I was shooting him side-on. In retrospect I could indeed have gone with a tad slower shutter speed and hence lower ISO, but that Sigma is a big, heavy beast, and shooting it handheld is tricky. With a monopod, and the action a bit further away, I've used 1/60 with that lens even at 200mm with good results, but that wasn't an option at the concert. That makes perfect sense. Personally, I try not to go under 1/60 sec, and even then, it'll be on slower songs where the musicians don't move as much. Also, I leave the SR activated throughout the concert since I rarely have the chance to go above 1/125 sec, wider than f3.2 and under 800 ISO since the lighting is so poor. It's always give and take. That's why concert photography is such a challenge. And that red light (on skin), makes for great black & white pictures. Blue and green, I find not so much. Take care, Ben

12-04-2012, 02:27 AM	#36
Lurch Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Canberra, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 582	I suddenly have the urge to sneak into every/any concert I can. A very eye-opening and inspiring thread - thanks guys.

12-04-2012, 04:20 AM	#37
BlackRockBacon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Kentucky Photos: Gallery Posts: 128	Here's a few more from lenses older than myself... Super Takumar 50mm 1.4 @ 2.8 ISO 8000 ISO 6400 1/100 Auto-Takumar 55 1.8 @ 5.6? ISO 6400 1/100 Auto-Takumar 55 1.8 @ 5.6? I always shoot RAW with AWB because the camera is accurate most of the time...but can be changed if needed.

12-04-2012, 05:47 AM	#38
Into The Lens Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Between clever and stupid Photos: Albums Posts: 216	Originally posted by BlackRockBacon Super Takumar 50mm 1.4 @ 2.8 ISO 8000 Niiiiice!!

12-04-2012, 07:09 AM	#39
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675	Well only twice a year or so:

12-04-2012, 07:11 AM	#40
snake Banned Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: NY/Germany Posts: 1,183	Who is that? Looks almost like The Gathering.

12-04-2012, 11:31 AM - 1 Like	#42
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	My concert shots are more sedate

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12-04-2012, 12:07 PM	#43
Anvh Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 4,616	Originally posted by Into The Lens That makes perfect sense. Personally, I try not to go under 1/60 sec, and even then, it'll be on slower songs where the musicians don't move as much. Also, I leave the SR activated throughout the concert since I rarely have the chance to go above 1/125 sec, wider than f3.2 and under 800 ISO since the lighting is so poor. It's always give and take. That's why concert photography is such a challenge. And that red light (on skin), makes for great black & white pictures. Blue and green, I find not so much. Take care, Ben Same here, i'm mostly around the 1/80 mark and with the SR on that's quite okay unless they move a lot then i tend to use higher speeds.

12-04-2012, 12:09 PM	#44
Anvh Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 4,616	Originally posted by john5100 My settings were: Spot Meter and Spot Focus ISO1600 - ISO2000 Maintain F4 for DoF Varying the shutter between 1/200 and 1/160 (depending on how the light fell) The Grizzled Mighty opened and you can see much more red here Little bit off technical advice but i wouldnt go above ISO1600 when you're using RAW because the K5 then applies noise reduction to the photo. So ISO1600 is my max, i simply bright up the photo in post if needed.