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02-17-2012, 12:00 PM   #1
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New to group and desparate for answer

Hi...New here and an inspiring photographer.
I had got a new camera for a present (Pentax Kx) with the small lense. 30-55mm lense

I am going to a Rick Springfield concert on March 3 and looking to get a better lense. Unsure what to get. My seat is center section, row 5 and aisle seat.

Any help in knowing what type of lense to get and what to have setting at...

Rick is one that does not stand still that long

02-17-2012, 12:09 PM   #2
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You don't mention a budget, but your sat quite close, so I would say a reasonably fast f2.8 lens would suffice. You could go for the Pentax 50mm F1.4 that would work well in a concert situation from only 5 rows back.
02-17-2012, 12:29 PM   #3
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I am going to a local casino ballroom (small) tonight for a concert by Blue Oyster Cult. I was there last year for a Robin Trower concert so I know the room. I will take my K20D, and the FA50/1.4, and the Takumar Bayonet 135/2.5. If I had a Kx with its superior high-ISO capability, I might take only a slower manual-focus 35-135mm zoom. It is much easier to get sharp shots in concert light with a lens at f/4 than f/1.4. Good luck!
02-17-2012, 12:54 PM   #4
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Thanks for replies so far


My concert is up near Duluth, MN
Black Bear Casino. Never been there and this is first concert with this SLR camera.
Taking any replies and lookinng into them this weekend so to order the lense and get it by the concert.

02-17-2012, 05:12 PM   #5
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Concert Photos

Hello JFAHEY, Welcome to the Forum!
I've shot many live musical events and agree with snappychappy and Rico, you'll want a fast lens (or lenses) and with your seat position, perhaps a short tele for close-up head shots.
So, a a 24mm or 28mm, f/2.8 prime, a fast fifty, f/1.4 or 1.7, and depending upon your budget, a 100mm or 135mm f/2.5 or f/2.8.
Use an ISO that allows a shutter speed of 1/125s or faster, otherwise you are liable to get motion blur. Shake reduction might allow you to shoot slower, but, as you mentioned, the subject is going to be moving, also! 1/125s is ideal for most situations you'll encounter at a concert.
I don't like to change lenses during a concert; Too many people moving around and there's a good chance some valuable equipment will hit the floor. Take as many shots as you can with one lens, then find a quiet place to switch lenses.
Don't worry about white balance with the colored stage lights. The color adds dramatic effect and can be altered in PP.
Bring a small flashlight and a good camera bag. The audience area will be dark and it's easy to lose track of lens caps, back caps and other small equipment.
As with all public events, don't leave any of your equipment unattended, even for a minute.
Between songs, take a look at your LCD and review the latest shots: Enlarge the screen to check focus and (possibly) motion blur. Adjust as you go.
Good luck and enjoy the concert!
Ron
02-17-2012, 05:47 PM   #6
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Now to look on Amazon to find what you 3 suggested

or is there a cheaper place to get a new lense
02-17-2012, 06:05 PM   #7
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Check adorama and B&H also, they have some of the best deals.


Adam
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02-17-2012, 06:32 PM - 1 Like   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by JFAHEY Quote
Now to look on Amazon to find what you 3 suggested

or is there a cheaper place to get a new lense
Check the Marketplace on this forum - a lot of good "stuff" on there!!
02-17-2012, 06:41 PM - 1 Like   #9
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Pentax-DA 55-300mm Review - Introduction - PentaxForums.com

That's what you should get!

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02-17-2012, 06:58 PM   #10
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you guys are the best. I'm thankful of running into this forum today
02-17-2012, 06:58 PM - 1 Like   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by Adam Quote
Probably not a bad idea. The OP only has the kit lens, & this would complement it nicely. She would probably get more use from the 55-300 than a fast prime at this stage of her hobby. It should be able to handle the job at a concert with the K-x's high-iso ability, plus she wouldn't have to fuss around with changing lenses at the show.
03-01-2012, 10:09 AM   #12
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Wahoo...I got my 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED Lens..
And Rick Springfield Concert is just 2 days away. Now to get the setting for low light and all other important camera tips to get awesome pictures of the Rickster
03-01-2012, 10:35 AM   #13
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Are they even going to let you in the concert with that lens? The concerts I have gone to had a "pro camera" restriction and their idea of a "pro camera" is anything that looks like a DSLR. And the larger the lens, the higher their eyebrows raise.
03-01-2012, 10:41 AM   #14
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Hope ...but who knows...

When I got the camera I got the initial 18-55mm lens
Just recently got these 1 of Pentax DA L 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED Lens, 0.45x Wide Angle Macro Lens, 2x Tele [ASIN: B006GCS2AQ]


Looking for best lens and the best settings to get my good shots
03-01-2012, 10:47 AM   #15
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Yeah, I would think it is a longshot you can even bring it in. On the other hand, I'm guessing the Black Bear Casino is a far cry from the stadiums he used to play in the 80's -- maybe nobody cares. Shooting with a big camera with a lit-up rear screen (you can turn that off maybe) from a normal seat is also liable to annoy the people around you, or is everybody else out with their iPhones, etc these days? (As you can tell, I haven't been to a concert in some time, like decades.)
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