Best Lenses for Concert Photography: 2025 Buying Guide
Dylan Kader of Creamery Station at Arch Street Tavern in Hartford, CT | photo- ©2023 Chris Sidoruk
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UPDATE 12.29.25: I have an updated guide for 2026. You can find it here.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best lenses for concert photography that will help you get amazing shots.
As a live music photographer, capturing the energy and excitement of a performance can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. However, choosing the best lenses for concert photography can make all the difference between an average and an exceptional photo.
Understanding Concert Photography
Before diving into the best lenses for concert photography, it’s important to understand the basics of concert photography.
Concert photography is a challenging field that requires a combination of technical skills and artistic vision. The lighting conditions at concerts are often poor, and the performers are constantly moving, making it difficult to capture sharp and clear images.
I have an article here that goes more in-depth about low light photography.
Choosing the Best Lenses for Concert Photography
Choosing the the best lenses for concert photography is crucial for getting great shots. Here are some of the best lenses for concert photography:
1. 24-70mm f/2.8 Lens
The first lens on the best lenses for concert photography list is the 24-70mm f/2.8 lens is considered important to concert photographers for several reasons. This lens offers a versatile focal range combined with a wide aperture, making it highly suitable for capturing live performances in challenging lighting conditions.
Here are a few key points explaining its importance:
Focal Range:
The 24-70mm focal length range provides photographers with flexibility in composition. It covers a wide angle of view (24mm) for capturing expansive shots of the stage, crowd, and venue, while also allowing zooming in (70mm) to capture closer shots of individual performers.
Wide Aperture:
The f/2.8 aperture is significant because it allows more light to enter the lens, resulting in brighter images. Concerts often have dynamic lighting conditions, with fast-changing stage lights and dimly lit environments.
The wide aperture of f/2.8 enables photographers to shoot at faster shutter speeds, freezing the action and reducing the risk of motion blur.
Low-Light Performance:
The combination of the versatile focal range and wide aperture makes the 24-70mm f/2.8 lens particularly valuable in low-light situations. It excels in capturing concerts, where stage lighting can be challenging, and often requires higher ISO settings to maintain proper exposure.
The lens's wide aperture helps minimize noise by allowing photographers to use lower ISO settings while still achieving well-exposed images.
Versatility:
Live music photographers often need to adapt quickly to changing conditions, capturing both wide-angle shots of the entire stage and close-ups of individual artists. The 24-70mm focal range offers the flexibility to compose various types of shots without the need to switch lenses frequently.
This versatility allows photographers to capture the essence of a concert comprehensively.
Shop 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8E ED AF-S NIKKOR VR Lens (F MOUNT)
Jim Kader of Creamery Station | photo- ©2023 Chris Sidoruk
2. 70-200mm f/2.8 Lens
The second lens on the best lenses for concert photography list is the 70-200mm focal length range which provides a significant telephoto reach, allowing photographers to capture close-up shots of performers on stage, even from a distance.
This is particularly valuable in larger venues or when photographers are restricted to a fixed shooting position. The lens brings the action closer, enabling photographers to capture intimate moments and details that may be missed with shorter focal lengths.
Compression and Perspective:
The longer focal length of the 70-200mm lens allows photographers to compress the scene, creating a pleasing perspective and bringing the subject forward.
This effect is especially useful for isolating performers from the background, eliminating distractions and focusing the viewer's attention on the artist. It adds a sense of depth and drama to the images, enhancing their impact.
Wide Aperture:
Similar to the 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens also features a wide maximum aperture. This wider aperture allows more light to enter the lens, enabling faster shutter speeds and reducing the risk of motion blur.
In low-light concert environments or during fast-paced performances, the wider aperture helps maintain optimal exposure and freeze the action effectively.
Bokeh and Subject Separation:
The combination of the telephoto focal length and wide aperture of f/2.8 creates a shallow depth of field, resulting in a pleasing bokeh effect.
This effect blurs the background, isolating the subject and enhancing its prominence. Live music photographers can use this lens to create visually appealing portraits of performers, with the artist in sharp focus against a beautifully blurred background.
Versatility:
The 70-200mm focal length range, combined with the lens's wide aperture, offers versatility to live music photographers. It allows them to capture a variety of shots, from tight portraits to wider shots that encompass the stage and audience.
This versatility ensures photographers can adapt to different concert scenarios, capturing diverse perspectives and showcasing the ambiance of the event.
Shop 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses
3. 50mm f/1.8 Lens
The 50mm f/1.8 lens should be on any photographer’s best lenses for concert photography list for several reasons. Here is a summary of why this lens is important in capturing concerts:
Wide Aperture:
The f/1.8 aperture of the 50mm lens is its standout feature. It allows a significant amount of light to enter the lens, making it ideal for shooting in low-light concert environments.
This wide aperture enables photographers to use faster shutter speeds, reducing the risk of motion blur and capturing sharp images even in challenging lighting conditions.
Low-Light Performance:
Concert venues often have dim lighting or dynamic stage lighting, making low-light performance crucial for capturing high-quality images.
The 50mm f/1.8 lens excels in such situations, allowing photographers to achieve proper exposure without relying heavily on high ISO settings. This results in images with reduced noise and better image quality.
Versatility:
The 50mm focal length is considered a standard or "normal" lens, closely resembling the human eye's field of view. This makes it highly versatile for concert photography.
It allows photographers to capture shots that closely resemble what the audience sees, creating a natural and immersive perspective. Additionally, the lens's compact size and lightweight nature make it easy to carry and maneuver, offering flexibility during concerts.
Shallow Depth of Field:
The wide aperture of f/1.8 on the 50mm lens creates a shallow depth of field, resulting in a pleasing bokeh effect. This effect can help isolate the subject, such as a performer, from the background, emphasizing their presence and creating a visually appealing separation.
It adds a professional and artistic touch to concert photographs, highlighting the main subject.
Affordability:
The 50mm f/1.8 lens is often one of the most affordable lenses available for many camera systems. This affordability makes it an attractive choice for both amateur and professional live music photographers, as it provides excellent image quality and low-light performance without breaking the bank.
Shop 50mm f/1.8 lenses
Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S NIKKOR Lens (F MOUNT)
Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 Lens
Jon Truelson of Creamery Station during a keyboard solo. | photo- ©2023 Chris Sidoruk
4. 85mm f/1.8 Lens
The next lens on the best lenses for concert photography list is the 85mm f/1.8 lens. It holds significant importance for concert photographers, offering unique benefits that make it valuable for capturing live performances.
Here is a summary of why this lens is important in concert photography:
Ideal Portrait Lens:
The 85mm focal length is often considered an ideal choice for portrait photography. In concert settings, this lens allows photographers to capture stunning close-up shots of performers, emphasizing their facial expressions, emotions, and stage presence.
The lens's perspective and compression capabilities produce flattering images with a natural field of view, making it well-suited for capturing artist portraits during concerts.
Wide Aperture:
The f/1.8 aperture of the 85mm lens is a standout feature. It enables photographers to capture images in challenging lighting conditions typically found in concert venues.
The wide aperture allows for more light to enter the lens, resulting in faster shutter speeds and reduced motion blur. It also facilitates shooting at lower ISO settings, resulting in cleaner, noise-free images even in low-light environments.
Shallow Depth of Field and Bokeh:
The wide aperture of f/1.8 on the 85mm lens creates a shallow depth of field, allowing photographers to isolate the subject from the background effectively.
This feature enhances the artistic quality of concert photographs by creating a creamy, smooth bokeh effect. It draws attention to the subject, separating them from the distractions of the stage or crowd, and adds a pleasing aesthetic to the images.
Versatility:
While the 85mm focal length is often associated with portraits, it also offers versatility in concert photography. This lens allows photographers to capture a variety of shots, from tight close-ups of individual performers to wider shots that encompass the stage and surrounding elements.
Its versatility ensures that photographers can adapt to different concert scenarios and capture diverse perspectives.
Lightweight and Portable:
The 85mm f/1.8 lens is typically lightweight and compact, making it convenient for live music photographers who need to move quickly and discreetly during live performances. Its portable nature allows photographers to carry it comfortably, enabling them to capture crucial moments without being hindered by heavy gear.
Shop 85mm f/1.8 lenses
Canon EF 85mm f/1.4 USM Lens
Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM Lens
Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 Lens
5. Wide Angle Lens
A list for the best lenses for concert photography needs a great wide angle lens. The 14-28mm f/2.8 lens is helpful for live music photographers, offering unique advantages that make it valuable for capturing live performances.
Here is a summary of why this one of the best lenses for concert photography:
Wide Angle of View:
The 14-28mm focal length range provides an exceptionally wide angle of view, allowing photographers to capture expansive shots of the stage, crowd, and venue.
This lens enables them to capture the grandeur and scale of a concert, showcasing the energy and atmosphere of the event. It allows for dramatic compositions that encompass the entire stage and capture the interactions between performers and the audience.
Immersive Perspective:
The wide-angle focal length of the 14-28mm lens creates an immersive perspective that puts viewers in the midst of the action. It can make the audience feel like they are right there in the concert, experiencing the performance firsthand.
This lens enables photographers to capture dynamic and engaging images that convey the intensity and excitement of live performances.
Low-Light Performance:
The f/2.8 aperture of the 14-28mm lens is crucial for concert photography in low-light situations. Concert venues often have challenging lighting conditions, including dimly lit stages or dynamic stage lighting.
The wide aperture allows more light to enter the lens, enabling faster shutter speeds and reducing the risk of motion blur. It helps photographers capture well-exposed images even in challenging lighting environments.
Distortion Control:
Wide-angle lenses like the 14-28mm lens can be prone to distortion, especially at the wider end of the focal length range. However, many modern wide-angle lenses, including the 14-28mm f/2.8 lens, are designed to minimize distortion.
This ensures that live music photographers can capture straight lines and accurate proportions, even when shooting wide-angle shots of the stage or venue.
Unique Perspectives and Creativity:
The wide-angle focal length range of the 14-28mm lens allows photographers to experiment with unique perspectives and creative compositions. They can capture interesting angles, incorporate foreground elements, and emphasize the depth and scale of the concert setting.
This lens offers photographers the opportunity to express their creativity and capture captivating images that stand out.
Versatility:
While wide-angle lenses are primarily associated with capturing expansive shots, the 14-28mm and 16-35mm focal length range also allows for versatile compositions. It provides the flexibility to zoom in and capture closer shots of performers or individual details on the stage.
This versatility ensures that photographers can capture a range of shots and moments during a concert, from wide crowd shots to intimate close-ups.
Shop Wide Angle lenses
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Lens
Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens
Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Lens for Sony E
Other Factors to Consider
In addition to the lens, there are other factors to consider when finding the best lenses for concert photography.
Here are some tips for capturing great shots:
1. Use a fast shutter speed
Concerts are fast-paced events, so using a fast shutter speed is crucial for capturing sharp and clear images.
2. Use a high ISO
Concerts are often poorly lit, so using a high ISO is necessary for getting enough light into your camera.
3. Shoot in RAW
Shooting in RAW format allows for more flexibility when editing your photos later on.
4. Be respectful of the performers and the audience
When shooting concerts, it’s important to be respectful of the performers and the audience. Avoid using flash, and be mindful of your surroundings.
Conclusion
Choosing the best lenses for concert photography can make all the difference in capturing stunning shots.
Whether you opt for a versatile 24-70mm f/2.8 lens or a budget-friendly 50mm f/1.8 lens, make sure to consider the lighting conditions and your personal shooting style. And always remember to be respectful of the performers and the audience.
FAQs
Can I use a zoom lens for concert photography?
Yes, a zoom lens can be a great choice for concert photography. Just make sure to choose a lens with a wide aperture for better low-light performance.
Should I use a tripod for concert photography?
A tripod can be helpful for keeping your camera steady, but it can also be cumbersome in a crowded concert venue. Consider using a monopod if you want to go that route.
Is it necessary to shoot in RAW format for concert photography?
While it's not necessary, shooting in RAW format allows for more flexibility when editing your photos later on.
Can I use a prime lens for concert photography?
Yes, prime lenses can be a great choice for concert photography. They often have wider apertures, allowing for better low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
Should I use flash when shooting concerts?
It's generally best to not use flash when shooting concerts, as it can be distracting and disruptive to performers and the audience. Instead, use a lens with a wide aperture and a high ISO to capture enough light.
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