Lens Recommendation for D7100 for Arena/Club concert photography?

djromanofficialdjromanofficial Posts: 5Member
edited November 2013 in D90/D7x00
Hey Guys

New here, but figured I would ask a question. I recently upgraded to the D7100 from a D80, but I need a new lens for it as I purchased body only. I primarily shoot in large scale concerts in arenas or stadiums, so I need one with decent zoom as I sometimes shoot from the soundboard in back. I wanted a nikor lens primarily, and only wanted one "multi-purpose" lens for under 1000. Any recommendations?

I was thinking about the Nikor 18-200 3.5-5.6. Anyone have an experience with this lens?
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Comments

  • PhotobugPhotobug Posts: 5,751Member
    Besides the 18-200mm, check out the 70-300mm. A used 85mm would be an excellent prime lens but if you want a zoom, look for the an older used 70-200mm F/2.8 lens.

    There are good used alternatives, so don't over look them.
    D750 & D7100 | 24-70 F2.8 G AF-S ED, 70-200 F2.8 AF VR, TC-14E III, TC-1.7EII, 35 F2 AF D, 50mm F1.8G, 105mm G AF-S VR | Backup & Wife's Gear: D5500 & Sony HX50V | 18-140 AF-S ED VR DX, 55-300 AF-S G VR DX |
    |SB-800, Amaran Halo LED Ring light | MB-D16 grip| Gitzo GT3541 + RRS BH-55LR, Gitzo GM2942 + Sirui L-10 | RRS gear | Lowepro, ThinkTank, & Hoodman gear | BosStrap | Vello Freewave Plus wireless Remote, Leica Lens Cleaning Cloth |
  • IronheartIronheart Posts: 3,017Moderator
    The 18-300 would be better for concerts on the long end. I like (and own) the 70-300, you cant go wrong there.
  • The 18-300 would be better for concerts on the long end. I like (and own) the 70-300, you cant go wrong there.
    Is this the one you are talking about?
    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HJPK2C/ref=s9_simh_gw_p421_d0_i3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=00STHTHTPW17PYS57PR6&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1630083502&pf_rd_i=507846
  • spraynprayspraynpray Posts: 6,545Moderator
    Yes, that's the 70-300VR.

    I think the 18-200 is the best choice for you as a minimum focal length of 70mm would be quite limiting.
    Always learning.
  • WestEndBoyWestEndBoy Posts: 1,456Member
    edited November 2013
    If you don't need the wide angle. You should look at the 80-200mm 2.8. It is over ten years old but still in Nikon's lineup and has survived this long because it is very good. As such, it is $1,000 - $1,200 depending on whether you are in US/Canada.

    You will want to consider that 2.8 might be the minimum f-ratio that you need as concerts often have challenging light conditions and flash is not an option. A wide to long all purpose zoom may be challenged in this area.
    Post edited by WestEndBoy on
  • rbrylawskirbrylawski Posts: 222Member
    edited November 2013
    With the great low light capability of the D7100, the 18-200mm VR II would be a great choice. It's my most used lens and it fits well within your budget. And to get extra reach use the 1.3 crop, effectively giving you a 400mm view.
    Post edited by rbrylawski on
    Nikon D7100; AF-S DX 35mm f1.8; AF-S DX Macro 40mm f2.8; AF-S DX 18-200mm VRII; SB-700 Speed Light and a bunch of other not very noteworthy stuff......
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