Best Lens for Concert Photography

Last Updated on March 16, 2021

Are you looking for the absolute best lens for concert photography?

Shooting concerts comes with some interesting lighting situations and the need for a long zoom making it incredibly important to use the right lens to get the best concert photographs. I’ve reviewed the top rated camera lenses and after reading this article you will know exactly which lens will work best for your concert photography.

Best Lens for Concert Photography: Top Picks

closeup of indie guitarist at concert

Best Nikon Lens for Concert Photography

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens

This is the most popular Nikon lens for concert photography and it has the performance to back that popularity up. Exacting professionals do not waste their time with inferior equipment and this is the most widely trusted Nikon concert photography lens. It provides awe inspiring image quality bringing your shots to new heights whether you are a seasoned pro or an aspiring photographer. This lens eliminates distortion and glare which is ideal for the tough lighting conditions of concerts. Contrast and sharpness is highlighted even in uneven and low light conditions. The high refractive index lens element and lightweight flourite element will keep this lens evenly balanced. It creates smooth transitions between horizontal and vertical shooting with the tripod collar rings that spin. This is a truly exceptional lens for concert photography from Nikon.

  • Best Nikon lens for concert photography
  • Amazing image quality
  • Realistic color contrast and image detail
  • Widely popular with professional concert photographers

Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR f/34-8 Fixed Zoom Digital SLR Camera Lens

This is an excellent Nikon concert photography lens for FX and DX cameras. This lens offers excellent image quality, shooting speed, VR image stabilization, and autofocus mode. This concert lens has great vibration reduction and zoom power perfect for concert distances. The 70-300mm focal range is very versatile making it a great all around concert lens. This is thanks to the internal focusing design that allows the lens to be shorter than other less sophisticated lenses. It is lightweight at just 24 ounces making it easy on the arms when shooting a long concert.

  • Most versatile Nikon concert lens
  • Ideal for FX and DX cameras
  • Excellent image quality and shooting speed
  • Lightweight

Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR Lens for DSLR Cameras

This is an excellent telephoto concert lens for Nikons. This camera offers the Nikon vibration reduction image stabilization. This feature provides excellent blur free image detail. This concert lens is ideal for compact DX DSLR cameras. This cameras zoom is impressive making it perfect for getting realistic shots even at greater distances. This camera lens has superb optics and a telephoto field of vision that captures beautiful images with softly blurred backgrounds which is an excellent technique for concert photographers. The autofocus motor is quiet and this lens takes not only great stills but also high video quality too.

  • Best Nikon concert lens at a lower price point
  • Nikon vibration reduction image stabilization
  • Ideal for compact DX DSLR cameras
  • Excellent image and video quality
  • Great value

Best Canon Lens for Concert Photography

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L is III USM Lens

This is the best Canon concert photography lens. It is very popular with professional concert photographers. It offers exceptional image quality and balance even in low light conditions such as found at concerts. The constant f/2.8 maximum aperture stays throughout the whole zoom range. Ghosting and flare is significantly minimized thanks to the Canon Air Spere Coating. This lens offers optical image stabilization up to 3.5 stops of shake correction. This lens is designed to be dust and water resistant making it ideal for the sometimes harsh conditions of a concert. The inner focusing system with ring ultrasonic motor works flawlessly. This is an amazing Canon concert lens.

  • Best Canon concert lens
  • Exceptional image quality even in low light conditions
  • Aperture stays constant throughout entire zoom range
  • Widely popular with professional concert photographers

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens

This mid telephoto lens is an excellent concert lens for Canon cameras. This macro lens offers Canon’s advanced image stabilization and some of the best optics quality on the market. It offers near silent ultrasonic focusing along with life sized close up abilities. Angular and shift camera shake is compensated with the ingenious Canon Hybrid Image Stabilization technology. This macro lens offers truly awesome performance and is loved by countless professional and amateur concert photographers across the world. This lens will help you take your concert photography skill to a higher level by letting you release your full artistic expression.

  • Top quality Canon concert photography lens
  • Exceptional image quality even in poor lighting conditions
  • Canon Hybrid Image Stabilization technology
  • Very popular with professional and amateur concert photographers

For more photography guides and tips read these articles

Here is the best lens for concert photography picks quick list. To see customer reviews and prices for each of the lenses see the links below.

  1. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm F/2.8E FL ED VR Lens
  2. Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6E ED VR F/34-8 Fixed Zoom Digital SLR Camera Lens
  3. Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3G ED VR Lens For DSLR Cameras
  4. Canon EF 70-200mm F/2.8L Is III USM Lens
  5. Canon EF 100mm F/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens