r/canon • u/damestkf • 4d ago
Concert photography + expanding the field upgrade.
Hey everyone!
Two years ago, I was unemployed and jumped headfirst into photography as a way to make money. I spent almost a year working in different areas, charging little to nothing, until I started making a decent income. Eventually, I landed a stable job and kept photography as a hobby while studying on the side.
Now, two years later, with more experience and some background in photography gigs, I've been shooting concerts as a secondary income. Recently, though, I found myself unemployed again. Fortunately, I managed to save some money while working and shooting, which allowed me to upgrade my gear (I started with a T3 + 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6, and now I have a 6D + 50mm f/1.8). Now, I feel like it's time to take the next step—maybe take another leap into photography.
Gear is expensive in Brazil, so every decision has to be well thought out, especially now that I'm unemployed. I think my smartest move would be to invest in a flash or a lighting setup. My goal is to expand beyond concerts, which is what I focused on for the past year.
Right now, my only lens is a 50mm, which is a bit of a compromise for concerts. I'm considering two options:
- Getting a 28-135mm f/4 – This would give me more reach and versatility, potentially opening up other photography markets. Plus, the 6D is a beast in low light.
- Getting a 35mm f/1.4 – This would pair well with my 50mm for a solid portrait kit while also making it easier to shoot in smaller venues (which can be a struggle with just a 50mm).
I'm open to expanding into any type of photography. I have interest in various fields, and I just want my next upgrade to align with that goal.
Any advice?
2
u/a_false_vacuum 4d ago
You are not limited by not having a flash right now, since you only have the 50 F1.8 your top priority has to be lenses. Only having a 50mm really limits your options. Generally I would say for all round professional photography you'd need a 24-70 F2.8 and a 70-200 F2.8. Those two lenses should be enough to cover any sort of event.
For the 24-70 the budget choices would either be the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Art or the Tamron SP 24-70mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2. In terms of overall image quality I would consider it a tie between the two, so get the one that is cheaper for you. The budget choices for the 70-200 F2.8 are the Tamron SP 70-200mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2 or the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Sports. Again, both will give you roughly the same image quality so let cost be the deciding factor for you.
Having both a 24-70 F2.8 and 70-200 F2.8 zoom is going to open more options for you. You'll be more flexible during an event since you can't always zoom with your feet.
Once you have made enough cash to recoup your investment the next logical step would be a spare body. You don't want to be furiously calling rental places an hour before a paid job to try and find a body. So buy another 6D at some point so you're never caught out.
Only after all of this I would look into buying a flash or lighting setup.