I am a NIKON shooter. I always have been. It's what I started on. There are so many good cameras on the market, and it really all comes down to personal preference. Over the years, I've gone from a D40, which I loved, to a more professional setup with a D750 and now moved into the mirrorless realm like so many of us have with my Nikon Z6ii. All have served me well.
The 24-70mm 2.8 is my favorite CONCERT LENS. When you're in the pit, you can get up close and personal with one artist or zoom out enough to cover more of the band. The quick action and low-light capabilities make this an easy choice.
You can also use it for portraits or everyday images like street photography.
You can't live without a good zoom lens. The Nikon 70-200mm 2.8 is great for getting those shots when you can't get close to the action. Steady and stable!! I use this for CONCERTS when I'm not in the pit, but back of house or by the soundboard.
The 85mm prime is the most gorgeous PORTRAIT LENS you can use. The perspective is flattering for all body types, and the creamy bokeh you get with this is just perfection when shooting with your aperture wide open at 1.8.
If you are shooting concerts, listen up. EAR PROTECTION is a necessity. I can't stress this enough. If you're in the pit, you are in front of the speakers. You can always use a basic sponge ear plug. But, if you are planning to do this often, you really want to get something that you will not only remember to bring (this little bucket case clips right onto your bag) but something reusable and of decent quality.
I have found these EARGASM PLUGS to do the trick.
The next most important thing in my gear collection is this handy-dandy little STEP STOOL. Mine is 13". Depending on your height, you may opt for something like 9". I never leave the house without it. If you are shooting concerts, you will, at some point, be in the back of the house, in the crowd, and trying to shoot over the heads of the fans. I promise. If you don't have one of these, you will struggle. If you are tall and you're the one everyone goes to when they need something from the top shelf, good on ya, but there may still be times when you will need it.
Trust me, it is a staple.
Let's talk about camera bags or backpacks. I have gone through a few. I have finally settled on this HARD CASE BACKPACK by MOSISO. It's fairly lightweight but the hard shell gives you the piece of mind you need when traveling.
Mine is black but how cool is this orange one?
One last super-important thing to mention is your LENS FILTER This is just for protection. I can't tell you how many times having this on has saved my lens and my butt.
Things happen. Use the filter!! Seriously. These are pretty affordable. If you are shooting concerts or other indoor low-light subjects, make sure you are only using the clear filter. But outside, the UV filter is great.
And lastly, we all need a good TRIPOD. Not for concerts but maybe for portraits or slow shutter speed shots like capturing fireworks.
This one is made by Victiv but there are many to choose from so, go crazy!
I hope this list of some of my favorite things will be useful to those of you who are just starting your photography journey. You don't always have to buy new to buy well. This gear is not cheap. Consider refurbished equipment until you can upgrade.
XO- Laura