Terence said:The type of lens really depends on your distance from the stage and what sort of shot you're after. I typically use anything from 15mm to 400mm. As mentioned by others, a fast lens, say f2.8 or wider, is highly desirable. And like I said before, leave the strobe at home.
And remember, try to get to the same eye level or slightly higher than the stage. Shots taken at an upwards angle always turn out looking amateurish, imo.
Yeah agree with you, just take a look at my events page on my website, one set was done below the stage (2005 I think) and then 2006 was from eye level, the difference is stunning.
http://www.pbase.com/wildstallion/event
Compare Plugged 2005 to Plugged 2006, also, there are some quite gd WA shots in 2006 IIRC
Never again will I shoot from below the stage (unless I have no other choice)