Why I Use the Canon EOS R 50mm f/1.8 for Concert Photography

This shot? Canon 50mm f/1.8. From the pit, low light - and still one of my favorites.

There are a million lenses out there—but my go-to for live music is the humble, reliable, totally underrated Canon EOS R 50mm f/1.8. It’s the lens I reach for first, the one that has helped me capture some of my favorite photos, and honestly? The one I’d recommend to almost anyone starting out.

Here’s why this little lens punches way above its weight in the pit.

🔍 It’s Lightweight—and So Am I (Kind Of)

Let’s be real: I’m often shooting for hours, sometimes multiple sets back to back, and I don’t want to carry a heavy, front-loaded zoom all night. The 50mm f/1.8 is so small and light, it barely feels like I’m holding anything—perfect for moving fast and staying present.

🌙 It Performs in Low Light

Low lighting is the name of the game in concert photography. The wide f/1.8 aperture allows me to shoot in moody, dim venues without cranking my ISO to oblivion. It helps preserve image quality even when I’m working with just a few stage lights and a prayer.

🖼 It’s Incredibly Sharp

Despite being one of Canon’s most affordable RF lenses, this thing is shockingly sharp—especially wide open. I’ve captured eye contact, stage sweat, flying dreads, and drumstick tosses with beautiful detail, even from tricky spots in the crowd or the side of the stage.

💸 It’s Budget-Friendly, but Doesn’t Feel Cheap

You don’t need a $3,000 lens to make magic. This one cost me less than $300—and has made me way more than that in return. I’ve shot everything from intimate club sets to packed theaters with it, and no one ever looks at the photos and says, “Hmm... that looks like a budget lens.”

Final Thoughts About The Canon EOS R 50mm f/1.8 for Concert Photography

If you’re a concert photographer—beginner or pro—and want a compact, fast, sharp lens that won’t destroy your budget, the Canon EOS R 50mm f/1.8 is it.

I always have it in my bag. Most of the time, it’s already on my camera.

📎 Want to know what other gear I bring to shows? Read: What’s in My Concert Photography Gear Kit