If You’ve Ever Wondered What Kind of Gear Goes Into Capturing the Magic of Live Music…

Here’s a breakdown of what I use at every concert I shoot.

Concert photography has been a test of both skill and mastery of the gear I use. When shooting a concert, speed is key—you don’t want to miss that split-second, memorable moment.

With that in mind, I’ve entrusted that responsibility to my Fujifilm XT5

Why Fuji?

I chose Fujifilm for various reasons, but the main one was size. Its compact build makes moving through crowded photo pits much easier.

The Fujifilm X-T5 also delivers incredible image quality. With its 40MP sensor, it captures details effortlessly. That resolution comes in handy when cropping into an image for extra reach or adjusting composition.

Still on the subject of image quality, the X-T5 also performs impressively in low light. Pair it with a fast lens, and even raising the ISO doesn’t significantly sacrifice image quality.

Lenses

My lens arsenal is small but mighty. When it comes to concerts, I’ve learned that less is more.

I find myself regularly using just two lenses—both zooms rather than primes. The versatility of zoom lenses is the main reason I prefer them. I like being able to zoom in for detailed shots or zoom out to capture wide crowd or stage scenes.

Main Lens: Fujifilm XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
Link to lens

This lens is my newest addition, but it’s already earned a permanent spot in my kit—no questions asked. It’s Fujifilm’s equivalent of the classic 24–70mm and is often described as their most versatile lens. In their words, it “can do it all.” I’ve captured some of my best work with it in the short time I’ve had it.

Lens selection varies depending on the venue and the type of shot I’m aiming for. For concerts or festivals where I need more reach, I rely on my Canon 70-200mm IS USM L, paired with a Fringer FX-EF Pro II adapter. Adapted lenses aren’t very common, but you can’t go wrong with Canon’s pro-level glass.

Accessories

The gear I bring varies by venue, but some accessories are always in my bag—like star filters, straps, and a harness for when I’m running two camera bodies.

Star Filters
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These are affordable and easy to find, making them a great way to experiment with FX filters.

Camera Straps
I use the popular Peak Design Wrist Strap and Peak Design Leash Camera Strap. They’re user-friendly, and the ability to switch from a full neck strap to a wrist strap is my favorite feature. The quick-release latches are sturdy and interchangeable across Peak Design products, making it easy to swap setups in seconds.

Harness
On occasions when I need to use two cameras, I rely on the HoldFast Gear MoneyMaker and Camera Swag harnesses. They make switching between cameras seamless. My MoneyMaker has endured rain, dust, and dry heat—and its integrity hasn’t faded.

Final Note:
Gear is just a tool—what really matters is being ready when the moment hits. But having the right equipment? That’s what lets you capture the magic without missing a beat. So whether you’re shooting on Fuji, Canon, or something else entirely, just get out there and chase those lights.

What’s your must-have concert gear? Let me know—I’m always down to talk shop.