singer about to run across the stage

Unforgettable Moments

Morten Rygaard

“For any photographer, finding a lens that performs flawlessly in every situation is like discovering a hidden gem. The Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM has quickly become my top choice, especially for events and portraits, where versatility and image quality are paramount,” says photographer Morten Rygaard.

As a live music and portrait photographer, Morten is skilled at capturing the essence of his subjects and the raw energy of live performances. His images are iconic and dynamic, portraying musicians, actors, and influential figures with depth and character. When photographing live shows, Morten brings the intensity of the moment to life, fully immersing viewers in the music’s atmosphere.

From the moment he first used it, Morten was captivated with its ability to handle both close-up live music portraits and expansive scene shots with ease. “The more I shot, the more impressed I became. It seamlessly switches between focal lengths without compromising quality, quickly becoming an essential tool in my workflow,” he explains.

singer on stage with guitarist behind him © Morten Rygaard | Sony α9 III + FE 28-70mm f/2 GM | 1/500 @ f/2.0, ISO 160

For Morten, one unforgettable experience was capturing the raw energy of the Danish rock band Kellermensch at the Royal Theatre. The legendary venue paired with the band's intense, unpredictable music created a powerful atmosphere. Translating this into images required a special lens. “The lens worked perfectly with the new AI-powered autofocus system in the Sony Alpha 9 III, keeping the focus spot-on,” he recalls.

“This is the most versatile lens I’ve ever used,” Morten says enthusiastically. Its sharpness and ability to produce beautiful, creamy bokeh at wide apertures make it ideal for stunning images, whether shooting wide open at f/2 or in challenging lighting conditions.

singer on stage holding his arm up © Morten Rygaard | Sony α9 III + FE 28-70mm f/2 GM | 1/250 @ f/2.0, ISO 800

The wide aperture is transformative—not just for low-light performance but for creating the soft bokeh that distinguishes Morten’s images, adding depth and atmosphere. He was pleasantly surprised by the lightweight build, which enhances its appeal. “Anything that makes a photographer's life easier and more enjoyable is a huge bonus, and this lens does just that.”

drummer sitting behind his kit © Morten Rygaard | Sony α9 III + FE 28-70mm f/2 GM | 1/500 @ f/2.0, ISO 800

“I love this lens because it combines an impressive focal range with a wide f/2 aperture, making it a true all-rounder—an essential tool I reach for in any scenario,” Morten adds. Whether shooting live events or portraits, the 28-70mm consistently delivers, making it his go-to choice for a range of photography tasks.

band on stage in silhouette © Morten Rygaard | Sony α9 III + FE 28-70mm f/2 GM | 1/320 @ f/2.0, ISO 250

While photographing Kellermensch’s electrifying concert, Morten felt the lens’s capability firsthand. “It allowed me to capture the band’s energy and intensity with incredible sharpness, moving seamlessly from close-ups of the musicians’ expressions to wider shots that captured the entire venue’s atmosphere,” he shares. In the low-light setting, the f/2 aperture was invaluable, producing a creamy, cinematic background blur that heightened the band’s presence on stage while preserving the mood's authenticity and intensity.

singer crowd surfing during a gig © Morten Rygaard | Sony α9 III + FE 28-70mm f/2 GM | 1/500 @ f/2.0, ISO 1000

On assignments ranging from intimate club concerts to large arena performances, Morten emphasises the importance of reliable gear: “I need a lens I can trust. Trusting my equipment allows me to focus on what’s in front of my camera, unleash my creativity, and push my limits.” The 28-70mm f/2 consistently delivers exceptional sharpness and reliability, making it easy to capture fleeting moments with clarity. “This versatility frees me to focus on the creative aspects, knowing my equipment will keep up with the pace and demands of the moment.”

bass player posing for the camera on stage © Morten Rygaard | Sony α9 III + FE 28-70mm f/2 GM | 1/320 @ f/2.0, ISO 1250

“If I could choose only one lens, it would be the 28-70mm. Its unparalleled quality, versatility, and precision for both events and portraits make it essential to my work,” Morten concludes.

"The lens beautifully captured the band’s intense energy and performance, delivering sharp, high-speed images and transitioning seamlessly from close-ups to wide shots of the entire venue. This adaptability has made it essential in my work—I absolutely love everything about this lens.”

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Morten Rygaard

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