Coldplay's "Music of the Spheres World Tour" kicks off its Hong Kong leg today (April 8) at the Kai Tak Sports Park, offering fans a sensational musical experience. If you're seated in the "nosebleed section" but want the feel of a "front-row handshake" experience, many fans are opting to rent high-zoom smartphones or use concert photography gadgets highly recommended across social media to close the gap between themselves and their idols.
Here's a rundown of must-have photography tools for concert-goers.
Smartphone rental options
Not every smartphone camera is up to the task of capturing sharp, clear images. As a result, many fans are renting smartphones ahead of major events. A quick search on second-hand marketplaces and social media reveals rental prices ranging from HK$100 to several hundred dollars per day, depending on the model. Here's a look at the most popular models:
- Premium choice: Vivo X200 Pro (512GB)
Equipped with a 200MP APO super-telephoto lens, seven Zeiss lens effects, and five telephoto modes, this device excels in capturing long-range, portrait, macro, sunset, and stage shots with unique effects. Rental prices are approximately HK$800 per day.
- Budget option: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (512GB)
Boasting a 10MP F4.9 aperture telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom, this model supports up to 100x digital zoom and features outstanding night photography capabilities. Ideal for concerts and stargazing, it rents for around HK$140 per day, or HK$90 per day for rentals of five days or more.
- Professional all-rounder: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (512GB)
This model comes with a 10MP 3x zoom and 50MP 5x zoom. While its optical zoom is slightly reduced, its AI Space Zoom feature ensures exceptional clarity at up to 100x zoom. The advanced AI processor enhances noise reduction and photo editing precision, making it a favorite among fans seeking professional-grade captures. Rentals are around HK$180 per day, or HK$290 for two days.
Note: When renting a smartphone, compare prices, check the platform's reputation, and review user feedback. Be aware that deposits are usually required and refundable upon return.
Concert photography gadgets
If you prefer not to rent a smartphone but still want to capture long-range shots, consider these highly recommended photography gadgets:
- For iPhone users: SmallRig Telephoto Lens for Mobile Phones (HK$1,200)
This lens offers adjustable 8x magnification, delivering sharp, distortion-free images with stunning compression effects. Its T-mount design ensures easy installation, and it includes essential accessories like a lens clip, tripod, and adapter.
- Universal model: FOTORGEAR 400mm Telephoto Lens (HK$628)
With a shallow depth of field, this 400mm lens highlights the focal point while blurring the background for extra dramatic effect. It is compatible with T-mount interface phone cases or universal clips and can be mounted on tripods for added stability.
Coldplay pop-up store: Shopping for a cause
Coldplay will perform on April 8–9 and 11–12 at Kai Tak Sports Park, while a Music of the Spheres-themed pop-up shop runs from now until April 27 at AIRSIDE (G015). Inspired by the themes of moonlight, sky, and rainbows, the shop features a range of meticulously designed tour merchandise, including HK-exclusive items.
Products include limited-edition T-shirts, "Moon Music" CDs and vinyl records, tour series hoodies, bucket hats, bracelets, water bottles, tour programs, and posters—all made from eco-friendly materials. All proceeds from the exclusive pop-up T-shirt will be donated to the charitable foundation.
The shop also offers interactive experiences, such as a message wall, photo backgrounds featuring album covers, and photo zones themed around rainbows, moons, and skies.
(Source: Lion Rock Daily)
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