DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest You are not logged in. (log in or register
 

DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Football game lens
Pages:  
Showing posts 1 - 22 of 22, (reverse)
AuthorThread
12/11/2013 10:44:57 AM · #1
I'm debating renting a lens for the upcoming Steelers vs Packers game on the 22nd of December. We will be sitting 14 rows up in the corner above the Packers tunnel. I have the 70-200mm which has served me well at games but thought I might try something new. Right now I am debating between the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM or the Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM. I have two 40Ds so I won't be changing out lenses from the 70-200mm to the other. Any suggestions would be helpful...they both rent for about the same price($70).
12/11/2013 10:51:15 AM · #2
I've heard tell of them not allowing such kit into the stadium.

The 100-400 is a great lens though, if it's a day game anyway.
12/11/2013 11:29:12 AM · #3
Some teams have a 6" lens policy. It looks like the Packers allow 12"

Originally posted by Packers Website:

Cameras
Video cameras and still cameras with lenses over 12" are not allowed into the stadium. You are welcome to use your still photo camera (with lenses under 12") for your personal enjoyment. Commercial use of any audio or video recordings of the game violation of guidelines established by the National Football League.


However, you'll have to hand carry it, since bags aren't allowed (unless you can fit in a 12x6x12 ziploc):

Originally posted by Packers Website:

Carry-In Policy & Security
Police officers are stationed at each entrance gate to ensure your safety while visiting Lambeau Field. You and your belongings may be searched upon entry into the stadium. If you elect not to consent to being searched, you will be denied entry. Please be aware that carry-in policies may be modified from game to game as security levels change, and items permitted into the stadium may be determined at the discretion of each officer. Firearms and other weapons, bags, backpacks, coolers, umbrellas, duffel bags, large purses, fanny packs, obstructive banners and signs are all strictly prohibited, as are food & beverages, noisemakers of any kind, video cameras and still photo cameras with lenses over 12 inches. As a general rule, please leave all unnecessary items at home.

Fans will be allowed to carry in a clear bag that does not exceed 12 x 6 x 12 inches or a one-gallon, clear plastic bag.


//www.packers.com/gameday/lambeau-field-a-to-z-guide.html

Also, no food or guns.

Message edited by author 2013-12-11 11:34:29.
12/11/2013 11:46:31 AM · #4
14 rows up, the 200 on a crop body should be fine. I had a 70-300 on the very top row, also on a crop body, and got some nice shots.

If you haven't been there before, it looks big on TV. But when you get inside, you will find that it has an incredibly intimate seating arrangement. You will almost feel like you are on the field from row 14.
12/11/2013 11:54:52 AM · #5
I'll be with my 15 year old son so he can carry one of the cameras. I did see the policy on 12" lenses, Lucas Oil in Indianapolis has a similar policy. Heinz Field in Pittsburgh is too vague to even dare carry a camera from across the river. I have some great shots from 4th row up at Lucas Oil using the 70-200mm and even the 55-250mm.

12/11/2013 12:05:52 PM · #6
70-210mm


55-250mm


and just some bragging shots...
12/11/2013 12:38:06 PM · #7
Broncos, Sports Authority Field at Mile High. NFL stadium bag policy.

12" = 304.8mm. An unattached 300mm lens would be on the line.

Just thinking ahead to my next visit to the stadium, I might be forced to use a 200mm lens with the newer generation 1.4x TC.
12/11/2013 12:41:07 PM · #8
Originally posted by hahn23:

Broncos, Sports Authority Field at Mile High. NFL stadium bag policy.

12" = 304.8mm. An unattached 300mm lens would be on the line.

Just thinking ahead to my next visit to the stadium, I might be forced to use a 200mm lens with the newer generation 1.4x TC.


Great excuse to buy/rent a 400L DO.. ;)
12/11/2013 12:55:03 PM · #9
Originally posted by Cory:

Originally posted by hahn23:

Broncos, Sports Authority Field at Mile High. NFL stadium bag policy.

12" = 304.8mm. An unattached 300mm lens would be on the line.

Just thinking ahead to my next visit to the stadium, I might be forced to use a 200mm lens with the newer generation 1.4x TC.


Great excuse to buy/rent a 400L DO.. ;)

9.1" would pass the gate inspection. Excellent suggestion. I like it. I'll put it on my wish list. :-)
However, if you've ever parked near Sports Authority Field and walked a few blocks to the stadium, you'll understand the risk of getting mugged for the lens value. (Especially for a night game.)
12/11/2013 01:02:05 PM · #10
Is it a night game? If so, you are probably going to want as fast a lens as you can muster. I shoot the Ducks with a 100-400 with the ISO cranked to 3200 for night games and can only muster maybe 1/400. That is fast enough for when players come at you head on, but lateral motion across your lens (ie. shooting from the stands (unless you are in the endzone)) will blur slightly at that speed.

Of course you can only do what you can do. Anything fast and long is also going to be big.

EDIT: I reread and see you may be close to the endzone after all which may give you less lateral motion. That might work in your favor.

Message edited by author 2013-12-11 13:02:57.
12/11/2013 01:03:46 PM · #11
Why wouldn't you just go to the game and enjoy the time with your son? Maybe take a point and shoot for some selfies or some other shots. And just spend the time enjoying being with him and the crowd.
12/11/2013 01:05:49 PM · #12
Originally posted by DrAchoo:

Is it a night game? If so, you are probably going to want as fast a lens as you can muster. I shoot the Ducks with a 100-400 with the ISO cranked to 3200 for night games and can only muster maybe 1/400. That is fast enough for when players come at you head on, but lateral motion across your lens (ie. shooting from the stands (unless you are in the endzone)) will blur slightly at that speed.

Of course you can only do what you can do. Anything fast and long is also going to be big.

EDIT: I reread and see you may be close to the endzone after all which may give you less lateral motion. That might work in your favor.


At the college level 1/400 isn't near fast enough. I'm surprised you get anything other than static shots sharp. Even at the high school level I need 1/640-1/800 and still get a bit of motion in the extremities now and then.
12/11/2013 01:06:34 PM · #13
Originally posted by DrAchoo:

Is it a night game? If so, you are probably going to want as fast a lens as you can muster. I shoot the Ducks with a 100-400 with the ISO cranked to 3200 for night games and can only muster maybe 1/400. That is fast enough for when players come at you head on, but lateral motion across your lens (ie. shooting from the stands (unless you are in the endzone)) will blur slightly at that speed.

Of course you can only do what you can do. Anything fast and long is also going to be big.

EDIT: I reread and see you may be close to the endzone after all which may give you less lateral motion. That might work in your favor.

Sunday, December 22, 3:25 PM on CBS
Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Green Bay Packers

The day after the Winter Solstice and in Green Bay. It will be mostly lit by stadium lights.
12/11/2013 01:12:45 PM · #14
Originally posted by MattO:

Why wouldn't you just go to the game and enjoy the time with your son? Maybe take a point and shoot for some selfies or some other shots. And just spend the time enjoying being with him and the crowd.


That's the plan, shooting is secondary Matt. Last year we did the Colts/Packers. This year I have two cameras and thought he might like to do some shooting too.

12/11/2013 02:10:06 PM · #15
Originally posted by MattO:

Originally posted by DrAchoo:

Is it a night game? If so, you are probably going to want as fast a lens as you can muster. I shoot the Ducks with a 100-400 with the ISO cranked to 3200 for night games and can only muster maybe 1/400. That is fast enough for when players come at you head on, but lateral motion across your lens (ie. shooting from the stands (unless you are in the endzone)) will blur slightly at that speed.

Of course you can only do what you can do. Anything fast and long is also going to be big.

EDIT: I reread and see you may be close to the endzone after all which may give you less lateral motion. That might work in your favor.


At the college level 1/400 isn't near fast enough. I'm surprised you get anything other than static shots sharp. Even at the high school level I need 1/640-1/800 and still get a bit of motion in the extremities now and then.


I mostly agree with you. I'm not really there to shoot the players (rather to shoot the stadium), but when the sky isn't cooperating I go down and pretend I'm a PJ. It IS difficult at night, so I mainly camp out in the endzone and shoot head on. The decreased lateral motion makes 1/400 or 1/500 doable, but only barely so.

Day games are much better and, then, I think the 100-400 actually becomes an advantage over the 400mm f/2.8 monsters around me. Those lenses have a narrow "ideal" distance and with Oregon's offense the action quickly is upon you (too fast to grab your secondary body).
12/11/2013 03:09:39 PM · #16
For what it's worth, I had pretty good luck with just a 70-200 at Super Bowl XLV (ironically between the Steelers & Packers) from the stands (not because I was restricted to that length, but because that's what I have :)

Since I shoot for a smaller newspaper, I wasn't able to get onto the field for that game (I have field passes for the rest of the season). I was in the second tier seats, which turned out to be surprisingly decent. I was allowed to roam the stadium, but I never left my assigned seat for the whole game.

The security folks will not have any idea what is a "good" lens verses a "bad" lens, as far as its reach... they'll generally be looking for things that look like they'll produce professional results at long lengths. If you have a smaller (less expensive, slower) lens with a longer focal reach, that's probably your best bet to get in the gates.



Message edited by author 2013-12-11 15:42:02.
12/11/2013 03:21:26 PM · #17
I think that's another option to look at. I have the F/4 lens...perhaps rent the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM II @ $80. Faster instead of longer. Even though I had corner seats at Lucas I was still able to get some shots at a distance. Regardless of lens, it should be a good game though since both teams have decided to take this season off. Thanks for everyone's input.
12/11/2013 04:35:35 PM · #18
Originally posted by DrAchoo:

Originally posted by MattO:

Originally posted by DrAchoo:

Is it a night game? If so, you are probably going to want as fast a lens as you can muster. I shoot the Ducks with a 100-400 with the ISO cranked to 3200 for night games and can only muster maybe 1/400. That is fast enough for when players come at you head on, but lateral motion across your lens (ie. shooting from the stands (unless you are in the endzone)) will blur slightly at that speed.

Of course you can only do what you can do. Anything fast and long is also going to be big.

EDIT: I reread and see you may be close to the endzone after all which may give you less lateral motion. That might work in your favor.


At the college level 1/400 isn't near fast enough. I'm surprised you get anything other than static shots sharp. Even at the high school level I need 1/640-1/800 and still get a bit of motion in the extremities now and then.


I mostly agree with you. I'm not really there to shoot the players (rather to shoot the stadium), but when the sky isn't cooperating I go down and pretend I'm a PJ. It IS difficult at night, so I mainly camp out in the endzone and shoot head on. The decreased lateral motion makes 1/400 or 1/500 doable, but only barely so.

Day games are much better and, then, I think the 100-400 actually becomes an advantage over the 400mm f/2.8 monsters around me. Those lenses have a narrow "ideal" distance and with Oregon's offense the action quickly is upon you (too fast to grab your secondary body).


You're missing the real opportunity here. I try not to fight the conditions but to use them to my advantage when shooting, and I think there's a really great option that you may not have explored yet.

Crank that ISO WAAAY down - go for ISO200 or 400, then set the IS on that lens to "mode 2", and go for a shutter speed of about 1/20 or 1/15 - pan with that lateral motion, and even crank down that tension adjustment and go for a bit of zoom while you pan. You'll get something much more pleasing than a simple static shot, even if only one in a hundred will be a keeper.. Plus it's super fun! :D



Message edited by author 2013-12-11 16:37:44.
12/11/2013 08:26:54 PM · #19
Originally posted by Cory:

Originally posted by DrAchoo:

Originally posted by MattO:

Originally posted by DrAchoo:

Is it a night game? If so, you are probably going to want as fast a lens as you can muster. I shoot the Ducks with a 100-400 with the ISO cranked to 3200 for night games and can only muster maybe 1/400. That is fast enough for when players come at you head on, but lateral motion across your lens (ie. shooting from the stands (unless you are in the endzone)) will blur slightly at that speed.

Of course you can only do what you can do. Anything fast and long is also going to be big.

EDIT: I reread and see you may be close to the endzone after all which may give you less lateral motion. That might work in your favor.


At the college level 1/400 isn't near fast enough. I'm surprised you get anything other than static shots sharp. Even at the high school level I need 1/640-1/800 and still get a bit of motion in the extremities now and then.


I mostly agree with you. I'm not really there to shoot the players (rather to shoot the stadium), but when the sky isn't cooperating I go down and pretend I'm a PJ. It IS difficult at night, so I mainly camp out in the endzone and shoot head on. The decreased lateral motion makes 1/400 or 1/500 doable, but only barely so.

Day games are much better and, then, I think the 100-400 actually becomes an advantage over the 400mm f/2.8 monsters around me. Those lenses have a narrow "ideal" distance and with Oregon's offense the action quickly is upon you (too fast to grab your secondary body).


You're missing the real opportunity here. I try not to fight the conditions but to use them to my advantage when shooting, and I think there's a really great option that you may not have explored yet.

Crank that ISO WAAAY down - go for ISO200 or 400, then set the IS on that lens to "mode 2", and go for a shutter speed of about 1/20 or 1/15 - pan with that lateral motion, and even crank down that tension adjustment and go for a bit of zoom while you pan. You'll get something much more pleasing than a simple static shot, even if only one in a hundred will be a keeper.. Plus it's super fun! :D


Now that is some good advice.
12/11/2013 09:39:19 PM · #20
When I shoot football for the local newspaper. I tend to shoot tight. My ISO is typically 6400-12,800 shooting at F2.8 and min shutter speed is 1/640, I prefer 1/800 or even faster.
A few examples from this past season.



Matt
12/11/2013 11:52:16 PM · #21
If it were me, I'd bring a fisheye :)
12/14/2013 02:33:41 PM · #22
Originally posted by Cory:

You're missing the real opportunity here. I try not to fight the conditions but to use them to my advantage when shooting, and I think there's a really great option that you may not have explored yet.

Crank that ISO WAAAY down - go for ISO200 or 400, then set the IS on that lens to "mode 2", and go for a shutter speed of about 1/20 or 1/15 - pan with that lateral motion, and even crank down that tension adjustment and go for a bit of zoom while you pan. You'll get something much more pleasing than a simple static shot, even if only one in a hundred will be a keeper.. Plus it's super fun! :D


Sounds like a nice idea for a great artistic shot but it's so hard to follow the action in a sport like football while peering through a viewfinder when you have a narrow angle lens attached. You may not get any keepers for the whole game with your technique.
Pages:  
Current Server Time: 03/28/2024 08:49:50 AM

Please log in or register to post to the forums.


Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Prints! - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2024 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 03/28/2024 08:49:50 AM EDT.