HELP! What lens for pro baseball game?

Sony SAL-1855 DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

06/15/2012 10:15:21 AM · #1

OK,

Sorry for the short notice, but hubby got tickets to a RANGERS game tonight and we have awesome seats! Cameras and video equipment are allowed, so curious what lenses to take and what to leave home?

I have three long lenses, one intermediate lens, one wide and the kit lens. (Not sure if the primes would be good or not!)

If anyone has any suggestions, I would be open as I don't want to take the whole bag, but will if necessary. AND any suggestions for shooting/lighting issues, etc?

Thanks in advance for any help!! ...can you tell I"m excited? (No flash allowed, but shouldn't need it!)

JamesDowning

Sony SLT-A33

06/15/2012 10:22:11 AM · #2

Depends on what you're looking to shoot I guess. If you're wanting to shoot the players individually, you'll probably need your longest lens possible. But if you want to take pictures that capture the crowd and the setting, go for a 18-55ish lens. I'd keep it simple with only two lenses and a small bag, as the seating is rather tight in my experience.

mpeters

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

06/15/2012 10:24:08 AM · #3

Originally posted by bergiekat:

Hi Kat, Can't really help out on the lens selection, though i'd think the longest lens you have would be best if you are trying to catch field action. I personally like a wide angle for baseball games as some fun shots can be had from the cheap seats. The roar of the crowd, that kind of thing.

Even thought they allow cameras, some ballparks restrict lenses that look "pro". Be prepared to leave a long telephoto in the car... Or sneak it in in the bottom of a backpack disguised as a bag of peanuts.

Oh, and one other thing -- Go Athletics! :0

RyanW

Nikon D7000

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

06/15/2012 10:33:28 AM · #4

based on lenses in your profile i'd bring the 28-105 (for mid-range/slightly wider) or 17-40 (for a wider field view in some shots) and the 100-300 for in-close shots.

Lighting shouldn't be much of an issue as they have to keep it illuminated enough for the players to see the ball travelling at the speed it does.

i'd have a decent aperature as you really want to get detail in these shots, adjust for lighting as required after doing test shots because you'll need a fast shutter speed to capture the action without blur (as im sure you're aware). I'd try for 1/125+ speed as a slowest and go faster based on the quality of the images still being retained as you adjust iso/aperature for the shutter.

if you're looking for fun, candid shots, focus on the dugout/coaches if you have a decent vantage point. they can get some really heated things going on.
for good play shots, focus on where the action is anticipated to be. have a runner on base? focus on them. runner on 3rd? focus on the plate.

Alyn

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II

06/15/2012 10:34:57 AM · #5

The fastest, longest lens you got. The lighting is usually dim for camera standards, so while you want a long lens, you still want to be able to hold it rather steady (cause you won't be able to have a tripod). Getting around people standing up, moving, generally being in the way can be an issue also. Look for emotional expression always in the players or intent.

This is a funny website: //loljocks.blogspot.com/search/label/lolnba

Have fun. :D

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

06/15/2012 10:39:12 AM · #6

Wow, all great suggestions and tips. Think I'll take three lenses and see what I can accomplish!
AND Mark..........I so can't believe you, lol! :P Great hearing from you! :)

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

06/15/2012 10:55:13 AM · #7

Probably the most important consideration is that to get good action shots, you will probably have to anticipate the action and pre-focus. For example, for this shot I was in the third deck with a 432mm lens ... with a runner on first the ball was hit down the right-field line. I pre-focused on the home plate area, and tried to keep it framed in the viewfinder with my right eye while watching the runner rounding third with my left.

I also like to try and capture the moment of impact ...

Lighting is adequate for ball-playing, but lousy for photography. Shoot at a high enough ISO that you can have the shutter at least at 1/250 or so ...

Skip

Canon EOS-1D X

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM

06/15/2012 11:01:10 AM · #8

if you can, rent a 300mm f/2.8 and take your widest lens. otherwise, go with some of the other good tips you've gotten so far.

have fun, and keep your eye on the ball ;-)

JamesDowning

Sony SLT-A33

Sony SAL-1855 DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

06/15/2012 11:22:48 AM · #9

Use burst if you want to get some critical timing shots!

cutout

Canon EOS-20D

06/15/2012 11:40:20 AM · #10

dont forget to NOT to remove your lenscap
to make some boring baseball pic

06/15/2012 11:49:00 AM · #11

Well, Yu Darvish is pitching tonight, so I'm excited!

My spirits have been dampened a bit since I just had a jar of candle wax explode wax all over the inside of the flippin' microwave!!!! *&(*#)(%& *&( Y*&*&(& Maybe I'll clean it in the morning, lol. :~/