Is a 70-200 2.8 sufficient for shooting baseball from the dugout?

[Asher Kelman]

Hi,

What lens is best suited and how does a 70-200 2.8L IS match up to the needs to shoot a baseball game at Dodger's Stadium from near the Dugout?

Also any experiences using a x 1.4 extender with the lens in this circumstance?

Show examples, if you can.

I'd use a 100-400 if I had one. I sold my 300mm! I'm wondering whether I need to rent a longer lens.

Asher

 

[Asher Kelman]

The games will be over! Where's the answers!

Asher

 

[Kathy Rappaport]

Asher, just invite us....

Asher,

You buy tickets and we will come - I have those lenses! We can do a real time test -70-200 2.8 vs. the 100-400 with the 1.4 tele. We ought to get some great left field shots! (Haven't been to Chavez Ravine since 1973!). We can use the 20D for even longer shots vs the 5 or your MkII - And we have until September to decide! Dodger Dogs on us!.

Oh - if only Sandy Koufax were on the mound!

 

[Asher Kelman]

That's a great idea! I'm going tomorrow, so I was wondering what's best with the 1DII. I'm not a big sports person, however, I'm an enthusiast when I'm there and always have an enjoyable time.

I just miss my 300mm!

Asher

We should talk about another trip. We'll talk later in the week.

 

[Scott B. Hughes]

Asher, maybe it was in a different thread, so I apologize if this is detailed elsewhere....

but was the baseball game? If you right behind the dugout, I bet you did well with nothing too exotic far as longer optics.

Do tell.

 

[Asher Kelman]

Scott,

This was such a scream. Free food, and beer and wine as much as you wish. We were very close and I was a little concerned that a ball was going to come at 90 mph from the base 40 yards away.

I didn't bring my camera since at the last moment I was flasly told that one couldn't bring pro cameras! well, one could bring anything! Next time I'll use the 70-200 and it will be perfect. The Press needs longer lenses since they are really much further away. It seems like 400mm Canon lenses are standard.

We were just behind the owner of the Dodgers.

Seems a cool guy.

Next time I'll be better prepared.

Asher

 

[Scott B. Hughes]

The pj's use the long stuff, but they are going for 'the shot', generally quite tight action stuff.

25 years ago, I bumped into a guy shooting from the club box section at Busch Stadium (STL) with a 645/45mm. I asked, "what's up?".

Basically, he said he wasn't looking for the moment of the game, rather the bigger picture and ambiance of the ballpark.

 

[Anil Mungal]

Hi Asher,

This was taken from the first row behind the dugout (not Dodger Statdium, but I'm sure you'll have a similar distance from the plate). It was at 200mm on a 10D, ISO 1600.