You all told me a flash at a football game is bad but...

[timmyquest]

In a recent discussion here many of you told me that useing a flash with a telephoto lens would be a waste of time.

I recently chatted with our local studio owner (who frequently shoots photographs at our local football games) and he told me he does indeed use a flash at the games.

Then i was browsing SportsShooter.com when i found this: http://www.sportsshooter.com/funpix_view.html?id=37

I'm convinced :twisted:

[dn7elson]

If the reach of the flash equals or is less than the distance to the object being photographed, flash makes sense. Those $25 P&S cameras taking "flash shots" at stadiums have a reach of about 6-8' which does nothing.

If you want to use flash with a telephoto lens, you should take a look at a flash extender.

http://www.moose395.net/gear/bb.html

[Tom W]

He's using the standard Canon neckstrap - I'd get a second opinion! :)

Actually, I'd think that a flash near the field of play could be pretty distracting during a game, and football players aren't always known for their "understanding". ;)

[timmyquest]

He's using the standard Canon neckstrap - I'd get a second opinion! :)

Actually, I'd think that a flash near the field of play could be pretty distracting during a game, and football players aren't always known for their "understanding". ;)

It's actually not all that distracting. IHSA rules say you can use a flash just so long as it's not in the endzone.

[Tom W]

He's using the standard Canon neckstrap - I'd get a second opinion! :)

Actually, I'd think that a flash near the field of play could be pretty distracting during a game, and football players aren't always known for their "understanding". ;)

It's actually not all that distracting. IHSA rules say you can use a flash just so long as it's not in the endzone.

Well, I haven't got a clue who ISHA is - are they related to the NFL?

[timmyquest]

IHSA

Ilinois Highschool Sports Association

;-)


I highly doubt a flash would be needed at an NFL venue ;-).

[Tom W]

IHSA

Ilinois Highschool Sports Association

;-)


I highly doubt a flash would be needed at an NFL venue ;-).

Oh! Dang - I was thinking pro football all along. Those guys are all fired up in a game. I'd hate to distract any of them. Even the "skinny" wide recievers are about 220 pounds, solid, and angry. They're all angry. They spend 3 1/2 hours every Sunday releasing tons of anger. Grrrrrrr......

You're right - a flash wouldn't be needed at an NFL game, and considering the seating arrangement, one would need about 3 million candlepower to even reach the sidelines if they expected any value to come from the flash anyway.

[Chazs]

Those $25 P&S cameras taking "flash shots" at stadiums have a reach of about 6-8' which does nothing.


Twenty years ago I worked in a camera store, and at that time, the cheepo point-and-shoots had a few different automatic shutter speeds. The slowest speed was activated only when the flash fired. So, even though the flash is not illuminating any objects, it is actually coinciding with a slow shutter speed. So all those laughable stadium flashes actually do have a minor purpose.

[where1]

Those $25 P&S cameras taking "flash shots" at stadiums have a reach of about 6-8' which does nothing.


Twenty years ago I worked in a camera store, and at that time, the cheepo point-and-shoots had a few different automatic shutter speeds. The slowest speed was activated only when the flash fired. So, even though the flash is not illuminating any objects, it is actually coinciding with a slow shutter speed. So all those laughable stadium flashes actually do have a minor purpose.

I remember that. When you stuck a flash cube in the socket, you got a longer exposure. You could stick a used up flash cube in and get the longer exposure without wasting a flash.

[dn7elson]

I remember that. When you stuck a flash cube in the socket, you got a longer exposure. You could stick a used up flash cube in and get the longer exposure without wasting a flash.

Actually, I think that it allowed you to trigger the shutter when the light was otherwise too low. The light from the flash did nothing as it never made it back to the camera. I should have been more precise. :lol:

[CyberDyneSystems]

I also think that the lens in the photo is only a 200mm...

[daaaveman]

yeah, but it's a 200 1.8L isn't it? Who needs a flash!

[Tom W]

Really, 200/1.8. I wouldn't mind one of those.

I wonder what his subject is - the game, people entering and leaving the field, or what.....

[dn7elson]

I wonder what his subject is - the game, people entering and leaving the field, or what.....

...other photographers? :lol: :lol:

[Burninfilm2]

I shoot prep football and use a flash along the sideline..always. Our (newspapers) formula for our local stadiums ia f/2.8 @ 1/250 with flash set on 1/8. we shoot mainly with 70-200 lenses, but occasionally will throw on a 300 MM..all f/2.8. Hope this helps..Bob <><

[Edbush6]

I have shot night football with/without a flash. I have had better luck without. I also use a 200mm F2 so that helps. I have had good luck with the 70-200 & 300mm as well.

[Tsmith]

I have shot night football with/without a flash. I have had better luck without. I also use a 200mm F2 so that helps. I have had good luck with the 70-200 & 300mm as well.

Dang I clicked those thread links out of curiosity before I realized this thread is almost 6 years old ... :confused: