Shooting with two cameras?

[jdouglas003]

I picked up a Sigma 120-300 2.8 recently and now that youth soccer season has picked up here in Texas I've had an opportunity to put it to the tests.

Since the lens is very heavy I've had to use a monopod to shoot with it on my 40D. I also so have a 30D with a Sigma 70-200 2.8 that I've also been trying to use.

So far it's been pretty difficult to switch between the two cameras. I generally have the 30D hanging around my neck by the strap but by the time I throw the 40D over my shoulder (while resting on the monopod) and get the 30D up to and in position the action has already passed.

Any tips on effective ways to use two cameras for action would be greatly appreciated.

Just noticed that this forum is for sharing images. Sorry, will repost in appropriate forum.

Thanks

[dmwierz]

J - This is a skill that's worth learning, but you'll probably find out the number of shots you get with the 70-200 is a LOT less than what you'll take with your 120-300, especially on a full sized field.

I use two cameras for football and soccer, and bring along a second camera/lens for baseball. It's a matter of personal style, but I prefer to hold the 400 on a monopod in the crook of my right arm, facing forward, leaning on my body, and swing up the other camera hanging over my left shoulder. I usually won't hang it around my neck for a couple reasons. Firstly, if a player were to run into me (mostly for football) and snag the strap, they could do serious damage to themselves AND to my neck. Secondly, it tends to get in the way a lot more than when the camera is hanging over my shoulder.

Here's an interesting "twist" on straps that looks to be a bit more useful for this purpose than the standard strap:

http://www.blackrapid.com/video.php

[<AkulA>]

If I were you - I'd practice more with the 120-300 to get the zoom down. And have an even wider lens mounted on your 30D (24-70 or prime in that range maybe?) Then you wouldn't even have to move your monopodded 120-300, just one-hand the 30D and get your shot!

[Aaagogo]

I agree with the using the 120-300 more..

IMHO, the reason why you find it hard is due to the huge overlap in focal length.

you have 2 lens that does 120-200mm range, by the time you want tighter, u're at the max end of the short lens, and when you pick up the longer one, it's not long enough now.

usually, when you have 2 or more cameras, the overlap is none or minimal,

[littleman23408]

Well by no means have I tried what your doing before, but generally when I watch some soccer on tv, I see the photographers have their bigger lenses on the monopod laying in front of them. The other cam with the shorter lens around their neck..

I notice when the action is on the opposite end of them they will have the cam with monopod up, and as soon as they see the action move towards them they lay that camera on the grass in front of them and pick up the camera around their neck.

My .02 cents

[jdouglas003]

I agree with the using the 120-300 more..

IMHO, the reason why you find it hard is due to the huge overlap in focal length.

you have 2 lens that does 120-200mm range, by the time you want tighter, u're at the max end of the short lens, and when you pick up the longer one, it's not long enough now.

usually, when you have 2 or more cameras, the overlap is none or minimal,


Good point.

After the 70-200 all I''ve got left would be the Canon 50 1.8, 85 1.8 or a Tamron 17-50 2.8.

I'm thinking the 85 might not be wide enough so maybe I'll try the 50 and see what happens.

As <AkulA> (how do you pronounce that) said then I can just use the 30D with one hand also.

[Mike]

I tried this the other day for the first time with sport shooting. A little different as I had my 10-20mm lens on my second body and it rained so it stayed mostly in my jacket but aside from the lack of practice carrying 2 cameras it was good to have the extra option for a wide angle shot.

[<AkulA>]

Yea, I'd say use the 50, or tape the zoom on your Tamron to the desired length.

Oh... and it's "Uh cool uh" - Akula is the Russian word for shark, and it's a class of their nuclear attach submarines. :D

[corythosaurus]

J - Here's an interesting "twist" on straps that looks to be a bit more useful for this purpose than the standard strap:

http://www.blackrapid.com/video.php

When I get second body, this is on my list!

[NZDoug]

put one camera on a tripod if its legal.

[bobbyz]

With something like 120-300mm f2.8, I will just carry one body.

[Tee Why]

I'd check into this strap.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14Q1IxI_Opw