Pointers wanted for shooting Little League with 300 f/2.8

[xn2b8r]

After shooting my son's Little League games for most of the season with my 40D and 70-200 f/2.8L IS, I decided to rent a 300 f/2.8L IS for an upcoming playoff game. (People at the games seem to have run out of "big lens" jokes, so now I figure I need to up the ante. Plus I'd like to get a little nicer bokeh and tighter framing.)

So...anyone have any suggestions or pointers? I've learned a lot about position, avoiding spray-n-pray, watching the background, anticipating plays, timing batter actions and the like, but I'd like to get more defensive plays and more faces. Ideas welcomed; I'm here to learn!

And here's a big question: A friend has offered to loan me his 1D Mark III for the game. I'd love to take it for a spin, but I'm used to the shutter release on my 40D, and I'm wondering if an important event is a bad time to learn a new camera and a new lens at the same time. Also: for the 300, especially with the 40D: monopod, or no?

Thanks --
Jeff

[downhillnews]

And here's a big question: A friend has offered to loan me his 1D Mark III for the game. I'd love to take it for a spin, but I'm used to the shutter release on my 40D, and I'm wondering if an important event is a bad time to learn a new camera and a new lens at the same time. Also: for the 300, especially with the 40D: monopod, or no?

Thanks --
Jeff[/QUOTE]

I would not use the 1D unless it was a second body and your 70-200 was on it maybe? It will take time to get used to. MONOPOD, yes unless you play Pro Football or are a Pro Bodybuilder it is heavy. just remember you can shoot vertical or horizontal so if you seem to close try the other and see if that helps.

[xn2b8r]

Baseball, yes, but I'm no football player or bodybuilder. So I'll plan on using the monopod.

[pigtailpat]

XN -

I rented this lens last summer for a baseball tournament for a week. It is EXTREMELY heavy (I forgot to pack my monopod for the tournament, so for the first day I had to hand hold the 300 - my other kids left home fedex'd my monopod so I had it the rest of the tournament - an experience I'll never forget). My advice is to rent it for a couple of extra days BEFORE the critical playoff game, so you have an opportunity to shoot with it and get used to it. The extra rental $$ will be worth it.

If you have the 70-200, you'll be used to using the zoom, and such a zoom is not there on the 300. Going from a zoom to a prime takes a little getting used to.

I'm warning though, once you handle a 300 f 2.8, you'll likely be left wanting one, and it'll eventually cost you alot more than the rental :D

Pat

[xn2b8r]

My advice is to rent it for a couple of extra days BEFORE the critical playoff game, so you have an opportunity to shoot with it and get used to it. The extra rental $$ will be worth it.

I'm warning though, once you handle a 300 f 2.8, you'll likely be left wanting one, and it'll eventually cost you alot more than the rental :D

Pat

That's good advice, thanks. As for ending up wanting one, I would already crawl a mile over hot coals to get one....I imagine that feeling will get worse.:cry: