Exactly how ridiculous would I look, shooting youth soccer...

[int2str]

... with 2 bodies?

I'm pretty much a "dad with a camera" shooting my sons soccer (9 year olds) from the sidelines. Usually I use my 7D with the 300mm prime on a monopod. So far so good. The parents like the pictures I make available to them and I get great memories for myself. Of course with the 300mm, I miss the odd shot much closer to the goal.

So, since my 2nd camera is in the mail, how crazy would it look seeing a parent at a youth soccer game with a second body around his neck? :)

I probably know the answer already and am pretty sure I'd never have the guts to try it, but what do you guys think?

Thanks!

[monk3y]

almost all photographers are parents also... so i guess its ok.. :)

[Tom Reichner]

Do what you want to/are inclined to do. It's a shame when someone has a passion for something and wants to try something new out and doesn't because they're concerned about what their peers will think. Go ahead - be the weirdo!

But then again, how will your kid feel about having the "weirdo dad"?!

[int2str]

But then again, how will your kid feel about having the "weirdo dad"?!

Heh, I think that ship has sailed years ago :D

[AdamLewis]

Just buy a Tamron 18-270 and call it a day

[Mike R]

Either you 70-200 on the other body or get a 24-105. I use an R-Strap for my 2nd body, It's the type of thing that you either love it or hate it. What did you get for a 2nd body?

[MJPhotos24]

I shoot with two all the time, same as Mike above use the R-Strap - it's worth it to make sure you get results far and close.

[Duckhunter250]

If "that ship has sailed" LOL I say go for it if it lets you get a shot you would have missed.

[int2str]

Just buy a Tamron 18-270 and call it a day

Looks like it's f/6.3 @ 270mm. Do you think that this lens can match the IQ of the Canon 70-200mm and 300mm that I have (honest question)? I was under the impression that that wasn't quite the case.

Either you 70-200 on the other body or get a 24-105. I use an R-Strap for my 2nd body, It's the type of thing that you either love it or hate it. What did you get for a 2nd body?

I do have an R-Strap and was thinking of putting the 70-200mm on the 2nd body while leaving the 300mm on the monopod.

The 2nd body is a 5D Mark II. I know it's not exactly made for sports, but that won't keep me from at least trying it. It'll probably be the one behind the 70-200mm, if I ever do this.


Oh, and here's an absolutely random photo from my collection, just because threads on a photo forum are worthless without pictures :D

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_uFrS5yCiGps/SwYnc-OTzsI/AAAAAAAAM_Q/nxlWzKicB3Q/s800/IMG_2475.JPG

[NewphotoMan]

Great shot and 2 bodys seems great I wish I had the cash for another body I always do what I want and can care less what other people think lol but that's just me

[wyofizz]

Put a 1.4 EXT on that 300 and carry the 70-200 and you'll be super dad.
Once people see the pics they won't care anymore.:)
You'll be a cool nerd:p

[zelseman]

Idk why not? If you are comfortable carrying two bodies, then there should be no problem. I personally use two bodies for just about every sport I shoot. Granted none of them are childrens sports, and the only parents thats show up obnoxious people that are living out their dreams through their kids(college sports).

[Dan-o]

I do all the time. No need to change things up because I'm not officially working. I fill weird if I don't have a second body hanging off me and you need a second body if you are shooting with a long prime.

[Red Tie Photography]

Do it. I think they all you know you are already photo crazy. Your not hiding that with the giant 300mm lens on it.

[JeffreyG]

Once you pull out the 300/4 they know you are the photo nut. Hauling out a second camera isn't going to change much.

[AdamLewis]

Looks like it's f/6.3 @ 270mm. Do you think that this lens can match the IQ of the Canon 70-200mm and 300mm that I have (honest question)? I was under the impression that that wasn't quite the case.





:lol: Im sorry. As you read more from me, youll come to understand when Im joking ;) I wouldnt put the 18-270 on anything I own.

If you care that much about pictures, just use two bodies. Who cares!

[asysin2leads]

I do it from time to time when my kids play. Who cares what they think of you? Get some good shots of your kids' games and enjoy yourself.

[MJPhotos24]

:lol: Im sorry. As you read more from me, youll come to understand when Im joking ;) I wouldnt put the 18-270 on anything I own.

If you care that much about pictures, just use two bodies. Who cares!
Care about pictures? Care about results? How dare you suggest such radical thinking Mr. Lewis, for shame, the world will now end - it was a good run while it lasted!!

[RickyH]

I say if you can afford it & your comfortable, then more power to ya.

[Sibil]

I carried two bodies to my kids' soccer games for a short time, and frankly, I felt kind of odd doing so. Now that I've decided to shoot only my kids, one lens does it for me. I just pick one spot depending on the position my kids play, and I am good to go. I do carry a P&S camera and use that during breaks to shoot candid shots of the team. If I get good ones with a few kids in it, I email those out. Trying to get soccer action shots of every kid was just too much work and stress for me.

I do carry two bodies when shooting basketball tournaments, since I am the semi-official photog for one league, and parents are just used to seeing me with more than camera.

[SuzyView]

Well, I'm a soccer Mom with 2 sons, 12 and 10, and I carry my 40D (sometimes with the grip) and 5D2 all the time. One has the 100-400 and the other the 70-200 2.8 IS. I don't usually carry them together, though, too heavy. This 2 body carrying thing is quite normal for serious amateurs or pros, so people will just continue to think you are wanting good pictures. Most will spend a lot of time being annoyed and jealous at the same time. I give pictures away as well. The only concern is how you use the pictures. The league knows I don't publish any images, even on the net and the parents have full rights to use their own child's images. That's it. If you really feel silly, talk to the other parents and explain what you are doing before the year starts. They'll stop staring and be more appreciative. If you want to teach the other parents how to shoot sports, let them take a few with the combos. You'd be surprised how much more appreciative they will be. It's not as easy as it looks.

[neilwood32]

I would say, get out there with the 2 bodies and start shooting!

Why worry about what other people say or think? The other parents will appreciate it when they see the final results (compared to their P&S or DSLR with kit lens).

[eigga]

I take the 400 2.8 to all my kids games... and usually the 70-200 on my hip. I have never cared what other think. Getting good pictures is all that is on my mind.


Im sorry. As you read more from me, youll come to understand when Im joking I wouldnt put the 18-270 on anything I own.

Adam you gave me a big laugh this morning...

[Butch Cassidy]

I started shooting pics about 30 yrs ago, because all three of my kids were in sports, 2 boys and 1 girl, Daughter was cheerleader 3 yrs HS, I had 2 nikons/with motor drives, big zoom at that time 80/200, domke bag and all the gear. pep ralleys, little miss contest and dance recitals. looked like I was a sports journalist.people glared and snickered and commented a LOT. the comments were always ,( can you get me a copy of all your prints)

and I freely gave..Don't worry about what people think, they really look now at the grandkids games, with the white lens on the camera, same comments (will you take our pic and email them to us) I will be happy to. just keep a pad and pen handy and capture the kids lives

[dmccarty]

Back in the Days O Film I used two SLRs. Works great.

I got my tax refund and <GULP> bought the Nikon 70-200/2.8 VR II lens. :D I have been wanting the 80-200/2.8 lens for 15 years but never bought it. Finally the time was right to get the 70-200/2.8 VR II. I SERIOUSLY thought about getting a second D700 instead. But the zoom was just flexible for what I needed.

Very frustrated though. Last weekends game got canceled by snow so I could not try the lens on the games. It is a magically awesome lens that took some great snow scape photos. For what the danged lens cost it better be a magically awesome lens. :lol:

A second camera is a good idea not only for backup but to use the other lenses. I could still see having a second body to use another lens. My bank account sees things differently though. :lol:

Later,
Dan

[AdamLewis]

Back in the Days O Film I used two SLRs. Works great.

I got my tax refund and <GULP> bought the Nikon 70-200/2.8 VR II lens. :D I have been wanting the 80-200/2.8 lens for 15 years but never bought it. Finally the time was right to get the 70-200/2.8 VR II. I SERIOUSLY thought about getting a second D700 instead. But the zoom was just flexible for what I needed.

Very frustrated though. Last weekends game got canceled by snow so I could not try the lens on the games. It is a magically awesome lens that took some great snow scape photos. For what the danged lens cost it better be a magically awesome lens. :lol:

A second camera is a good idea not only for backup but to use the other lenses. I could still see having a second body to use another lens. My bank account sees things differently though. :lol:

Later,
Dan

Hope you dont plan on doing too much shooting anywhere close to the MFD

[gjl711]

It only gets over the top if you have three assistants running around the field with giant reflectors just to get the lighting right. Then it would be too much. ;)

[vinnie6756]

Buying my 7D today and I plan to be the "weird" person with two cameras at the kids soccer game. And to make sure I'm the "weird" father, I'm hoping that a 300mm f/2.8L IS comes up soon in the sell forum. If we are going to embarrass our children, why not do it in style?

Besides, I highly doubt anyone finds your enthusiasm "weird". In fact, there are probably a few that envy you and your abilities!!

As Nike used to say "Just Do It"!!

[BenJohnson]

Oh, and here's an absolutely random photo from my collection, just because threads on a photo forum are worthless without pictures :D

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_uFrS5yCiGps/SwYnc-OTzsI/AAAAAAAAM_Q/nxlWzKicB3Q/s800/IMG_2475.JPG
I agree. All threads need pictures!

Great shot. Makes me really look forward to shooting with the 300mm f/4.

It's too bad that 95% of the archive thread is just flowers and birds, I want more sports photos!

I do all the time. No need to change things up because I'm not officially working. I fill weird if I don't have a second body hanging off me and you need a second body if you are shooting with a long prime.
I agree. 2 bodies is the way to go, who cares if you're not "working".

[int2str]

Great shot. Makes me really look forward to shooting with the 300mm f/4.

Thanks!

It looks like you have your 300mm for sale?

[BenJohnson]

Thanks!

It looks like you have your 300mm for sale?
Long story, but my wife and I ended up with two of them, so one has to go. I'll be keeping the other one until the day I win the lottery and can get the 300 2.8 :)

[HU17dotNET]

... with 2 bodies?

I'm pretty much a "dad with a camera" shooting my sons soccer (9 year olds) from the sidelines. Usually I use my 7D with the 300mm prime on a monopod. So far so good. The parents like the pictures I make available to them and I get great memories for myself. Of course with the 300mm, I miss the odd shot much closer to the goal.

So, since my 2nd camera is in the mail, how crazy would it look seeing a parent at a youth soccer game with a second body around his neck? :)

I probably know the answer already and am pretty sure I'd never have the guts to try it, but what do you guys think?

Thanks!

They will not think you look stupid if you capture the image they want, before long they will welcome you with open arms - :)