Shooting (photographing) Airsoft

[Bobster]

I'm going to be spending a weekend shooting Airsoft at the end of March, has anyone here shot it?

if so do i need to worry about the BB's damaging my lenses?

[NeverFollow]

some guns cant shoot pretty hard, probably not enough to damage a lens. I would still put a filter on all of them just to be safe. Ive never shot it before, but I have played and its very fun

[PaintballPhotography.com]

I just got a magazine assignment to shoot an airsoft event. I have only shoot paintball so I am curious what sorts of responses are posted here. I am sure it will be a lot cleaner than paintball and I think the airsoft pellets do not have enough mass to damage a lens, but as usual I will have a filter on to protect my lens

[SLIGHTLY]

Originally Posted by PaintballPhotography.com

I just got a magazine assignment to shoot an airsoft event. I have only shoot paintball so I am curious what sorts of responses are posted here. I am sure it will be a lot cleaner than paintball and I think the airsoft pellets do not have enough mass to damage a lens, but as usual I will have a filter on to protect my lens

I have dented the shed out side my old house with my modded airsoft mp5. So just be careful. Some do have enough force to go through the bottom of a coke can.

[DerekPb]

well what type of airsoft guns.
gas
spring
electric

how mant FPS?

[Discordia]

I would take the same precautions as when shooting a paintball event, especially if you're shooting a serious airsoft team. My rifle will break the skin at anything less than 30 feet, and leave a hell of a welt under 50.

[Bobster]

thanks for the replies guys - looks like i'll be purchasing a couple of filters for this event then

AEG 350fps
Support Weapons (RPK, M60, M249 etc) 350fps
Shotguns 350fps
Sniper Rifles
(Bolt action) 500fps (30 metre minimum engagement range)
Sniper Rifles
(Semi-auto with Full Auto Disabled) 400fps (30 metre minimum engagement range)
GBB.NBB on Single Shot 350fps
Full Auto GBB 350fps

[Freedom]

The .25 gram BBs have some punching power, I've seen guys with them lodged inside skin. It won't at 350FPS, the normal limit, but a lot of idiots upgrade their guns to like 450 FPS and load heavier BBs in the Chrono to make it appear like it's shooting at a slower velocity.

Be careful!

[Bobster]

yeah i believe the event is very careful on testing

[randerson07]

Ive seen broken camera on the field(point and shoots), as well as broken rifle sights. So they can and will break Glass. They will definatly break the LCD screen, even a ricochet(I play indoors a few times a year) would cause damage.

Ill be shooting(for my own enjoyment) some airsoft pistol competitions, and maybe a skirmish or two in the next coming months. Im not worried about any damage from the pistol competition, but im certainly a little weary of being out in the woods not knowing where the BB's might come from next.

[Refemall]

Definitely get a filter or two for your lenses.

I've shot a quite a few paintball tournaments last summer, and I wouldn't have done it without a filter on the lens. Also, look into getting a rain cover. For paintball shoots, they help keep the camera safe from splatter, but I would imagine they could offer some protection should a BB come at the camera.

[PhotoJourno]

I am a bit familiar with the event. I would recommend a couple of things:

- Use Tele lenses rather than wide angles, this to increase your range from the action. The Airsoft rounds will slow down CONSIDERABLY after 50ft.

- Put a Filter on your Lens, even if a BB is lucky enough to crack the filter the mass of the projectile has not enough energy to even scratch your lens.

- If you are worried about the Camera assembly (LCD and such), take a KATA 700 Sleeve and have it on during the event. This will keep your camera safe, as well as add protection to the lens.

Make sure to leave your eye protection on at all times, and do enjoy your shooting !!.. You should be able to make some very decent photography.

PS: In slow paced tactical events, make sure to take photos from above (Killhouse, etc) despite the angle, or far from the sides. Just to keep to the phrase "Don't draw enemy fire, it irritates those around you".

Good luck

[Stark]

Agree with all the advice above. I shot the GroundZero weekender last year. link: www.pbase.com/stark/airsoft

mainly used my 70-200.

Make sure you wear a high vis jacket and make your self know by being very loud when walking around the game areas.

which event is it?

I enjoyed taking pictures more than playing!

regards,

Stark

[PhotoJourno]

Stark, I really like your photos, specially after 9215 or so. The first ones are somewhat slow, but then you get into the action, and there are some great images. Still going through them, I love the faces of the participants.

[Stark]

Thanks for your comments Mario.
Regards,