What lens to bring to the Obama rally on election night?

It really depends on where you are at. I was within 20 yards of most everything and still was using my 28-135mm. I used the 50mm for my close-up shots.

El Duderino wrote in post #6617217
I don't own cargo shorts and the weather will be too nice for a coat.

Getting mixed opinions here. My 18-50 f/2.8 might be a good middle ground.

The chances of getting an actual photo of him are slim, so I don't see much point in a telephoto. Get up close with a wide-normal lens. I used my Sigma 30mm on my 20D for the caucuses last year.


edit: didn't see this earlier:

40Driggs wrote in post #6617916
I agree with Ed. I think it is good to participate in politics and here every side. I happen to be an Obama supporter, but I would go to a McCaine speech if I had the chance. It is just a neat experience. No need for nonsense like the above...

I agree. Political events are amazing cultural happenings and I try to attend as many as possible.

Bring enough to share with everyone

El Duderino wrote in post #6614084
I got a ticket to be one of the 70,000 inside the fenced in area. Apparently you can't bring bags, so I was just gonna bring my XT and one lens. I know I run a risk of my gear getting damaged (there might be a riot if Obama loses), so I was thinking the Nifty Fifty. It's replaceable and good in low light. I was also maybe thinking about the 55-250 IS so I could zoom onstage if need be. The 4-stop IS would work well in low light too.

Any ideas?

I'm not opposed to just buying a new lens for the occasion.

My wife attended a rally last Friday and took my XSi with the 55-250IS on it and it did quite well. She is a auto everything person so I set it on program and crossed my fingers. She had to fight her way through a crowd of 25,000 to get the pictures. She did great!

Jim

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I'm bringing my 18-50 f/2.8 and the nifty fifty...unless there is an objection!

That should be a great combo if you are going to be close. I was pretty close (20-30 yards) and most the farthest shots were at about 70mm. You could crop that from either lens and still be fine. My crowd shots were further away, but I was up on stage shooting into the crowd, and you will be in the crowd itself. Just show up early and you should be fine. If I was in your position and was only bringing one lens, it would be the 18-50 f/2.8. You'll be glad to have the fast lenses for shutter speed.

In my experience with a couple of different substantially smaller rallies, you will not get close enough to get a good frame filling shot of Obama unless you've got a press credential, so your choice sounds like a good one.

Have fun!

Hmmm...this has me slightly concerned about bringing my DSLR and 18-50 f/2.8 (not a small lens):

Q: I HAVE a ticket. What should I bring and not bring?

A: Print and bring your ticket and a photo ID. You'll be directed where to go at the entrance on Congress. You WON'T be allowed to bring chairs, coolers, alcohol, strollers or any bag bigger than a woman's purse. No mention was made of cell phones, cameras or handheld camcorders, but they're probably okay if they're small. Children can come without a ticket if they're small enough to carry, said Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communication executive director Ray Orozco. But it will be standing room only at an event that lasts several hours.

Cameras and cell phones are allowed. The only thing they frown on are things like chairs, bags and campaign signs. They will check you at the gate (kind of like at the airport) and use a metal detector. I had my camera and an extra lens and it was no problem. I just laid it all on a table, stepped through the detector, then grabbed my stuff back. I was within a foot of my gear the whole time, so there was no risk of it being stolen either, which I was a little bit worried about before going in.

40Driggs wrote in post #6621790
Cameras and cell phones are allowed. The only thing they frown on are things like chairs, bags and campaign signs. They will check you at the gate (kind of like at the airport) and use a metal detector. I had my camera and an extra lens and it was no problem. I just laid it all on a table, stepped through the detector, then grabbed my stuff back. I was within a foot of my gear the whole time, so there was no risk of it being stolen either, which I was a little bit worried about before going in.

Thanks, I appreciate it.

How's Springfield these days? I used to live there in the early 90s.

Bring a bullet proof vest!

Post some historical photos.

Yeah, man: let's see some photos!

Jim Holtz wrote in post #6619009
My wife attended a rally last Friday and took my XSi with the 55-250IS on it and it did quite well. She is a auto everything person so I set it on program and crossed my fingers. She had to fight her way through a crowd of 25,000 to get the pictures. She did great!

Jim

Good photos!

Fidelio wrote in post #6628352
Yeah, man: let's see some photos!

me too post.