Going to an NFL game, question about my new Camera...

Hey guys, I just bought a Rebel EOS XS which will arrive on wednesday () with a kit lens. I'm going to the Cowboys Chargers game on Sunday (I'm a Chargers fan), however I don't know where my seats are yet. Will the kit lens suffice if I'm in the nosebleeds? Should I not risk bringing it to the game? Please advise based on your experiences. Thanks!

By kit lens I figure that you mean the 18-55. No, that won't work from the nosebleeds. Get yourself a EFS 55-250 f4-5.6 IS for short money and it'll bring you much closer.

Unfortunately I can't afford a lens (as I just spent money buying the camera itself) so I guess I'll just have to manage with the 18-55. Will the pictures be that horrible?

Might want to check the stadiums website for what type camera/lens is allowed. I wouldn't think you'd have a problem with the kit lens, but some stadiums/arenas have restrictions on long lenses. For example: The Toyota Center in Houston has a 4" length for telephoto lenses and will make you put your camera on a table and extend the lens-they have a line painted on the table to check the lens length.

Your pictures won't be horrible, just won't have any closeups of the game. Perhaps you can be in the lower level the stadium while the teams are warming up for better pictures of the players

The pictures will be fine they just won't be very close to the action if you're far away. Are you new to SLRs or have you used them before?

from their website:

Is the 18-55 longer than 3" when extended?

get the tamron 18-270 VR and lock it in wide angle, and bring a 2x teleconverter in your pocket

First of all, if you're in Dallas (or San Diego) you can rent a lens for the day for 40 dollars. Check the camera shops online for those areas. I'd highly recommend the 100-400 zoom lens. It's an L series and white, and it's the only 100-400 Canon makes. It's good for what you're doing.

Except for light. The lens needs a lot of light.

You could also rent, for about the same price, a 300 L series.

Unfortunately, the stadium is probably going to be a PIA about equipment.

If I were you, I'd bring the camera with kit lens. You won't be getting any really great action shots of the game (unless you can get a little closer....and even then you won't get great up close action shots), but you'll get great pictures of the stadium and the fans. Who knows what you'll see.

I'd definitely bring my camera if I were there.

PS. I'm a Charger's fan as well. Always have been since I was born and raised in Encinitas, CA (North County, San Diego). Also my mom dated Dan Fouts for a while, which I thought was pretty cool at the time. Beating Dallas won't be easy, but the Chargers just won their seventh game in a row and are now 9-3 I believe. Not bad.

Mike, thats awesome, I'm pullin for us to go 13 - 3 (beating the colts in the 2nd round playoffs ). But I'm unsure of where I'll be seated. I have a connection at the stadium and there is a chance I'll have a VIP pass, in which case I have no idea where I'll be (could be in the first row for all I know). I believe the kit lens is only 2.7 inches, and as mentioned the stadium allows anything under 3. Is it worth it to bring and 'risk'? Is there a big chance it'll break?

Mike787 wrote in post #9154552
Hey guys, I just bought a Rebel EOS XS which will arrive on wednesday () with a kit lens. I'm going to the Cowboys Chargers game on Sunday (I'm a Chargers fan), however I don't know where my seats are yet. Will the kit lens suffice if I'm in the nosebleeds? Should I not risk bringing it to the game? Please advise based on your experiences. Thanks!

As it's only a Chargers game I guess it won't matter ..

Keep the ISO down and crop the images in PS.

Perfect_10 wrote in post #9158106
As it's only a Chargers game I guess it won't matter ..

Funny, your Flames disappointed me last night. The Kings? C'mon man

Thanks for the advice though. I'm not sure where I'll be sitting and now there's the issue of lens size (3" max), but if I do bring the camera I'll be sure to post the pictures here later.

Perfect_10 wrote in post #9158106
As it's only a Chargers game I guess it won't matter ..

Keep the ISO down and crop the images in PS.

Chargers are a team that no one wants to play - just as the Colts

. Is it worth it to bring and 'risk'? Is there a big chance it'll break?[/QUOTE]


Only if you drop it. If the stadium people decide it's too long, you'll have to take it back to your car.

scfan wrote in post #9161922
. Is it worth it to bring and 'risk'? Is there a big chance it'll break?


Only if you drop it. If the stadium people decide it's too long, you'll have to take it back to your car.

If you have a wife or something who has a big handbag, try fitting the lens in there, and bring your 18-55mm with you. When the game starts, take the lens out!

GO BOLTS!!!!!!!

Dallas cannot play in December, just ask there coach.

HAHA.

You should get it in fine, I once snuck a 200mm, and another time a 400mm in a game/concert/ venues. Its worth it if you want it to be.