1st Time Shooting NBA Game

hey guys! i was just granted credentials to shoot an NBA game at the Staples center, i'm stoked!

I just wanted to reach out to all your seasoned sport shooters that has actually shot in the Staples center.

i'm thinkin' of bring the 70-200 and 16-35. i'm not sure what spot i'll be given, but is there another lens i should consider bringing? maybe my 135? i know the 5dmk2 isn't ideal for sports, but it'll have to do.

i'm also thinkin' of bringing a light weight monopod.

thanks in advance.

Grats on the credentials, the NBA games I did I found my 70-200 was the most used glass, but defantly keep something for closeup, Not sure how the lighting is in the Staples center, but I imagine it's decent, You shouldn't need a monopod, holding it should be fine providing your shooting fast enough, Also make sure you get there earlier enough I know for the Pistons it was first come first serve.

Dont bring a monopod.

You will do fine if all your bring is the 70-200.

bigjon0107 wrote in post #9528349
Dont bring a monopod.

You will do fine if all your bring is the 70-200.

^I think the 70-200 would be all you need for the action shots.

70-200...

you dont need the 16-35, not unless your gonna have it as a remote
on the backboard.

have fun and good luck.

get there early. and practice shooting while they're practicing.

thank you guys!

media door opens at 5pm, for 730 game time. was planning on getting there early to get the lay of the land. i have a feeling that spots will be assigned by publication.

thanks again all!

John Photography wrote in post #9530631
thank you guys!

media door opens at 5pm, for 730 game time. was planning on getting there early to get the lay of the land. i have a feeling that spots will be assigned by publication.

thanks again all!

Yep, probably so. Depending on the publication you are shooting for, chances are you may get stuck in the second row, so if you have a really small stool (like 1' or so) bring it so you would be able to sit on it and shoot over row 1. Ask before you use it though, there may be a venue rule that I dont know about, but all the ones around here are ok with it.

...

http://www.youtube.com …a3PM8GqVw&featu​re=related

willshoot4food wrote in post #9532110
I would suggest taking a 24-70, 70-200, and a 300 for down court action. I would also suggest getting a pad or something to sit on. Something like this back support seat

I dont think he is interested in renting gear.

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willshoot4food wrote in post #9532559
At the very least I would take a 24-70 and a 70-200 this will be enough to cover half the court assuming you are sitting baseline. Without a 300 you'll be missing half the game.

A 24-70 is not going to be long enough when you only have one body, and it is full frame. It would require a bunch of cropping. but i guess you may as well bring it sine you have it and see what the OP prefers.

Congrats on the credentials. I have always dreamed to do the same for NBA games one day. Watching the Lakers on TV, I've always hated the lighting in the Staples Center along with all my friends.

Anyways, have fun and good luck.

My view has always been to be over prepared. When I've shot NBA I take the 70-200, 24-70, 16-35, 85 1.2 and the 200 f2.

However, your 70-200 2.8 is going to be your main lens, you'll be fine with that and get most of the action you want. The other stuff normally comes into play with bad lighting situations, which the Staples center is not. And then when you want to start being a little more creative.

Its been a few years and things might have changed but when I shot in the Staples center I was getting 1/640 2.8 at ISO 1600...not bad at all.. so really the faster glass wasnt needed. The one problem I did have and I suspect you will as well is movement. Normally there are quite a few people going to be photographing the event along side of you. So you wont be able to move around much or change gear.

I didnt notice if you have two bodies or not, but either way take the two lenses with you to floorside one on each body if you can, if not take the other in a belt pouch or something. Also take a towel, in case you get sweat on you, its gross but it happens if they fall or jump around you and you'll need something to quickly wipe the lens off. Also, I'd suggest kneepads, you might be able to kneel and those floors are killers, at least on the knees of old guys like me.

Most of all have fun and share the shots.

willshoot4food wrote in post #9532110
I would suggest taking a 24-70, 70-200, and a 300 for down court action. I would also suggest getting a pad or something to sit on. Something like this back support seat

great idea, i've got a bad back too!

greszym wrote in post #9532140
http://www.youtube.com …a3PM8GqVw&featu​re=related

this is awesome, i just may do this with my back up 5D. that's if i can get a spot closer to the basket.

willshoot4food wrote in post #9532559
At the very least I would take a 24-70 and a 70-200 this will be enough to cover half the court assuming you are sitting baseline. Without a 300 you'll be missing half the game.

i'm debating on renting the 300mm, but would the f/4 be sufficient or would getting the f/2.8 IS be the wiser choice?

Dmao wrote in post #9532825
Congrats on the credentials. I have always dreamed to do the same for NBA games one day. Watching the Lakers on TV, I've always hated the lighting in the Staples Center along with all my friends.

Anyways, have fun and good luck.

this too has been a dream of mine, although i wish i was shooting the Lakers...but it's the NBA nonetheless! i see this as a gateway into getting to shoot more games, including the Lakers. thanks.

liam5100 wrote in post #9532885
My view has always been to be over prepared. When I've shot NBA I take the 70-200, 24-70, 16-35, 85 1.2 and the 200 f2.

However, your 70-200 2.8 is going to be your main lens, you'll be fine with that and get most of the action you want. The other stuff normally comes into play with bad lighting situations, which the Staples center is not. And then when you want to start being a little more creative.

Its been a few years and things might have changed but when I shot in the Staples center I was getting 1/640 2.8 at ISO 1600...not bad at all.. so really the faster glass wasnt needed. The one problem I did have and I suspect you will as well is movement. Normally there are quite a few people going to be photographing the event along side of you. So you wont be able to move around much or change gear.

I didnt notice if you have two bodies or not, but either way take the two lenses with you to floorside one on each body if you can, if not take the other in a belt pouch or something. Also take a towel, in case you get sweat on you, its gross but it happens if they fall or jump around you and you'll need something to quickly wipe the lens off. Also, I'd suggest kneepads, you might be able to kneel and those floors are killers, at least on the knees of old guys like me.

Most of all have fun and share the shots.

yes, i do have a 5D as back up and am considering using it either as a remote w/16-35 or on me with a 24-70. the knee pads sounds like a good idea, as well as the towel.

i'm hoping that the Clippers won't attract much media, so i hope to be able to shoot from the front row.