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

int2str wrote in post #9588978
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.

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!

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.

AdamLewis wrote in post #9592347
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!!

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

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.

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.

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).

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.

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

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

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. 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.

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.

Later,
Dan

dmccarty wrote in post #9639842
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. 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.

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.

Later,
Dan

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

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.

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"!!

int2str wrote in post #9588978
Oh, and here's an absolutely random photo from my collection, just because threads on a photo forum are worthless without pictures

http://lh5.ggpht.com …zKicB3Q/s800/IM​G_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!

Dan-o wrote in post #9591014
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".

BenJohnson wrote in post #9642346
Great shot. Makes me really look forward to shooting with the 300mm f/4.

Thanks!

It looks like you have your 300mm for sale?