How conspicious is a 400/300 for non-pro use?

ok... i was at my town pool with family and i took this opportunity to take some pics of my kids at play...

one woman... more like a total snobbish b-tch and then some, looked at my camera and 70-200 and said:

"do you really know how to use that or are you just carrying that around?"

sarcastically- "no, i don't, i'm just carrying it around to look cool..."

later, she asked me to take some pics of her kids... i ignored her totally and walked away from her as she spoke...

hahaha...

but did get some great pics of my girls...

if you really care about what other parents will think, get a 1.4tc and a 200L.

Another thing not mentioned, is that people will assume that you are a pro. A side benefit of this, is that people tend to get out of my way when I have a larger lens on.

deadpass wrote in post #10649258
if you really care about what other parents will think, get a 1.4tc and a 200L.

How about a 200 f2L and 1.4 tc....

40Driggs wrote in post #10649269
How about a 200 f2L and 1.4 tc....

At that point it is just cheaper to pay someone else to shoot your kids' games!

The 300 on a crop body is about perfect for field sports--and I guilt caring what anyone else thinks decades ago

Who cares! Shoot away. Think of it as a ticket. You may get access to new places. Enjoy!

Shoot with whatever gear gives you what you need. I regularly walk to work with a 7D/100-400 strapped to my chest with a Cotton Carrier, and have occasionally parked myself along the sidelines of LL/intramural baseball games on the way just to try shooting action. The worst I've gotten so far is other people coming up to see what I'm up to.
I'm sure I look like a lunatic wearing thermos, but who cares?

40Driggs wrote in post #10649259
Another thing not mentioned, is that people will assume that you are a pro. A side benefit of this, is that people tend to get out of my way when I have a larger lens on.

I was shooting a graduation with my 50-150mm, people automatically get out of my ways already. Thinking of those white lens, yeap, people will get out of the way with the quickness.

what do you mean "family event"? Taking a big camera to a party or wedding could be impolite.

However sports is not an issue to me, I take my 400 to all my kids games and shows. Results are my concern

I have the 300mm f/4 and the 400mm 5.6. Do I like the color? No, I hate it! But I quickly adjusted to it and these are 2 of my favorite lenses. Don't let that awful color hold you back. Trust me, you'll become comfortable with it in no time. From the potential uses you mentioned, I think the 300mm f/4 might be a great fit for you. Don't be concerned about the stupid color and don't worry about what others say. Who cares about them! Just buy one of these lenses, you won't regret it.

People are people - some good, some not so good.

I had one of my large lens with the hood on at a family function. The first time my family saw what to them was a large camera and lens. The hub-bub lasted for a while, then disappeared. Now when I attend family functions, they ask where the 'big' lens is.


Analogy:
Tourists walking NYC will have neck cramps...New Yorkers rarely look up. After seeing something for a while, people will get used to it.

I did get stopped on Wall Street recently with my camera and lens/hood. A few polite questions from the officer and I was on my way. There were thousands of people there, most had P&S - I like to stand out.

I shot the college graduations of two of my sons with the 300 f2.8, and I sometimes shoot soccer games (younger kids - smaller field) with the 200 f2, which is almost as big as the 300. I get some wisecracks, but when they see pictures, they shut up fast! I was self-conscious at first, but now I couldn't care less.

have you tried a 7D (or other 1.6 crop) with your 200mm?

Destractions wrote in post #10649090
Me too. I had a guy at the fireworks last night just go to town on me:

"How many weddings did you have to shoot to justify that yo yourself!"

and

"What do they call that fancy astronaut camera anyway?"

I was courteous to the guy, but I made sure to tell him that it was exactly what you would see sitting on the shelf of any big box electronics store that sold cameras that cost more than $99.
I see more and more DSLR all the time as they replace the superzoom P&S in the $500 category for many average family shooters. Someone needs to send out a memo that interchangeable lenses didn't die with film.

My response..."My wife comments that this lens is small compared to what else I always pack", as I turn away and shoot some more.