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

I tote my 400L around alot. I really don't care what others think. Its my hard earned buck that bought it...wait, the wife bought me the 400L.

Rent the sigzilla for one event, then when you use the 300/400 they won't even notice you

Even if it makes you a bit uncomfortable, you'll get used to it quick. And before long, other parents will ask you to take pictures of their kids too. Seriously, that happens to me all the time. And I don't even have any kids on the team! I have no kids at all, but I often shoot for other people.

I used to shoot with the 400 f5.6 and 70-200 on the other camera. Then I bought a 300 f2.8 and the diameter seems to be what freaks people out. I've honestly had people come up and say they've never seen anything like that in their lives. I guess they never watch professional sporting events on TV, or more likely they're just not paying attention. I see the supertelephotos on TV all the time.

But believe me when I say this, you'll get used to it after a little while. And you'll get requests to take more photos, which can be fun if you're not overly busy.

gonzogolf wrote in post #10648939
I doubt the 300 is going to grab a significant amount of attention compared to the big white pipe that is the 70-200 2.8.

bohdank wrote in post #10648948
The 300F4IS is about the same size as the 70-200 f2.8 but looks bigger because of the white retractable hood.

I was referring to the 300 f/2.8 and the 400 f/2.8. I think with their respective hoods on, they are quite a bit larger.

DisrupTer911 wrote in post #10648982
IMO, stop caring about what other parents are thinking....

If you've got a kid out there, and want to get the shots you want to get, you'll need to use teh longer glass.

Perhaps you could even make a few sales if you find you're getting good keepers, and parents want some of their kids too.

I'm not sure I'd be interested in making any sales though. Only because that's not a box I'd want to open. I'd be glad to help a couple who I knew, but I'm not really into having to worry about others.

Jeff81 wrote in post #10649080
+1. You may get a couple looks at first, but who cares. It's really just curiosity. I've used longer lenses at family events and games and no one really cares. They just figure you're a "real" photographer. And you can definitely make some money off shots of other people's kids. Parents love pictures of their kids. Or, just give them some photos for free. Then they love ya. Whatever floats your boat.

Thanks...I think this might be a good idea if I get to know a few of the other parents.

40Driggs wrote in post #10649127
The only risk you take is getting a parent that thinks you are trying to take pictures of their kids and gets really offended. I have heard of this happening, but I have gotten lucky so far.

Well, something like that happend to me on Saturday which is what sparked this post. The life guard at the pool just politely asked me to make sure I don't include people other than my own family in the photos. It made me aware that some people might not like it. As much as I don't want to care about what others think, I don't want my kid to be the one with the "annoying father with the camera" either.

tkbslc wrote in post #10649287
At that point it is just cheaper to pay someone else to shoot your kids' games!

True, but that's not nearly as fun. Also, the good photographers would quickly add up to a lot of $. The ones that are affordable, IMO, are hacks <flame suit on>. Finally, it's a bit annoying that the pros don't often give you access to the digital files.

eigga wrote in post #10649953
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

That's a great photo and exactly what I'd be hoping to achieve. By "family events", I'm referring to sports, swimming, etc. I don't usually bring a camera to a party and I generally, hate taking photos at weddings because of the associated "you're everyone's b*tch factor".
Do you have the f/2.8 or f/5.6? also, are you happy with the 400 or do you sometimes wish you had the 300?

sdipirro wrote in post #10650435
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.

Are you happy with the length of the 300? I'm still trying to decide between the 300 and 400 myself (hoping not to end up with both).

mike cabilangan wrote in post #10650448
have you tried a 7D (or other 1.6 crop) with your 200mm?

Not yet. I think I'd get a 1.3 crop before I'd get a 1.6 crop though.

a good suggestion you can follow is to get to know a few people first and build a good network of the kid's teammate's parent. And let them know you are taking picture with a big camera, and maybe kindly offer to help their kids to take one or two. Then you start building the network. Once you get people around you knowing you have a camera and still be comfortable around you, you are good to go.

Who cares what others think

DisrupTer911 wrote in post #10648982
IMO, stop caring about what other parents are thinking....

If you've got a kid out there, and want to get the shots you want to get, you'll need to use teh longer glass.

Perhaps you could even make a few sales if you find you're getting good keepers, and parents want some of their kids too.

Took the words right out of my mouth...erm or should I say keyboard

I shot my niece's first soccer game earlier this year, and having my 100-400 was great! Not only was I able to get nice tight shots of her chasing the ball, people saw my lens and made sure they didn't cross in front of me while I was shooting.

Here in the UK it is really a PITA taking pictures of kids at sports, in the pool etc etc

My son (7 years old) plays football (soccer) for a team and I have to have written permission from of the parents of all the players to take pictures

When we visited an open air pool a few weeks ago I had to sign a large disclaimer that I had no criminal record and name each child I would take pictures of and give my relationship to each of them. My "permit" was then checked by lifeguards when I was taking shots

It is really crazy over here where everyone assumes you are some kind of weirdo unless you prove otherwise

Back to the original question, yes, pro gear does attract attention. When I take out the 500 f4 it can be a real pain but you learn to go with the flow when people are genuinely interested and ignore the others

SiaoP wrote in post #10651965
Who cares what others think

And yet, you're on a forum.

Why not a 1.4tc? Other than that, just grab one and get shooting. I was using the 300 f4L for candids. Nothing really stopped me and no odd looks other than it was a poor colour match

Regarding the length of the 300, I don't find it to be a problem, even handholding it for short periods of time. When I need to go longer, it takes the 1.4x and 2x extenders really well. For me, I get more use out of the 300mm focal length and extenders than I would with the 400mm. I don't think I would lug the 400 around very often, whereas the 300mm mounted on my 1d4 fits in my Thinktank Streetwalker Harddrive backpack.

sdipirro wrote in post #10652850
...whereas the 300mm mounted on my 1d4 fits in my Thinktank Streetwalker Harddrive backpack.

Similar here, I have the regular Thinktank Streetwalker and it carries my 300 f2.8 and 1DIII or 7D attached. Both teleconverters and still enough room to put another shorter lens in there.

It's a nice kit to carry around; 300, 420 and 600 focal lengths in a moderate sized backpack.

To the OP, if most of the shooting will be in the daytime, 300 with converters is a good, versatile kit. If you're planning on night games under school stadium lights, that's a different ballgame. Then you really need all the reach you can get at f2.8 unless the lighting is exceptionally good.

When my kids where in school I took all my gear to sporting events. I shared photos with the other parents and there was never any feeling of being uncomfortable.

Firstly, who cares what others think, I certainly dont.
I shoot a lot of sports including my own kids teams and the feeling is actually reverse of what you have stated. The all are very receptive to my shooting the games and ask did I get any goood ones. I give a few freebies to the soccer club but post the others up on my site for sale and there are a few of the parents on the team that are regulars at buying the photos. Then top that off with the fact that if you show up with a 400 2.8L regardless of who you are you dont get any crap from anyone, get access that others wont even though you may or may not be wearing a pass with credentials to do so. The refs will let you get where you want assuming if your packing something that big you are with the press etc. While it draws a lot of attention its not the attention of the parents I worry about, its the attention of that **** sitting over on the side waiting for me to set it down and turn my back so he can relieve me of having to carry anymore. The only time I have gotten a hard time was at a soccer tournament on a military base. They didnt say anything to anyone else but I kinda stood out with that monster truck of a lens on a pod and they just wanted to let me know that they had better not catch it pointed anywhere but at the fields.