Is that a 300mm F/2.8 in your pocket?

[Wil_Bloodworth]

So I'm going to the FC Dallas game tonight and they seem to always give me grief about the 300mm f/2.8 attached to my D200 that I'm carrying over my shoulder (on a monopod of course). Well, in an attempt to avoid that situation this time, I emptied my camera bag and attempted to re-organize it so that the 300 would fit. Even though they always make everyone open their camera bags, they don't really care as long as you agree to open the bag.

How'd I do? The 300 is in the center. The 85/1.4, MB-200, and 28-75/2.8 are on the bottom (of the photo). The D200 and 18-200VR are on top. Misc batteries and such are stuffed everywhere.


And here's what just wouldn't fit no matter what:


I'll let you know what security says...

- Wil

[Wendy]

Gee, they've never given me grief about carrying in a 300.

I am sick, sick, sick that I can't make it up to shoot the LA game tonight. I've really missed being able to shoot up there since my accident. I love Pizza Hut Park! My goal I'm working toward though, is being able to shoot the MLS Cup in November. Hopefully, I can make the trip by then!

Let us know how the game goes and be sure to post some photos. They seem a lot more lax up there about bringing camera equipment in than here in Houston.

[VisualOddity]

Be sure and post the pics! I am a big FC Dallas fan! ;)

[Wil_Bloodworth]

Wendy,

Well, you could always send me your pass and I'm sure I could find a blonde wig!

At the last game against Houston, I was on the 1st row. I just looked at tickets for tonight and they're on the 17th... so I dunno how good of a shot I'm going to be able to get.

- Wil

[Wil_Bloodworth]

Here's the deal I got this time. They are very nice and ask to look in my camera bag. I know they're going to ask so I start opening up the bag before he asks. Then, just when I start opening it up, he asks how many lenses are in the bag. I tell him 2. He says, "so 3 total?". No, just 2. And that's it. We walk in. Easy as pie. Photos to follow.

- Wil

[srwatters]

I was there!!! Great game and I took my FC Dallas Youth Academy team. It was great seeing all the kids on the field.

Go FC Dallas!

[Wil_Bloodworth]

Scott,

Was that one of the teams that played during 1/2 time?

- Wil

[srwatters]

No my girls are much younger. They are '99s (under 8 years old). We've got some talent though. I was impressed with the girls on the field. They moved the ball really well! I didn't watch the boys too much.

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by ParkImaging

Here's the deal I got this time. They are very nice and ask to look in my camera bag. I know they're going to ask so I start opening up the bag before he asks. Then, just when I start opening it up, he asks how many lenses are in the bag. I tell him 2. He says, "so 3 total?". No, just 2. And that's it. We walk in. Easy as pie. Photos to follow.

- Wil

So how many were really in the bag?

[evil4blue]

Hey Wil,

Which 300 2.8 do you have. Mine is the AF-S II and came with a Nylon?/Kevlar? (not really sure what the material really is) lens cover. Your's looks like leather. I know, it's a silly question, but I'm curious. Also, the AF-S II and VR versions come with nice kevlar cases rather that the rigid leather ones. I carry my 300 in its case all the time, it's pretty handy and a second "bag".

[Wil_Bloodworth]

Steve,

It's not mine but it's the non-VR one. It has a lens cover that is, I would say, vinyl. It has a draw string too. This 300 has a really nice, trunk-like, hard case with two latches. I like carrying it in the case but since I was going to the game and trying not to look professional, I figured that "less" was more.

This lens is simply phenominal! I was thinking (to myself) when I returned it on Monday... how in the world can they improve on this lens?! The newer VR version must simply be a work of art! Although initially, I think I'm going to purchase the 200 f/2 first. I think I'll be able to get more uses out of it... especially when paired with a TC (or two).

- Wil

[evil4blue]

Well, I love my 300mm, and bought it for a song (well, a top 40 song) used. If I didn't have the 300mm I would be really tempted to get the 200mm f/2 and may still do it since it's on my lust list (have to get my wife something nice to sweeten her to the idea of spending another $3.5K + on a lens).

On a side note, I have actually read some people saying that they like the AF-S I version better than the II or VR. Supposedly, the Version I is sharper, but I wouldn't know for sure since I have never compared mine to the version I. Either way, if I had the money, I would have gotten the VR version since I'm not the steadiest hand and VR really does work.

[Wil_Bloodworth]

Originally Posted by evil4blue

(have to get my wife something nice to sweeten her to the idea of spending another $3.5K + on a lens).

Ah ha ha... I just bought Julie a big fat engagement ring (shhhhh...) and that should give me quite a bit of slack... hopefully.

Originally Posted by evil4blue

On a side note, I have actually read some people saying that they like the AF-S I version better than the II or VR. Supposedly, the Version I is sharper, but I wouldn't know for sure since I have never compared mine to the version I. Either way, if I had the money, I would have gotten the VR version since I'm not the steadiest hand and VR really does work.

This 300 is the only one I've used. I "think" it is the "I" version and it is definetely very sharp and very fast. It's, hands down, the sharpest I've ever shot with... I think it's probably even sharper than my 85mm f/1.4.

- Wil