Going to an NBA game

[markperez]

I am going to a Mav's game next weekend. I'll be sitting in the stands about half way up. All I have is a D70 and a 70 - 300 f/4-5.6. If I am allowed to take the camera in is it even worth it? I know the pics will probably be underexposed but can I fix them up in PS afterwards. I will shoot in RAW mode.

[Hogleg 44]

Here's a thought. Remember the ISO. Set the ISO as high as you can to avoid the underexposure. You may get more noise but it's better than too much underexposure.
My Canon will go to ISO 3200, and I took some pics at the State Fair Cat Show, which had very poor lighting, at that setting and they came out very nice.

[Abel]

yeah ull have to run a higher iso since your lens will run at f5.6 at 300mm.

id prolly try to take it anyways... if you dont get some decent shots inside because of the lighting, u may be able to get some nice stuff during the trip etc..

[markperez]

Well I emailed Mark Cuban just to try everything I could to get in with my camera. I didn't expect a reply just thought I would try. Well I did get a reply. Wasn't from him but from someone from the Mavs and he said he would make an exception and let me in with a long lens. Now I have to decide if I want to spend $60 to $90 to rent a 300mm 2.8 lens.

[Abel]

wow...

now thats cool... have u seen marks blog? blogmaverick.com i thinj

[markperez]

yeah I've read it a few times. I get tickoff a couple of times reading his views.

[suzyjazz]

Mark,
I went to a Rockets game in Houston a few weeks ago. The rules were no flash and no lens longer than 3 inches. I have a dRebel so the flash was pushed down and they didn't ask questions about that. Obviously, the lens you mentioned will be longer than 3 inches. I think if you could get the lens in, it would be worth it to play around with. I brought in my 50mm b/c it's all I had at the time and any zoom will probably be over 3 inches. I was in the back of the lowest level. Take a look at my pics if you want. They're not good because of my short lens, but the court was very well lit. Of course, for action shots I still had to use a high ISO.
Good luck!
Suzy

http://www.pbase.com/suzyjazz/inbox

[gpgyo]

I went a Rockets game recently and wanted to take my camera so I looked up the rules. When I saw that they were what Suzy mentioned I decided not to bring a camera. Too bad the rules are so lame! Glad you're able to do it in Dallas.

Suzy, I think you're shots are pretty darn good considering what you had to work with.

Greg

[suzyjazz]

Thanks Greg. The lens was very short, but I guess it wasn't a complete joke since I had a good seat. I guess some guards are more lax or some people ae more sneaky because I saw a man come in to my section after me with a giant honker of a lens!

[Steelsun]

Wonder how they Measure the 3"? Maybe they mean Diameter>

And wonderfull Zoom lenses: 3" when at wide angle, but 8 or so zoomed (some)!

[suzyjazz]

Oh, I presumed they meant 3 inches. The guard that checked me was very interested to know if the lens I had was fully extended, so I am sure that is the rule. I demonstrated for him how the lens was fixed. Even the little 18-55mm kit lens, which is not long, is 3 inches!

[markperez]

Yeah I was able to get in with my 70 - 300 lens thanks to the help of a guy from the Mavs that let security know that I was coming. The pics aren't great by any means but they are viewable and good for my own personal viewing. I will post a few once I get them processed in PS a little. Just haven't had time.