Going to Minute Maid Park - what lenses?

[LoungeLizard]

Stupid question time since I've only been to Minute Maid Park once - for a concert - and haven't been to a ball game since about 1988.

I'm going this week for a night game. I'll be in section 127, row 36. What lenses should I bring? I was thinking of the 70-200 but I'm also thinking of bringing the "lowly" kit lens (18-55) for the pre-game stadium tour and for the autograph session (do they even do that any more and is it worth it?)


Also, any experience with them bulking at brining in a camera bag with a camera and two lenses?

[saroy]

I consistently take my camera bag with 20D, 75-300 and 28-135 into the park without a problem. My bag is small -- those three items are all that will possibly fit, and my bag doesn't scream "fancy camera equipment" but of course the security people always check and see the camera and I've never had a problem.

Take the 70-200 for sure, but I'd take the kit lens as well. I took the kit lens for the first time two weeks ago and got some neat ballpark scenes with the wide end of the lens.

Pre-game batting practice is fun -- two weeks ago in addition to getting the ballpark scenes I got some good BP shots with the 75-300. I started in right field and got some of the players warming up, then moved down the first base line till I was standing behind the dugout, where I was able to get some shots of the players taking practice, and also got some shots as they ran in to the dugout at the end of BP. If you want to catch the Astros, they do their practice from when the gates open till about an hour before game time.

[Sheldon]

Jesus......you can always rent a 300 f/2.8 fairly reasonable and use your TC if needed. I would suggest the 400 f/2.8, but after using the one that Mike rented.....that baby is HUGE!

[LoungeLizard]

Originally Posted by Sheldon

Jesus......you can always rent a 300 f/2.8 fairly reasonable and use your TC if needed. I would suggest the 400 f/2.8, but after using the one that Mike rented.....that baby is HUGE!

Oh, I don't have a TC and renting all that stuff would add to the already high cost of these tickets. Funny, I was going to go to a game this year but hadn't decided. My son got some tickets from school for being a straight "A" student but they were just barely indoors. I decided I'd just buy these better seats and take it from there.

The 70-200 f2.8 L IS is big enough...can't imagine hand holding anything bigger. Of course, if I could keep Bob company, that would be a different story!

[swanny338]

Originally Posted by Sheldon

Jesus......you can always rent a 300 f/2.8 fairly reasonable and use your TC if needed. I would suggest the 400 f/2.8, but after using the one that Mike rented.....that baby is HUGE!

Minute maid park doesn't have any problem with big lenses??? cool.... I am soo renting a 400 when I go lol

[Abel]

they dont limit lenses but they do not allow monopods etc.. the 400 f2.8 is a tank.. the 300 is a much better solution

[LoungeLizard]

Originally Posted by Abel

they dont limit lenses but they do not allow monopods etc.. the 400 f2.8 is a tank.. the 300 is a much better solution

Just print out the info on their web site. The security guy asked me to flip the hood on my 70-200 since they "don't allow lenses longer than 4 inches". Think he worked at Toyota Center?

By the way, the 70-200 was marginally sufficient. I would have liked the extra reach of a 300 - but not at fixed focus.

[Sheldon]

Jesus......waiting to see your pics!! I wasnt thinking, I should have loaned you my TC.

[LoungeLizard]

Originally Posted by Sheldon

Jesus......waiting to see your pics!! I wasnt thinking, I should have loaned you my TC.

I posted a few in the Sports section - "Speedy Willy" is the thread title.