Recommended Lens for Olympics

The 100-400/4.5-5.6L IS USM would seem to be the obvious choice. Longer than that the lenses get very heavy, very expensive and very conspicuous. You don't want to be trying to hand hold a 500/4L for very long. The 400/4DO IS is smaller, but I think a zoom will be more useful.

If you don't mind 3rd party lenses, Sigma now have a stabilized 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS for around $1000 which might be interesting.

You may need to leave it at home, they are not allowing "pro" gear without press passes. There is a thread about it here somewhere.

hopefully, this link will work

http://photo.net/travel-photography-forum/00QE1g

You might want to do some research as to whether or not you'll be able to bring a 5D into the venue.

http://en.beijing2008.cn/spectators/n214263111.shtml

The 5th item under 'House Rule 2' might preclude bringing it in. The last item under Rule 4 regarding flash photography could affect you as well. As a real stretch a 5D might be considered to be 'professional recording equipment' referenced under Rule 5.

sorry the link wasn't 'live' but Richard's is better anyway; perhaps a point and shoot will have to do though the shutter lag is such a pain! cb :-)

Clearly you need on of these

But more seriously, sigma as have a new 120-400mm which may work for you, another thought is a canon 300mm f4 with teleconverter, now I don't think I've ever seen one, let alone used one but would that be any smaller than the other options?

Since you live in Beijing, at least you won't have your camera confiscated by customs when you fly into the country, as has been reliably reported is happening now. You get it back when you leave, but it's a hell of a way to welcome tourists.

Things don't look nice over there - (link)

Even Homeland Security hasn't stooped to that level yet. They just confiscate laptops and memory cards - http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnews/seizinglaptopsandcameraswithoutcause

I am not versed on the exact allowances if any, or not, for spectators to pass security.

I have been (as a spectator) to Previous Games.

From the Canon line up I would initially be looking at the 200F2.8L (or the 135F2L) and having the x1.4 and x2.0 converters in your pocket. If you choose the Canon converters use Black Tape around them. This would be a base as a general lightweight kit, IMO.

I STRONGLY suggest you are aware of the specific allowances to get you past security, and you then have a protocol to confirm those rights, should you initially be refused entry.

As you live in Beijing that will be a lot easier for you than others.

After having clearly identified what you can and can not do, if allowed: I suggest the 70 to 200F2.8LIS and the two converters I mentioned. My rationale for these choices is predicated on the necessary lens speed you will require, especially for any indoor events.

WW

"and you then have a protocol to confirm those rights"

Somehow I doubt that you'll really be able to insist on your "rights" over there.

Based solely on the amazing amount of publicity I am seeing for Nikon, Canon, Pentax etc in and around the venues, I cannot imagine that they won't allow people into the venues with a camera, even if it is a professional looking one. Tripods, flashes, etc are definitely forbidden, but cameras should not be. (Fingers crossed)

I doubt that it will be a problem. Certainly worth a try. You might try renting some lenses in case there is a problem, although anything available was likely reserved months ago. Indoors, either the 135/2 or 200/1.8 or 200/2. Outdoors, the 300/4, 300/2.8, 400/2.8, or 400/5.6.

If you want to buy but can only afford a 100-400 or 400/5.6 then I suggest using the f5.6 zoom lens you already have and simply add the 135/2 for indoor venues.

I just read the link above . . .

Well at least the 5D doesn`t have a pop up flash, the use of which could get you expelled.

I wonder how the officials will manage the lightshow from the P&S pocket cameras in auto mode?

:)

WW

I also like William's idea of the 200/2.8 L with converters but still consider the 135/2 for indoors.

``Somehow I doubt that you'll really be able to insist on your "rights" over there.``

Hey Bob . . .I did not have any expectations on positive outcomes . . . just suggesting a protocol . . . and a protocol to ``deal with the situation`` would have been a better choice of words . . . :)

I`ll be watching this one on HD widescreen, thanks very much.

Cheers,

WW

My information was that P&S were ok, but ((D)SLRs were not allowed. The weak reason given was that they cause inconvenience to other spectators. Neill

I mentioned that the premise for my suggestion was lens speed:

Perhaps implied, but not stated, my thinking was also: light weight; compact size (no bags); and the fact that (I have found): the lenses size; colour; amount of lenses; camera bag and number of accessories often dictates to security as to whether it is all ``professional`` or not.

I have found that getting in, is the challenge: not taking the shots, in a calm, relaxed, seated position, once you are in, no matter what the gear is you have, if you are in and do not draw attention to yourself it is usually all good.

This was my experience both in Atlanta and in Sydney, where the front door / initial security was very tight in both instances, wearing my (one) camera over my shoulder with a `smallish` lens on it never presented any problems, but I noted in both cities, those with a camera bag and goodies, mostly far less (technically) capable than what I was carrying were held up, bags gone through and some were refused entry . . . all of which made those paid spectators quite upset . . . as on the face of it they would get far `worse` pictures than I.

For the record, I have only had one negative experience in China: that was being chased by a farmer with a sickle as I was taking some landscape scenery shots of him and his cattle.

WW

Did some research. Here is the official word on what can and cannot come in:

(From: http://news.xinhuanet.com/olympics/2008-07/14/content_8542682.htm) 7、任何未经授权的专业摄像设备；8、刀具、球棒、长棍、长柄伞、照相机与摄像机支架等尖锐物或容易造成人身伤害的 物品；------So basically what they ban include professional video-capturing equipment and camera/camcorder tripods/monopods.

yeah but . . . who defines ``professional`` and what does that definition mean . . . back to my previous points.

If your translation is literal: it is whether the gear defined as ``professional`` (or not) which matters, and not that the intent or use of it is ``professional`` (or not).

Good luck with your quest

WW

IMO ... ideal lenses would be 15/2.8 fish-eye and 16-35/2.8

I say, if you're not an accredited photog with a seat at the side of the track, pool, field, or whatever, forget about athlete closeup shots. Concentrate on the crowd, the spectators, the experience of being there.

Restrictions on anything other than a P&S camera are very common at U.S. sporting events, concerts, etc. Enforcement varies. But to get the Sports Illustrated kind of shots we'd all like to take home, you have to have long, fast glass AND be down on or near the field in prime shooting locations that you're only ever going to get to by being a working news photographer assigned to the event. Getting something other than snapshots from the stands isn't impossible -- I've seeking working photographers at baseball games go up into the stands for a different angle -- but it's an added challenge regardless of your gear.

"But to get the Sports Illustrated kind of shots we'd all like to take home, you have to have long, fast glass AND be down on or near the field in prime shooting locations that you're only ever going to get to by being a working news photographer assigned to the event."

I don't know. Got these recently at Yankee Stadium.

Here...

and here...

Seems like your photos were taken from ground level. The more I think about it, the more I like the recommendation of one of the posters to get a fish-eye lens and take more general pictures, since the likelihood of my getting the kind of shots of the athletes that I have in my mind is slim. Also, the 100-400 is sooo heavy.

James, actually mine were taken from the stands, albeit nice seats. One possibility, as a guess, is to try photographing athletes who are practicing, but not actually competing. In other words, you go to the pool or other venue while the divers or other athletes are working out, getting shots that may be indistinquishable from ones in competition...

Cool, and thanks for the tips! I got the Canon 15mm f/2.8 today, and so far think it's going to be a great addition to my repertoire of lenses. Will report how it turns out!

...more on this subject. I was feeling flush today while out in a good part of town to shop for lenses, and found a shop that would actually let me put the 100-400 on my camera and try it out. I was all set to buy it, talking about how I was looking forward to using it at the Games and on a subsequent trip to Africa that I plan to take, when the salesman asked why I did not consider the 70-200 f/2.8L plus a 2x converter. It had the advantage of a larger aperture (without the extender, of course) and having a non-lengthening design (i.e., the lens remains the same size regardless of how much you're zooming), and it would be more useful overall than the 100-400. It seemed a good argument to me, so that's what went home with me. Now to make sure I can bring these lenses into the venues with me!

James,

You might be interested in this test comparing the two alternatives. The conclusion is that the 70-200 with the 2x is softer than the 100-400. The test was done a few years ago (prior to the 2x II) so the same test done today may have a different outcome, but makes for interesting reading nonetheless.

http://luminous-landscape.com/reviews/lenses/400v400.shtml

Dick

Anyone is still reading this?

We have practically wall to wall coverage from midday to midnight and lots of wide shots showing the crowd quite close: especially (thus far) Swimming, BBall and Gymnastics

Two days into the Games and I have noticed many DSLRs in the paying crowd, some with what looks like 70 to 300 or similar.

I can see no white lenses, though. That of itself doesn`t mean anything, just an observation.

WW

I meant to write back and forgot to do so, so thanks for the reminder! I have had no trouble bringing my Canon 5D and assorted lenses into the Games, though at the security check to get onto the Olympic metro line they sometimes make me show them each and every lens to demonstrate that they are see-through. And in the stands I have seen plenty of white lenses, in addition to my own, and no one cares. It's only professional-quality video cameras that they ban from the stands.

My photos, in case anyone is interested, are here: http://shuanglong.smugmug.com/Sports

James,

Thank you for coming back. I find your experience (re white lenses) interesting, similar to mine but not exactly the same: I am very happy it is working out good for you.

I do like some of your Extra WA shots inside.

I am an Olympics Junkie: I will watch everything . . . please wear a red hat and wave for the TV cameras, I will be looking out for you on the big screen. :)

WW