What a difference a lens can make

[Jim Bryant]

Wow, What a difference a lens can make. Normally, when covering the Seahawks games, I use either my 300mm or 400mm f2.8 lenses and follow the action up and down the field. However, this Sunday I was loaned a 500mm f.4 from Glazer Pro Photo. Glazer's, who have been providing pro support for at least six years, brings a battery of loaner equipment to the Seahawks games for us pros to check out and use. They bring a cart full of MK IV's, MK III's, and 300mm, 400mm and 500mm lenses. I normally use the 400mm f2.8 (mine is in the shop), but someone already beat me to the lens so I used the 500mm instead.

Talk about a sweet lens!!!!!!!! With this lens there's no need for chasing the action up and down the sidelines. My work area was from the corner of the end zones to the 30 yard lines and I was able to get pictures in front of the offense of developing plays, catches, open field running or hang out behind the QB to get pass receptions, interceptions, behind the line sacks or stuffed plays.

From time to time I've watched the Seahawks team photographers and studied how they cover a game. Now I know the method to their success in capturing great action shots.

Not only was the 500mm much lighter than the 400mm and I wasn't weighted down like a pack mule, but I didn't arrive home with the effects having to run a marathon as well.

[zona5101]

Those are awesome shots. And it's less money than your 400mm. Sweet times two!

[sk66]

Yeah, often the "best" lens in't the fastest one. You can give up some speed to gain reach or lightness, sometimes a bit of both.

I love my 300-800 f/5.6 for wildlife/sports (often stopped down to f/8) , my 500 f/4.2 for a "long carry lens"...I don't have anything faster above 200mm and seldom need it for what/when I shoot.

[RLucas]

Nice! I like the first one! The guy with the monopod looks a little pissed because you have more lens than he does! lol!

[pjflan7]

sweet set of shots....It is nice to know that it is just not possible to get shots like this for me given the crap lenses I have......so I can just settle down and enjoy the shots you guys are able to get.

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by pjflan7

sweet set of shots....It is nice to know that it is just not possible to get shots like this for me given the crap lenses I have......so I can just settle down and enjoy the shots you guys are able to get.

A lot of it has to do with not only having the gear to get the job done, field access, processing a knowledge of the game you're photographing, but mainly being in the right place at the right time. As I say, "It's 95% being there and 5% dumb luck.

[Jensers]

I really like the second one of Bradshaw busting thru. You had some good light to work with and at F4 you still must have been at what - 800 at least?

The only thing that stinks about this whole deal is the stink that was hovering over the Seahawks. I guess the new coach honeymoon is over and we are back to being a total disappointment.

[RichardTaylor]

Beaut series,Jim.
You really shouldn't do this to me!
+ smile

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by Jensers

I really like the second one of Bradshaw busting thru. You had some good light to work with and at F4 you still must have been at what - 800 at least?

The only thing that stinks about this whole deal is the stink that was hovering over the Seahawks. I guess the new coach honeymoon is over and we are back to being a total disappointment.

Great backlight I must say........stink, well the Mariners are pretty smelly as well. Most of us field photographers can't complain, we get the best seats in the house and free food in the photo work room. Salads, sandwiches for brunch, hot dogs & chili & cheese for halftime and pizza at game's end. Sometime, it's just a chore waddling up and down the sidelines.

[Jensers]

By the way Jim - Are you shooting on assignment for the papers? Are you there on your own dime, and you then in turn sell your images to the paper or whatever publication or commercial venture? Do you own your images or are they the property of whomever has assigned you to be at the event?

I know that there probably a million sports photographers that want to get into the stadium, but I would like to get there at some point in my life shooting soccer events. Would you be willing to do a blog contribution about the world of professional sports photography and how to navigate it? I would appreciate having it as a resource if you would consider it.