Chris F. Loc: San Francisco

I took the new lens to AT&T Park on Tuesday night, this time with my 7D instead of the 5DIII. The extra reach was nice on the cropped frame camera, but I did see some drawbacks. The results are still pretty good for the most part, especially on subjects that are stationary or moving slowly. I needed more shutter speed (more than 1/500 – 1/800 to stop the ball) which I could not get.

Due to fast motion capture, I had to push the 7D to its limits with this lens by increasing shutter speed and ISO which left most shots with too much noise (grain). It was a night game and surprisingly enough, the lower artificial light (compared to the day game) limited my shutter speed to 1/500 to 1/800 with ISOs of 1250 – 1600 at around 500 mm. I needed to be up around 1/4000 which was not possible. With the lower light conditions of a ballpark at night, this f 6.3 lens struggled. While the lens works okay on the 7D during the day, it works much better on the 5DIII at night.

My findings are completely understandable and in my opinion (not trying to sound like a snob) performed as expected for a large lens of 600 mm costing only $1059. The lens is great for use with lots of light, but I prefer my Canon 100-400 at night. Here are a few shots:

Brandon Crawford

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Joe Panik

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Camera Man at 150 mm

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Camera Man at 600 mm

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tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

I'm am surprised that you were able to get in the park with that set up. Most places have restrictions on "Professional" cameras.
It would be interesting to see how it (the lens) would have done in bright daylight.

Chris F. Loc: San Francisco

Hi Tradio, thank you for your comment. This is one of several posts of mine with the lens. Feel free to look under my user name under profile to see the other posts with this lens during daylight.

Unlike many other ballparks, AT&T Park has no restrictions on camera gear as long as it's used respectfully.

Chris

Dun1 Loc: Atlanta, GA

Those are great shots, well taken given the lighting, you are or were lucky there were no lens restrictions, most stadiums, college and pro facilities limit lenses to six (6") or less.

Chris F. Loc: San Francisco

Hi Dun1, thank you. Yes I agree, we took a ballpark road trip last summer and went to many parks. The majority do not let you bring anything significant (size wise) into the park. Fortunately on each MLB Team site camera equipment is clearly spelled out for each park so we knew what the policy was before going to the gate.

Chris

globetrekker Loc: Bend, OR

Interesting info about the limitations of a lens that offers a whole lotta zoom and generally does pretty well (per other posts of yours). Still, for a grand and change, it seems like a good purchase. I may get one some day...

Chris F. Loc: San Francisco

Hey Globetrekker, thanks for commenting. I think it is a great value and very good lens. I don't regret the purchase at all especially knowing how much a Canon 600 mm f4 costs. Yikes! Tamron gives us a lot of horsepower for the buck. It's a nice lens, but did not pair as well with the 7D at night as I would have hoped. It's great on the 5DIII though.

Your A's are still doing great too I see.

Chris

globetrekker Loc: Bend, OR

Any reason the lens wouldn't work well with a Canon 60D?

Chris F. Loc: San Francisco

I think you would be okay. Not sure if any other UHH'ers have paired it with the 60D and posted comments.

If you want to come over and check it out let me know. I'm downtown during the day, only a short BART ride away. If you would prefer to drive, you could do that to. PM me if you like.

Chris

globetrekker Loc: Bend, OR

Appreciate the offer, Chris. I guess I'm not too serious about buying it soon, but I'll keep your offer in mind. Not easy to convince Mrs. Globetrekker that I can spend over 1k on a lens, plus more for accessories. LOL. Plus, not sure if this is the way I'd go when I finally do buy a new lens....

Regis Loc: Coeur d' Alene, Idaho

I would get good shots using my Canon 6D + Tamron 150-600mm lens with the ISO at 3200 or higher for those night shots at this park.

Chris F. Loc: San Francisco

Hi Regis, yes for sure. My understanding is that the 6D has the same sensor as the 5DIII. I have no issues with the lens using it mine (5DIII). I've seen your shots....they are outstanding.

Chris

sailorsmom Loc: Souderton, PA

Very good shots, Chris!

Chris F. Loc: San Francisco

Thank you Sue.

Chris

CraigFair Loc: Santa Maria, CA.

Very nice set of test shots Chris.
Craig