Which lens to use @ monster jam, phoenix: I am taking my grandson to the Phoenix Monster Jam @ Chase field. We are in section 131, row 26, fairly close to field. Is any UHH'er familiar...

innershield Loc: phoenix, az

I am taking my grandson to the Phoenix Monster Jam @ Chase field. We are in section 131, row 26, fairly close to field. Is any UHH'er familiar with the lighting and distance. I have a D7100 and a 70-300 and a 70-200 f2.8 and a Tamron 150-600 but I don't think a tripod would be feasible. Thanks

tjphxaz Loc: Phoenix, AZ

I think the 70-200 f/2.8 will give you the best indoor lighting capability. They will likely have the roof open for the exhaust but you will still have artificial light, shadows, etc. to deal with during the day or stadium lighting at night.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

innershield wrote:

I am taking my grandson to the Phoenix Monster Jam @ Chase field. We are in section 131, row 26, fairly close to field. Is any UHH'er familiar with the lighting and distance. I have a D7100 and a 70-300 and a 70-200 f2.8 and a Tamron 150-600 but I don't think a tripod would be feasible. Thanks

I agree with tjphxaz. The larger aperture lens will be a big advantage in the stadium at night.

Some other thoughts:

How close is "fairly" close? Chunks of dirt close? Dust close? If so you may want to attach a protective cover, such as a UV filter, over that $$$ lens.

Also remember you will need a shutter speed of at least 1/focal_Length, that is 1/200 at 200mm, to prevent motion blur of stationary objects, with hand held shots. Those trucks are moving so that's the bottom the range. I suggest you use a highest ISO feasible, to get the highest shutter speed, even if yields a little grainy pic. With monster trucks is a little noise/grain a problem?

btbg

JD750 is pretty much spot on. The only issue is if you try to shoot the trucks when they are moving very fast you are going to have to use a shutter speed of 1/250 up to 1/1000 to stop the motion. If they are coming straight at you you can get away with a slower shutter than if they are going by from side to side.

In an emergency shoot on manual, bump the ISO up and underexpose. Shoot in raw and you will have more flexibility to correct the exposure and white balance after the fact.

Good luck. That kind of shooting really pushes the limits of equipment. However, you have the luxury of a new camera that is better in low light then all of the older cameras. You can probably push your ISO to 6400 which will really help. I can't go above 1600 ISO so you have two full stops of light better than I have which should really help.

innershield Loc: phoenix, az

Thanks all. Close means they usually have a safety zone where all the field level seats are and they barricade that area off. I think I'll be okay with dust and dirt and I'm guessing fifty feet where the trucks will be at the closest

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

innershield wrote:

I am taking my grandson to the Phoenix Monster Jam @ Chase field. We are in section 131, row 26, fairly close to field. Is any UHH'er familiar with the lighting and distance. I have a D7100 and a 70-300 and a 70-200 f2.8 and a Tamron 150-600 but I don't think a tripod would be feasible. Thanks

Open or closed roof? Monopods may be allowable. Be descreit. The Tamron may be too big for the surroundings.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

innershield wrote:

Thanks all. Close means they usually have a safety zone where all the field level seats are and they barricade that area off. I think I'll be okay with dust and dirt and I'm guessing fifty feet where the trucks will be at the closest

50' is plenty close to have dirt raining down, depending on exactly where you are at!! It's all part of the fun. :)

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

innershield wrote:

I am taking my grandson to the Phoenix Monster Jam @ Chase field. We are in section 131, row 26, fairly close to field. Is any UHH'er familiar with the lighting and distance. I have a D7100 and a 70-300 and a 70-200 f2.8 and a Tamron 150-600 but I don't think a tripod would be feasible. Thanks

I'd take the 70~300. Sure you don't have the fastest lens, but you can compensate for that by adjusting the ISO. The 150~600 might be a bit more than hand holding would allow. Your minimum exposure speed would be 1/250.

You might be able to get by with 1/125, but that is really pushing your ability to hold the camera dead still.

The 70~200 may not have the ability to zoom in for details you'd be interested in capturing.
--Bob

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

davidrb wrote:

Open or closed roof? Monopods may be allowable. Be descreit. The Tamron may be too big for the surroundings.

The best cover for a monopod is to have a handle made for it that converts its appearance to that of a cane. It's worked for me.
--Bob

innershield Loc: phoenix, az

Well I went to monster jam here in phoenix and was surprised with the available light. I sat in row 26 and used the 70-200 and the 70-300 both auto ISO. did not have any special photographer seats just in the crowd so I was dodging vendors and other people.

(Download)

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

innershield wrote:

Well I went to monster jam here in phoenix and was surprised with the available light. I sat in row 26 and used the 70-200 and the 70-300 both auto ISO. did not have any special photographer seats just in the crowd so I was dodging vendors and other people.

Those are very credibly done. Good going.
--Bob

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

I think if I were you, I'd see if you could take a monopod in.
Or else shoot freehand.
And I think I'd go the 70-300 route.

But I'm not going, you are.

Have a blast!
(Uhh, and keep close track of your gear.) ;)