Advice for the Masters Tournament: I have been lucky enough to get a ticket to the 2018 Masters golf tournament for a practice round. They allow cameras and picture taking so this is a...

Larry K

I have been lucky enough to get a ticket to the 2018 Masters golf tournament for a practice round. They allow cameras and picture taking so this is a chance of a lifetime to walk the course and take pictures. I have a D750 with a 50mm 1.8G, a 24-85 G, and a 70-300 G. If I had to rent a better lens I would. Does anyone have any experience at the Masters that might help my only trip there be sucessfull.

Thanks in advance

jaydoc

Haven't been to the Masters but have been to other professional golf tournaments. I would consider renting another camera and taking both your long and short telephoto lenses.

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

No advice, but, aren't cameras allowed only early in the week (i.e. practice rounds or Thurs/Fri)? Seems like they ban cameras on the weekend. I could be wrong on all of the above however. I recall them not banning cellphones, which also means cellphone cameras. Just not sure about purposes-built cameras, bridge or DSLR. 😳

Leica User Loc: Western North Carolina

Gitchigumi wrote:

No advice, but, aren't cameras allowed only early in the week (i.e. practice rounds or Thurs/Fri)? Seems like they ban cameras on the weekend. I could be wrong on all of the above however. I recall them not banning cellphones, which also means cellphone cameras. Just not sure about purposes-built cameras, bridge or DSLR. 😳

Read it again. He states it is a practice round where cameras ARE allowed. Cell phones are banned on the course, period.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

I don’t think Nikon makes niblinks or wedges yet, but their 500mm might be termed a driver.😳

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

Leica User wrote:

Read it again. He states it is a practice round where cameras ARE allowed. Cell phones are banned on the course, period.

Yep... its right there! How did I miss that?

Well, "never mind"... just disregard my comments.

tinplater Loc: Scottsdale, AZ

I endorse the opinion of two cameras. I have used the Sony RX10 on a belt holster for 90% of the shots of the Phoenix open, but have the Sony A7rII with 100-400 for longer reach slung over my shoulder. Two of my friends, independently, have been to the practice rounds at Augusta and had a truly memorable time. Hope for favorable weather, that is the only variable that might "dampen" the experience. Both reported that TV does not do the course justice, it is magnificent.

Larry K

Thanks for your reply, yes I think two cameras is the answer

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Larry K wrote:

I have been lucky enough to get a ticket to the 2018 Masters golf tournament for a practice round. They allow cameras and picture taking so this is a chance of a lifetime to walk the course and take pictures. I have a D750 with a 50mm 1.8G, a 24-85 G, and a 70-300 G. If I had to rent a better lens I would. Does anyone have any experience at the Masters that might help my only trip there be sucessfull.

Thanks in advance

You want to isolate the pro golfer as much as you can, I would use the 70-300.

Dannj

I haven't been to The Masters but have been to other majors. A practice round is a great opportunity to shoot the course (if there weren't so many damn people there😊) and the golfers, who, for the most part, are more friendly and relaxed than when the tourney starts. If you're a golf fan, don't go crazy with gear. You may miss out on an otherwise great experience. If you're going as a photographer, load up and fire away with whatever you want to bring.
One thing I would do is get on the course as early as allowed and walk to the farthest point on the course. Most courses are beautiful in the early morning light and you'll get some great shots before the crowds take over.
Have fun!

cthahn

You have lenses. Why do you want another one? Learn to use what you have.

Nanarozzi Loc: Brentwood, TN & East TN

I have been to the Masters tournament quite a few times and to the practice rounds. I actually prefer the practice rounds more than the actual tournament because the players are more relaxed. If you have Wednesday practice round tickets, don’t miss the par 3 tournament. The pictures I have taken at the par 3 are my favorites. We usually sit on the hill behind the 9th green (only 9 holes). Since I started playing golf when I was eight years old I feel more qualified to make suggestions about golf than lenses, but I would take the sharpest best range camera you have (or can rent ). It is more than a golf tournament - it is a great experience! It’s a total class event. Depending on weather, the flowers and azaleas are gorgeous. Even our friends who don’t play golf were in awe with the atmosphere at The Masters. Been to the US Open at Oakmont and Marion a couple times and there’s no comparison. Enjoy every moment! Excited for you!

Bird Dawg Loc: Georgia

Congrats. The Augusta National is an amazing golf course. It is all so beautiful it will be hard to get a bad picture. Take in all 18 holes if possible and enjoy the beauty of this special place. Enjoy. PS - be sure to eat the pimento sandwich.

mleuck

NO CAMERAS FOR THE REAL ROUNDS. YOU WILL BE BANNED FOR LIFE! Cell phones are banned also as you will be if you have one

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Be careful with the length of your lenses. I think there is a limit for spectators. If allowed and if you have available, an f/2.8 or 4, 70 - 200mm will be an excellent choice. For closeups, your 50mm should work well.
Enjoy the experience. I'm a golf fanatic.
Mark

Larry K wrote:

I have been lucky enough to get a ticket to the 2018 Masters golf tournament for a practice round. They allow cameras and picture taking so this is a chance of a lifetime to walk the course and take pictures. I have a D750 with a 50mm 1.8G, a 24-85 G, and a 70-300 G. If I had to rent a better lens I would. Does anyone have any experience at the Masters that might help my only trip there be sucessfull.

Thanks in advance