tshift Loc: Overland Park, KS.

Hi what do you think. Just a few shooting with my older 80-200MM f/2.8 after my 80-400MM was destroyed by a wild throw from left field as they were warming up. Shots are kinda limited because of range of lens but I Made it work I think! Let me know. Thanks

Tom

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david vt Loc: Vermont

I think you made it work just fine. The ones with the “dust up” are nice captures.

What was bizarre to me in looking at these at first is the lighter tan field color, on my iPad, was an almost exact match for he UHH tan general background, so at first it looked like I was only getting partial pictures. Strange coincidence

jcspics

Yup these appear to be baseball photos so I'd say that 80-200mm lens was working...

All things being equal I hate to hear about your lens getting knocked out. Did it crack the lens or hit the side of your lens? I'm super curious... where were you standing? I have worried about being up against the netting near the dugouts when shooting batters at the plate.

tshift Loc: Overland Park, KS.

Thanks David. That is strange.

tshift Loc: Overland Park, KS.

Hi jcspics. I had been talking to the state director of high school baseball about where I could shoot from on the field. I had earlier been at game where umpires told me that a photographer had a letter from the state that he could shoot from the field. I contacted the director and he told me that #1 there was no letter and here in Kansas and national rules state that no media is allowed in dugouts at all. I told him I had good relationships with most head coaches and 99% let me in their dugouts. He said no media allowed, then after saying that he said if they come over and ask me to leave I should. He also said the home teams, before games start can set a space for media photographers to shoot from which would be a dead ball space. Ok knowing that I always go to umpires before games and ask if ok to shoot from outside dugouts. Ok I was at game asked the umps if ok and the home plate ump said sure, then the field ump said as long as he gets no complaints. I was shooting from just outside third base dugout and there was a man on second. I moved over to my left to get batter shot of third. I looked over and with parents behind the fence I could see I was probably blocking their view. Going back to umps words and I always try not to block anybodies view anyway I moved on past them to a gate right before bullpen and stepped outside. It was perfect height though as I could shoot right over it. Well inning was over and actually my team went out to the field to warm up. The left fielder threw ball way over the other players head and luckily I looked up. It was headed right at my head. I was holding my camera and monopod with right hand. I moved to my left and ball hit my 80-400MM lens on the side which was extended all the way out. The impact knocked out of my hands. I recovered and turned to see my camera in one spot and my lens and monopod in another. I walked over to them and I could see they were messed up. The lens has a big crack and dent where the ball hit it and won't move at all the end of lens had the bracket off of camera still on it. Camera had pins and springs sticking out of mounting area. I am not wealthy enough ( I am retired now) to buy new ones and don't really have the money to repair either. I wanted to cry!!! Sorry this was so long but that is the story. As long as you are behind something I think you will be fine otherwise, but always keep your eyes open especially between innings. Thanks

Tom

Jules Karney Loc: Las Vegas, Nevada

Tom there is no reason you can't shoot with this lens. Number 3 pitcher is your best shot for overall exposure. The others are over exposed and a little to much contrast. I know you like a crispy look to your shots, but I would tone done the contrast down a bit.
Good work with that lens. I like these. Keep using it and shoot, shoot, and shoot some more.
Going today to shoot a softball game about a mile from the house. Parents want me there, so what could I say? I have already shot this team, but what the hey.

jcspics

Wow! That story is such a bummer and almost got me choked up too... I can't image loosing gear like that since I'm a "starving artist" in a tiny town that has to drive at least 90 miles to get a paying gig. So I can understand not being able to afford replacing my pro Nikon lenses. I have that 80-200 lens so I know its very decent glass but not a replacement for what you lost. Maybe you can get a TC-200 teleconverter to get some reach back.?.

Thanks for sharing and good luck buddy...

-Jim

tshift Loc: Overland Park, KS.

Thanks I appreciate that Jim.

Tom

tshift Loc: Overland Park, KS.

You know me well my friend. Yes I do like the contrasty crisp look. I usually start by doing an auto in the basic settings and adjust a little from there. I had been shooting in neutral but I think I had changed these to vivid or something different, don't remember. Yes I think I may try and shoot some more baseball with this lens we will see. Do they allow you in the dugouts or on the fields for softball? Here in Kansas I was told by local newspaper photographer that they didn't let us anywhere for softball games dugout or field. Of course the parents want you there YOU are the man. Have fun at the ball game today and keep in touch. Thanks

Tom

Jules Karney Loc: Las Vegas, Nevada

You always have to think like a paying customer, would I purchase that shot and hang it on my kid's wall?? Still I like the lens a lot and what you have done with it. Keep doing what your doing, except of course the contrast. lol

tshift Loc: Overland Park, KS.

Thanks Jules I will work on it, maybe today there is a track meet I would like to go to today. Will see.

Tom