Cameras for the Masters golf tournament: I have a badge for Tuesday practice day at the Masters golf tournament in a couple days. Wondering if any of you have any experience at...

Mi630

I have a badge for Tuesday practice day at the Masters golf tournament in a couple days. Wondering if any of you have any experience at Augusta. They allow cameras on practice days. Can I bring in two cameras? One zoom, and one more wide angle. Right now I could take a Sony a9 with 200-600 and a Canon R6 with 24-105. I could rent a Canon 100-400 and go with one body and two lenses. I could also pull out my 5D Mark iv body for the 24-105 for more megapixels for landscape shots.
Any advice is welcome. Kind of a bucket list item for me.

flip1948 Loc: Hamden, CT

Mi630 wrote:

I have a badge for Tuesday practice day at the Mas... (show quote)

I really can't see the need for the 200-600mm lens as you can follow groups. I think the R6 with the 24-105mm would be sufficient.

In any event, use silent shutter. Even though cameras are allowed if you were to bring the 5D you had better not have that mirror slapping during a player's swing, but you probably know that.

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Mi630 wrote:

I have a badge for Tuesday practice day at the Mas... (show quote)

Yes, you really should bring as much as you can carry. Then you'll have a good idea of what you might as well have left out, good experience for similar future photo excursions.

Mi630

flip1948 wrote:

I really can't see the need for the 200-600mm lens as you can follow groups. I think the R6 with the 24-105mm would be sufficient.

In any event, use silent shutter. Even though cameras are allowed if you were to bring the 5D you had better not have that mirror slapping during a player's swing, but you probably know that.

Yeah, that’s why I may go just mirrorless. I know certain areas of the course you can’t get vey close to the players, like 12 green and 13 tee box.

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Mi630 wrote:

Yeah, that’s why I may go just mirrorless. I know certain areas of the course you can’t get vey close to the players, like 12 green and 13 tee box.

If I were assigned ($$$) to reasonably thoroughly "cover the event" the content of my bag would be way different than if I'm "doing my own thing", but somehow just happened to be spending my whole day following some golfers around.

A "coverage" job would need only my 28-300. What it can't do doesn't need doing.

"My own thing" would use whatever was no burden and won't draw much if any attention. A 14-150 on a small "flat top" m4/3 (pix attached). Same range, same apertures as the 28-300, but better DoF.
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flip1948 Loc: Hamden, CT

Mi630 wrote:

Yeah, that’s why I may go just mirrorless. I know certain areas of the course you can’t get vey close to the players, like 12 green and 13 tee box.

True, but given the width of the 12th green it may be a very interesting shot if you could fill the frame from left to right with the green at 105mm.

And you do have 16 other holes for up close and personal shots. Have fun, it should be a unique experience.

The closest thing I've ever experienced like that (not close at all) was when a Nike Tour event was being held at the Yale Golf Course and the course in my town was used for a qualifier. I was on the practice green practicing a 45 foot putt that I'd hit hundreds of times and had gotten pretty good at. I got a lot of funny looks from the young semi-pros when I would sink 2 of 4 and leave the other two within 6 inches...glory days

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Mi630 wrote:

I have a badge for Tuesday practice day at the Mas... (show quote)

Augusta National is a LONG walk that will cause fatigue if you are carrying a big lens. The Masters' experience is like no other in sports. Go and enjoy it but be careful, seeing a place for the first time needs better vision than does seeing it through a view finder. View finders offer terrific views of selected items while normal vision has fewer restrictions. IMHO your 24-105 is a much better choice, lighter and more versatile shot selection. Tuesday will NOT offer good landscapes, too much clutter of the crowd to really see the course. Try to get access on Monday. Crowd is mostly just staff and officials. Very comfortable walking shoes are at a premium for you. The straight-line distance is about 1 1/2 miles. Add to that the walk TO and FROM your vehicle and the course and your day will be very full. The pounds get heavier as the day wears on. Georgia can be quite warm in April, shade and water will be your two best friends. It's a very long day. Prepare for it and have a great time! Be sure and wave so we can see you!

JRD3 Loc: Richmond, VA

The course, while so beautiful to the eye, is very hilly. TV will not have prepared you for the terrain. Keep the walking and schlepping in mind. Also, the crowds will be larger than you think. Pack light and enjoy what might be your only trip to Augusta National .

Tomfl101 Loc: Mount Airy, MD

When I photograph high school golf I bring a 70-200 with an R5. The only two shots in golf that really have impact for me are close-up follow throughs on drive swings and coming out of bunkers with sand flying. Of course Augusta is a beautiful place and since your photographing celebrity pros, you’ll need wide angle to capture the full gamut of the event. So I think your selection of the 24-105 and 100-400 is perfect. I jealous. Have fun!

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

Mi630 wrote:

I have a badge for Tuesday practice day at the Mas... (show quote)

Just make sure it does not make any noise. And it depends on how far your standing away from the golfers. The pro's are allowed close. There are many PGA rules for types of camera's and shooting locations. I strongly suggest you investigate with Augusta.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

Mi630 wrote:

I have a badge for Tuesday practice day at the Mas... (show quote)

I may be wrong on this, but there may be some limitations on the size camera/lens you can bring onto the course, even during practice rounds. Check their website. The last thing you want to do is try to bring something in for which they have established “Masters protocols”. There are many exceptional photo opportunities at Augusta National. Enjoy the trip. The grounds are very hilly so bring gear that is comfortable to handle. Year ago I got some really great photos with my Canon G-9 that I cherish to this very day.

JohnH3 Loc: Auburn, AL

You can only carry a camera into the course during the practice rounds; therefore, you are good to go. You cannot carry a cell phone, beeper, or any other such device any day. You are not allowed to carry a backpack, camera bag, etc. There should be some guidelines on your tickets. A camera vest would likely be your best option for equipment and a second camera. If you have one, I would strongly suggest a 70-200 if the day is overcast with a second camera with a wide angle lens. If not overcast and sunny, the new canon RF 24-240 mounted on your R6 would likely be all you would need. (I am not sure if a monopod is permissible or not. I would tend to doubt it.) The RF 24-240 is not a L-Series lens, but it is very sharp at all focal lengths and produces good color. You will definitely want to take two kinds of shots: golfers and landscapes. Just don’t forget extra batteries and something to clean your lens. The pollen is already flying!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

From what I see on TV golf, you will need a camera that is whisper quiet.

fredwelker Loc: Florida

I would highly suggest you purchase the Masters folding chair at the course as soon as you get through the gates. Choose a good spot to take photos and set your chair down with your name on the tag. No one will take your chair or move it for the whole day. It will give you great shots of every player going by and a great place to rest after walking with the heavy load. Be ready for a lot of walking and make sure you buy those BBQ or Pimento cheese sandwiches! A great experience.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

fredwelker wrote:

I would highly suggest you purchase the Masters folding chair at the course as soon as you get through the gates. Choose a good spot to take photos and set your chair down with your name on the tag. No one will take your chair or move it for the whole day. It will give you great shots of every player going by and a great place to rest after walking with the heavy load. Be ready for a lot of walking and make sure you buy those BBQ or Pimento cheese sandwiches! A great experience.

Make an official-looking plastic badge to hang around your neck.