barrisster Loc: Palm Springs

I will be visiting the Calgary Stampede this July. I shoot with a Canon 5D and was wondering what lenses to bring. We will be sitting in the grandstands during the day and I don't know how far that is from a cowboy action. Anyone have any thoughts as to what lens would be best?

I have a Tamron 150 to 600 but it gets heavy after a few minutes – (less stable) I'd rather use my 70 to 200 but I fear that it will not have the greater reach that I will need

ELNikkor

Since you will be sitting, a mono-pod or tripod with closed up legs should hold that big lens for you. Bring the 70-200 in the bag just in case you are close enough for it.

lbrande

Be aware that they may not allow "professional" cameras in the grandstands. I found this out at the Cheyenne Frontier days. I had to shoot with my "pocket camera". Check with the administration.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Just a suggestion but consider using a monopod, if you have one. Easy to carry, don't bother other people, carries the weight of your 150-600 well.

10MPlayer Loc: California

I agree if you are going to take your 150-600 to the rodeo you need a monopod. I took a Canon 100-400 to Costa Rica several years ago and used the monopod very successfully. The nice thing about the one I had is that it telescopes so you can shorten it up and tie it to the outside of a backpack so it's out of the way when you're on a plane, bus, boat etc. or in the grandstands.

Another thought is, take your 200mm lens and get closer. You're much more likely to get good shots if you can figure out a way to get closer to the riders and the animals and get down on their level.

barrisster Loc: Palm Springs

Thank you all. I just purchased a Benro Carbon fiber monopod that can support 40kg. I also purchased a Wimberley monopod head to use with the 150-600, but am reluctant to carry it all within the arena. Given the weight of the lens, combined with the other equipment, I fear I may be spending too much effort just carrying equipment rather than shooting. But it does seem to be the best solution.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

I covered the Calgary Stampede many years ago. If the Stampede Grounds and grandstand are still the same, you may need both of your lenses- it depends on where you are seated, and what particular rodeo events you want to capture. A monopod with either of your lenses would be helpful

I shot some images of the grandstand. Since at the time I had press credentials and was also covering the event for organizers, I was able to shoot, on the ground, on the infield. I found that to be a very dangerous endevior! Everyon was gettg telephoto shots with a shallow depth of field and compressed backgrounds. I thought some wide-angle shots forom the infield would be more effective and show the vastness of the field and the crowd. When viewing through a wide-angle lens, one des no reals the closeness of the charging animals. Good thg the "clowns were there! I go a good shot and the editor loved it but I ain't gonna do that again. You may be able to get a low-angle shot from behind the chutes- it's safe there because it is fenced in.

If you can get a bit of elevation, like at the top of the grandstand, you may get a great shot of the chuckwagon races!

Stampede time in Calgary is a very festive occasion! There are free pancake breakfasts served on the streets and all kinds of celebrations. If you have time item after attending the stamped, you might consider a trip to the mountains- Banf, Banf Springs, Pato Lake, and the Columbia Ice Fields. Endless landscape opportunities! The Canadian Rockies are AWESOME!

Enjoy your trip!

barrisster Loc: Palm Springs

Thanks after leaving Calgary, we are going to Lake Louise and Banff for four days.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Guys get real. There is no way they will allow the OP with a pro camera body, a long lens and a monopod to sit in the stands taking pictures of the action. And even if they did it would be such a distraction to the people sitting around him that it is unlikely he would be able to use it. He would be better off taking a small pocketable camera with a zoom lens like the Sony RX-100 VII

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

If you were just a paid ticket holder and did not have press credentials do you think you would have been allowed to shoot from your seat in the stands with a long lens on a monopod?

gleneric Loc: Calgary, Alberta

Assuming you are referring to the main grandstand, the front row of seats varies from about 60 ft. to 100 ft. back from the fence along the rodeo infield. The back row is probably closer to 200 ft. back, and then there is some extra distance involved if you are in the upper deck just because you are probably 100 ft. up in the air. There are other places where you can sit and be closer to the action, but I have never checked into which of those seats are available to the public and what the prices are like (though I suspect that I would have to re-mortgage my house).

With your knees pretty much touching the back of the seat in front of you, and people shifting in and out of seats with annoying regularity, I can't imagine trying to take pictures with any decent length of lens, and a monopod might not be feasible. As for whether or not you are even allowed to take certain equipment in, I assume it is easy to find out ... call them ( 403-261-0101 ). Best to know ahead of time IMO. Another issue ... just looking at their "terms of entry" online I find this statement:

"...you agree: (i) not to reproduce, perform, display or upload any photographs, videos and/or recordings, that you may take or record while at the Calgary Stampede; and (ii) upon our request, to immediately remove and/or delete any and all such photographs, videos and/or recording online or from any other media."

Hope you enjoy the Stampede, and thanks for spending some tourism dollars here :) Hope you already have your tickets secured, as I hear they are selling very quickly.

BTW, if getting "up close and personal with the action" is what you are after, there are smaller "stampedes"/rodeos happening in many small communities all through the summer. Same cowboys/cowgirls in the rodeo, same chuckwagon race drivers, etc. and in some places you can get good seats, at a decent price, almost close enough to get mud thrown on you from the action. We are big fans of the "Strathmore Stampede" (in a town about 45 minutes east of Calgary), on the first weekend of August ... they are the only one around that includes their version of the "running with the bulls" :)

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Good advice!

Large venues like Calgary can dictate a lot of restrictions on photography. Small venues are often a lot more open and fun for photographers.

I've shot a wide variety of equestrian events for over 15 years.

Don't stop with stampedes and rodeos. Gymkhanas have a lot of similar action. So do reining, roping and sorting events. Hunter/jumper shows are full of action, too. More sedate, but really beautiful examples of teamwork between horse and rider can be found at Trail Trials as well as English/Western and Dressage Shows.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

That Wimberly monoGimbal on a monopod will really serve you well.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

I have to assume the OP has the intelligence and common send not to disturb other patrons in the grandstand. I am not exactly familiar with the sizer and the bulk of his lenses but many of the lates telephoto lense is supposing small considering the focal length.

AI also mention that my experience was credentialed and was over 2 decades ago. As I recall, for certn shots, I was far enough away from the infield and at the very back of the grandstand to see a 600mm lens without disturbing, anyone.

Of course, nowadays, there are more restrictions to photography having to do with exclusivity, copyright, and broadcast issues. If the tickets contain an intrinsic restriction, obviously, attendees will have to conform to the rules.

I don't assume that all photograhers, amateur or professional, are intrusive, do not abide by the rules, and are not respectful of others who are attending events. Weh working in Alberta, I have always fon the general population and the officials were very helpful; courteous and hospitable. I am sure the OP will not find himself ejected from the event and if he lucks out on a good seat, he may find a medium-telephoto practical and useful, Monopods can be collapsed and put away of them are inappropriate. Besides, a rodeo is not a nigh the opera. It is more likely that enthusiastic fans will block the OP's line of sight than he's gear blocking them.

If at all possible, it is always best to check withte the event official, the box-office staff or a management person about the exact regulations pertaining to bringing any photographic equipment into the venue. The disclaimer on the ticket may be in place to discourage unauthorized public broadcasting for profit but may not apply to a tourist wanting to record his experience at the event.

Also, as I indicated, many of the rules are in place for public safety. Gettg run-over by an angry 1500 lb."pot roast" can be rather damaging.

Another tip- I have covered many events of various kinds both as a professional and for my own entertainment. I always find that asking permission and consulting with official or security folks I advance, with a positive attitude, yields more cooperation and authentic information. If you don't walk in as if you own the place and begin to set up your gear, that will oftentimes not work out in your favour.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Go light with a Canon 70-300 IS II nano and ENJOY the rodeo and be friends with other attendees ! ......
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