Shooting at MLB games: I tend to avoid such inquiries but now could use some suggestions if anyone has such experience. I will be in SFO and going to a Giants/Dodgers game. Our seats...

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

I tend to avoid such inquiries but now could use some suggestions if anyone has such experience. I will be in SFO and going to a Giants/Dodgers game. Our seats are a little bit down the line from the end of the Giants dugout and in the field level section. I have a couple of body choices and am wondering about lens selection. A ff dslr or a high quality micro 4/3 are my choices. I have a choice between a ff 300mm & 1.4 tc or a 4/3 40/150 & ability to use the in body 2X tc. I would hope to get some decent shots of players in action. Opinions welcome.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

pesfls, first, I'd check with the stadium and find out if they have restrictions. I photographed this from the upper tier near the front row. I used my Nikon F with a 50~300 Nikkor lens. I doubt I'd be able to bring that combination into a game today. I'd hate to see you arrive at the gate and be told you can't bring certain equipment into the place and then have to leave it in the car.
--Bob

pesfls wrote:

I tend to avoid such inquiries but now could use s... (show quote)

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pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

rmalarz wrote:

pesfls, first, I'd check with the stadium and find out if they have restrictions. I photographed this from the upper tier near the front row. I used my Nikon F with a 50~300 Nikkor lens. I doubt I'd be able to bring that combination into a game today. I'd hate to see you arrive at the gate and be told you can't bring certain equipment into the place and then have to leave it in the car.
--Bob

I’ve thus far done that part Bob. There are general MLB rules but each park controls it’s individual rules. The Giants rules do not restrict lens dimensions but does say you may not obstruct another fan’s view. So unlike general MLB regs there’s no restriction on lens length so long as you’re not interfering with others. They also have tripod allowed areas for fans/amatuer photographers. So thus far my intent is to bring a small monopod to use from our seats. So lens length is is my purpose for this inquiry.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Take the m4/3 gear...easier to carry and stash when not using.

LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

For MLB I would prefer an 80-200 or 70-200 2.8.

A 300 f4 will do quite well but the lack of zoom is very limiting.

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

Good to see the great Barry Bonds.

rmalarz wrote:

pesfls, first, I'd check with the stadium and find out if they have restrictions. I photographed this from the upper tier near the front row. I used my Nikon F with a 50~300 Nikkor lens. I doubt I'd be able to bring that combination into a game today. I'd hate to see you arrive at the gate and be told you can't bring certain equipment into the place and then have to leave it in the car.
--Bob

jdub82 Loc: Northern California

AT&T Park in San Francisco is a great place to take pictures! A zoom lens is a must. There is so much to photograph in and around the stadium at varying distances. It would be very hard to react to the movement in the game with a fixed focal length telephoto lens. Some beautiful shots of boats and ships in the bay beyond the stadium are also possible from some locations inside the park. Personally, I appreciate the flexibility of my bridge camera (SX50) with a long zoom for Giants games. The zoom lens on your mirrorless with the teleconverter might be your best bet.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Which 40-150? Is it the kit or the f/2.8 version?

d2b2 Loc: Catonsville, Maryland, USA

rmalarz wrote:

pesfls, first, I'd check with the stadium and find out if they have restrictions. I photographed this from the upper tier near the front row. I used my Nikon F with a 50~300 Nikkor lens. I doubt I'd be able to bring that combination into a game today. I'd hate to see you arrive at the gate and be told you can't bring certain equipment into the place and then have to leave it in the car.
--Bob

Most stadiums follow MLB rules, which limit the lens to 6". I use an 80-400mm zoom and have never even been questioned. The issue is also that of carrying in a camera bag, which is disallowed in most stadiums.

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DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Two weeks ago, I shot the Yankee vs. Baltimore (14 innings) at Yankee Stadium. I used a Nikon D500 and a Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 FL. I checked with the authorities first. I carried the camera and lens within a shoulder bag uncoupled. I went through security no problem. Had I had the camera and lens coupled with the lens hood on I may have had a problem. I was lucky to have been introduced to the Bleacher Queen (Tina) and she pretty much took care of me. I had the run of the stadium without any issues.

pesfls wrote:

I tend to avoid such inquiries but now could use s... (show quote)

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

Cdouthitt wrote:

Which 40-150? Is it the kit or the f/2.8 version?

2.8

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

d2b2 wrote:

Most stadiums follow MLB rules, which limit the lens to 6". I use an 80-400mm zoom and have never even been questioned. The issue is also that of carrying in a camera bag, which is disallowed in most stadiums.

I’ve already checked with the Giants on their rules. As I mentioned they allow long lenses (over the 6” mlb rule) unless you interfere with others. They have fan tripod locations and do not prohibit backpacks. I’m taking my sister, who will be in a wheelchair so the plan is to enter with the camera bag in her lap. We’ve been assured by phone, anyway that we will be fine.

markmmmm

Hope your taking pictures at the game doesn't interfere with other paying attendees ability to watch and enjoy the game. I sat by a real creep who had what looked like a Nikon 200mm zoom taking pictures. It was all about him, no consideration to any one else. The person was standing, fidgeting with equipment, disrupting others ability to enjoy the game. At one point they unfolded a tripod - blocking others view to meet his selfish need. So if you take your camera, don't be a creep.....

d2b2 Loc: Catonsville, Maryland, USA

pesfls wrote:

I’ve already checked with the Giants on their rules. As I mentioned they allow long lenses (over the 6” mlb rule) unless you interfere with others. They have fan tripod locations and do not prohibit backpacks. I’m taking my sister, who will be in a wheelchair so the plan is to enter with the camera bag in her lap. We’ve been assured by phone, anyway that we will be fine.

Have a great time!

clemente21

I take my 300mm, but with a good resolution camera you'll be fine. However, there is more to see than just the game. Get there when the gates open. Find interesting player to player interactions, check out fans face paintings as well. I can't speak for SFO, but while players are warming up if you politely ask the ushers they might allow you into another section and get much closer. Have a plan B where to go in case the guy in front of you stands up after every play. Try to sit between home and first or third to shoot straight forward (looks like you have that covered). Otherwise, you might have to shoot with your lens in the face of the fan next to you. If you take your family and there is a camera close by, keep an eye on the fan cam and be ready to shoot, just in case everyone is on the big display. One more thing, don't be all business and talk to your kids. They are there to have fun with you.