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Anonymous
Sup /p/!

I'm shooting a Nikon D40X, and I was invited to shoot action shots of a paintball tournament this weekend. Thing is I have no clue what sort of lens to use. I was thinking a telephoto lens, but I'm not positive.

Lastly, they are expecting me to be on the field while shooting. What precautions could I use to make sure that my camera does not get hurt?

Photo unrelated.
EXIF data available. Clickhereto show/hide.
Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeNIKON CORPORATIONCamera ModelNIKON D40XCamera SoftwareVer.1.00Maximum Lens Aperturef/3.5Sensing MethodOne-Chip Color AreaColor Filter Array Pattern836Focal Length (35mm Equiv)27 mmImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2007:02:24 06:19:34Exposure Time1/6 secF-Numberf/3.5Exposure ProgramNormal ProgramISO Speed Rating100Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternLight SourceUnknownFlashNo FlashFocal Length18.00 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width3872Image Height2592RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoScene Capture TypeStandardGain ControlNoneContrastNormalSharpnessNormalSubject Distance RangeUnknownISO Speed Used100Color ModeCOLORImage QualityFINEWhite BalanceAUTOImage SharpeningAUTOFocus ModeAF-AFlash SettingNORMALFlash Compensation0.0 EVISO Speed Requested100Tone CompensationAUTOLens TypeNikon D SeriesLens Range18.0 - 55.0 mm; f/3.5 - f/5.6Auto FocusClosest Subject, Center Selected, Top FocusedShooting/Bracketing ModeSingle Frame/OffColor ModeLandscape sRGBLighting TypeNATURALNoise ReductionOFFCamera Actuations590Image OptimizationNORMALSaturation 2AUTO
>> Martin !!ve2Q1ETWmJH
>>178860
I'd reccomend some sort of tele/zoom, so you dont have to get close into the action.
Around 200+ would do well.

Precautions:
Ask if you can borrow a marshalls vest, so you dont get shot at.
>> Anonymous
>>178875
Okay...
Any actual lense names I can look at? I'm pretty new to buys lenses and stuff.

Yeah. I've played paintball before, and the guys who will be playing are nuts. They really don't care who they shoot. I don't care about me getting shot. I care about the camera.
>> Anonymous
>>178875

Listen to this man. Unfortunately, every paintball field I've ever been to requires (by law) that anyone entering the netted arena wear a mask, so I'm not sure how you're going to use your viewfinder if that occurs. ANyone have any suggestions?

I'd also recomment bringing a roll of paper towels, a can of compressed air. and some lens cleaning supplies Solution, microfiber clothes, etc.). If it's a good tournament, these people (in theory) shouldn't be nubs, so their shots aren't going to be towards you for the most part, but this really depends on how much you're willing to risk to get a good shot. Just be prepared for the possibility of paint, dirt, or sand on your camera.
>> Anonymous
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you gonna get owned

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS-1D Mark II NCamera SoftwareAdobe Photoshop CS2 WindowsImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution72 dpiVertical Resolution72 dpiImage Created2006:12:25 10:46:10Exposure Time1/800 secF-Numberf/13.0Exposure ProgramNormal ProgramISO Speed Rating800Lens Aperturef/12.9Exposure Bias0.7 EVMetering ModePatternFlashNo Flash, CompulsoryFocal Length100.00 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width800Image Height800RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)


Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS-1D Mark II NCamera SoftwareAdobe Photoshop CS2 WindowsImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution72 dpiVertical Resolution72 dpiImage Created2007:01:27 19:22:21Exposure Time1/400 secF-Numberf/14.0Exposure ProgramNormal ProgramISO Speed Rating800Lens Aperturef/14.0Exposure Bias1/3 EVMetering ModePatternFlashNo Flash, CompulsoryFocal Length40.00 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width800Image Height533RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)


Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS-1D Mark IICamera SoftwareAdobe Photoshop CS2 WindowsImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution72 dpiVertical Resolution72 dpiImage Created2006:12:25 10:46:09RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandardExposure Time1/500 secF-Numberf/11.0Exposure ProgramNormal ProgramISO Speed Rating400Lens Aperturef/11.3Exposure Bias1/3 EVMetering ModePatternFlashNo Flash, CompulsoryFocal Length33.00 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width800Image Height533
>> Anonymous
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hey, at least yours is a little d40 so it's nothing wasted

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS 20DCamera SoftwareAdobe Photoshop CS2 WindowsImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution72 dpiVertical Resolution72 dpiImage Created2006:12:25 10:46:09Exposure Time1/320 secF-Numberf/9.0Exposure ProgramNormal ProgramISO Speed Rating400Lens Aperturef/9.0Exposure Bias-1/3 EVMetering ModePatternFlashNo Flash, CompulsoryFocal Length35.00 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width800Image Height533RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Martin !!ve2Q1ETWmJH
>>178884
In addition to this;

you could try to buy a cheap "waterproof" casing for your camera?
I guess this would stop paint getting in, and im pretty sure they're hard as nails.
>> Anonymous
put it in a ziplock bag
>> Anonymous
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filters motherfucker, use them

also, kata cover

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/316856-REG/Kata_KTE702_E_702_Elements_Cover.html

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS 20DCamera SoftwareAdobe Photoshop CS WindowsImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution72 dpiVertical Resolution72 dpiImage Created2005:07:17 18:48:10Exposure Time1/800 secF-Numberf/4.0Exposure ProgramNot DefinedISO Speed Rating100Lens Aperturef/4.0Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternFlashNo Flash, CompulsoryFocal Length35.00 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width800Image Height834RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Anonymous
better put a uv filter on the front for protection
>> Anonymous
that paintball forum is lawl

"
Check out the prices on a Canon Digital Rebel XT and a Canon EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM Lens. This IMO is the absolute minimum you will need to buy to get good results."

yeah.. that's a $2,300 lens. oh lawd
>> Anonymous
>>178934
fuck, put two
>> Chib
also, stand in the open or lie down prone if possible.
These are generally safer positions than coming around a bunker with "equipment" near your face. Move slowly if possible also
>> Anonymous
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>>178939These are generally safer positions than coming around a bunker with "equipment" near your face.

< animated GIF, motherfucker shoots on the camera
>> anon
Wear a bright colored hoodie and make sure mofos know its you. thick hoodie, filters and maybe wrap it up somehow, you're camera can take a shot, just worry about paint going in the cracks.
>> Chib
>>178940
safer doesnt mean completely safe.
Also when you lie down next to a bunker that shit happens
>> Anonymous
>>178937
I think you might be looking at the wrong version of that lens as they are priced under $400 where I've looked.

During the action, I think it's really unlikely you'd be taking any shots wider than 70mm. For Canon owners, I'd think the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 USM would be a better choice, and they are under $200. Lenses in a similar range can be had for Nikon too.

Anyway, it sounds like paintballers want to get OP out in the woods and shoot the camera on purpose. OP is going to be pwned.
>> Anonymous
If you want to be really cautious, i'd suggest taking photos of the people on your team from in front of them, that way you'll have you back to the oncoming fire.
>> Anonymous
I can understand why a tele, but 200+ is way too long. Sure, it's probably "safer," but it's not a regular occurance for a photojournalist in a warzone to have a bullet impact his 1D Mk. III, is it? As long as OP is marked, doesn't move fast, makes it clear he's the guy with the camera, he should be fine.

OP should go with the equipment that would bring back the best photographs, use filters, wrap it in a bag, duct tape over the cracks, etc.

I would think that would be either a moderate wide prime (e.g. 24mm) a normal prime (e.g. 28mm) a relatively mild medium tele (e.g. 50mm) or a wide (e.g. 10-20) or standard (18-55) zoom.

Or, you know, just shoot it in your own typical style.
>> Anonymous
>>178976
normal style isnt really relevant while taking pictures of people shooting at or near you with things that will fuck up a camera if your not careful, not to mention hurt like shit
>> Anonymous
>>178979
How? If they're not shooting at you, and you don't make any sudden moves that will confuse them, and you protect the camera, why not just shoot like you normally would?
>> Anonymous
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>>178968I think you might be looking at the wrong version of that lens as they are priced under $400 where I've looked.

lulz.. $400

more like $2,300

>> For Canon owners, I'd think the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 USM would be a better choice, and they are under $200. Lenses in a similar range can be had for Nikon too.

sucks shit

ef-s 55-250 is is superior in every way
>> Anonymous
>>178982
if hes used to getting up close to his subject, in my opinion its not a good idea.

if these people are serious about their paintball then
they wont necessarily be shooting AT him but he no
doubt will have people shooing in his direction and will
have paint balls coming close as shit to him, and it
only takes a little movement from the guy shooting to
have paint balls flying to far to the right/left and BAMN
MOTHER FUCKER your lens/camera/face is fucked.
>> Martin !!ve2Q1ETWmJH
Thing is, even if these guys are pro
- you'll always get someone who will be thinking
"Would it be funny to hit the photographer"
>> Anonymous
>>178992
and indeed it would

till his thousand+ dollar camera is fucked :( but what does he care he doesnt have to pay for it( the paintballer not the photographer)
>> Anonymous
>>178994

Yeah, but see what happens when you break one of their $400 guns. "ZOMG WTF I'M GONNA KILL YOU I WORKED 3 MONTHS AT MCDONALDS FOR THAT!"
>> Anonymous
>Check this out guise

http://rancid.outwar.com/page/1964
>> Anonymous
>>178995

pro tip, op's d40x is $400
>> Butterfly !xlgRMYva6s
Wear a fucking facemask.

*i got shot in the neck when i last whent paintballing, that fucking hurt.
>> Anonymous
OP is back. Thanks for all of your advice. But hey, I'm a girl.

Hopefully the tourney goes well, and I'll try to get a UV filter by then and (maybe) a tele lense. If I go I'll come back and show you the pics...

Thanks so much, any more advice?
(Shit sucks though. I've only got $300 to play with.)
>> Martin !!ve2Q1ETWmJH
>>179025
UV is a definate.
But get 2 UV's just incase.
>> Anonymous
>>178985

It actually helps if you look at the right lens, moron.

"and a Canon EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM Lens"

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/206435-GREY/Canon_6470A006_Zoom_Wide_Angle_Telephoto_EF.html

Do you still think that's a $2,300 lens? Thanks for the LULZ.
>> Martin !!ve2Q1ETWmJH
>>179034
Canon != nikon, so whoever reccomended that is a troll.
>> Anonymous
>>179034

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?shs=canon+28-300&ci=0&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=
desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=RootPage.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t

LURKFOREVER
>> Anonymous
>>178987
Which is why you would bag, tape, and UV filter the equipment. Wear whatever normal protective gear you'd wear playing paintball.

I'm sorry, but if photojournalists can get up in people's faces with a normal or wide lens when there's REAL FUCKING BULLETS flying around, someone can do the same with some paintballs.
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
Jim Nachtwey always related. Even the less-ballsy ones are still within easy dying distance.

But this is paintball.
>> Anonymous
>>179053
thats a shitty argument
>> Anonymous
>>179050

28-200 != 28-300

Also, quoted text was NOT an IS lens.

Seriously you are btarded.
>> Anonymous
>>179061
How so?
>> Pulng
I take pictures at airsoft games so i can give you some tips.

Move a lot.
Make noise when you move.
Dont be scared of wizzing projectiles.
Wear a high visibility vest.
Double UV filters.
Use a telephoto. You shouldnt really need anything more that 200. Just get closer.
Use a lens hood.

Be respectful of the players. When taking in game photo's, dont give away their position.

If you do all that you should be fine.
>> Anonymous
>>179070
its a completely different situation. people arent going to waste their valuable ammunition on a cameraman as long as they know hes a cameraman that is.
in a paintball game someone WILL think its funny to shoot him, thats not to say someone WILL shoot him but i would say it a bit more likely.

photojournalists also have the added incentive of maybe getting paid tons of money for a good picture.
>> Anonymous
>>179162
That is what my err... 'client' said.

I may just sit this tourney out and shoot the next one once i have the proper equipment
>> Chib
>>179294
bah dont be a pussy!
at least take a PnS out there!
learn the lanes the backmen shoot, find whats going to work when you get your good gear out there.
turn it into a learnign experience


BTW the reason I say focus on backmen is because their position is usually a common fact. You dont want to tail the front's and give em awa
>> Anonymous
Sigma to the rescue.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/389309-REG/Sigma_795306_28_300mm_f_3_5_6_3_DG_Macro.html
>> Anonymous
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>>180581

owned, bitch
>> Anonymous
>>180583

on a related note, is there another lens that beats the 50-500 for range spanned?
>> Anonymous
Adorama/B&H sell these weird shells called Camera Armors. Might wanna take a look at those : P
>> Anonymous
>>180609

Camera Armor isn't "weather proof" and will still let paint seep in because ther are holes all over.
>> Anonymous
>>180613
Ah. I havent read much into them, but I was thinking mainly about impact.
>> Anonymous
>>180613
The point is avoiding lens to be broken by a paintball.
>> Chib !!RZtg9/1KP1J
http://youtube.com/watch?v=qUkPmXpKErM

Watch where the photographers stand in that video.
Most tourneys won't let photgraphers midfield.