2012 London Olympics

[MiceBass]

This may not be for everyone, but they start on Friday and I'm going, so I can guarantee at least one person will be posting in here.

I was so upset about not getting any swimming tickets I went out and bought a 5D MkIII and a 70-200 2.8 L II lens, so my future posts will be using that.

But before the excitement starts I thought you might like these pictures of the London Aquatic Centre taken with my old 400D.









Full set is here: http://www.wobblyblock.com/london-aquatic-centre-olympics-2012

(I subsequently managed to get some swimming tickets so am now effectively bankrupt)

Boxing, volleyball, basketball, tae kwon do, football, water polo, swimming and athletics to follow.

[Northstar]

I'm pretty jealous...I drool at the thought of capturing images from the London Olympics.  Maybe I'll sit in front of the tv and get some shots that way

I also have the 5d3 and 70-200ii, I'm looking forward to seeing what you get from that combo...good luck!

[CarpetFeet]

Great stuff!  I also picked up my 5diii relatively recently and will be going to a number of events over the coming fortnight.

Most of my shots so far have been in One Shot mode using the joystick to select the AF point manually and the default AF case mode, which I'm guessing isn't going to cut the mustard for fast moving sports.  Any advice on settings for catching the action?

[GuyF]

Considering spectators aren't being allowed to use camera gear longer than 300mm and not everyone can be trackside, I think it'll be quite tricky to get top-notch shots.

CR guy should offer a prize to the first non-pro to post a series of 14fps images from a 1D X taken from the cheap seats!

[Narcolepsy]

Considering spectators aren't being allowed to use camera gear longer than 300mm and not everyone can be trackside, I think it'll be quite tricky to get top-notch shots.

The actual rules are no equipment longer than 30cm in length:
http://www.london2012.com/mm/Document/Documents/General/01/25/44/06/Prohibitedandrestricteditemslists_Neutral.pdf

A Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM Lens with a 1.4x Converter would get you under the line, and considerably more than 300mm.
I am taking a 70-200mm and a 2x converter, because I think I'll need the f2.8 in the ExCel

[paul13walnut5]

You are only allowed Samsung or Panasonic cameras in, in case you upset the sponsors.

Not really.  But probably the next goodwill sapping doctrine that will be issued.

Personally I wouldn't bother taking a camera.  Sky plus it, keep the newspapers.  Enjoy the experience when you are there.  Don't shoot me down in flames, just a humble opinion.

[Narcolepsy]

Personally I wouldn't bother taking a camera.  Sky plus it, keep the newspapers.  Enjoy the experience when you are there.  Don't shoot me down in flames, just a humble opinion.

Different people enjoy experiences in different ways - you are assuming that the taking of pictures is to create memories, not for the pleasure of taking photos itself

[paul13walnut5]

Different people enjoy experiences in different ways - you are assuming that the taking of pictures is to create memories, not for the pleasure of taking photos itself

I am making no assumptions.  Just expressing an opinion.  I can count at least half a dozen times in my life when I've ruined a great memory or experience by the very act of taking a camera and distracting myself from the moment with filtration, with isos, with af patterns, etc etc.

The assertion -as distinct from an assumption- I make, is that in my opinion it is sometimes better to enjoy the moment.

I really do love taking pictures.  I love a new situation or challenge.  I love the sound, the feeling, almost as much as getting it right. 

My opinion is that the events will be well covered, there are going to be folk there with better access and probably better cameras, and almost definately more experience and skill (that is full time sports pro togs) but hey, its just an opinion.

If anybody else has the opinion that they want to see the event through a viewfinder, having spent a small fortune on tickets, to the chagrin of their partners, to the annoyance of others in the audience, then that is of course a their right and a matter for them.

Thanks for NOT shooting me down, LOL

[GuyF]

Narcolepsy:- Ah, of course, DO lenses! Never occurred to me. Well played sir.

Paul:- Sheesh, you're just one giant walking opinion, aren't you? Still, that's just my opinion  . You do realise that the wrong opinion on this site can have you drummed out of the regiment y'know. Mind you, I quite agree that the very action of taking pics can remove you from the event. Q: "How was it?" A: "No idea, I didn't see it but I got 586 shots!"

Shall we take bets on Boris making a pig's ear of the opening ceremony?

Anyway, as you were, carry on.

[bchernicoff]

Wow, those seats recede into infinity.

[paul13walnut5]

@guyF

As a confirmed Glaswegian I can only assume that BoJo wont want to be outdone in the offence stakes by Hampden Park and it's Korean mix up!

[Ew]

I've been watching the olympics and thinking about all the "official" restrictions.

So far I've spotted :
Lots of whites in the stands 70-200 and 100-400 as well as bodies with grips or 1 series (difficult to tell) in the stands of the Swimming of day 1.
I think I saw the Sigma 50-500 during Women's Beach Volleyball China/Russia.

So - were the rules more of a scare tactic?

[paul13walnut5]

Brilliant news.  I'm going to take the Zenit Photosniper I found in the attic, see if it still works.

[DigitalDivide]

Brilliant news.  I'm going to take the Zenit Photosniper I found in the attic, see if it still works.

That should get you some serious attention from Olympic security!   But then again, since it is apparently no big deal to gatecrash the parade of nations maybe they wouldn't notice...

I was not familiar with this device and I had to Google it.  It seems like a pretty cool idea.  There are a few on ebay right now so apparently they are not that rare.  It would make an interesting addition to a vintage camera collection.

[paul13walnut5]

Bugger it, all the empty seats, they'll be happy I came.