Wrong. I shoot tennis for a Division II college. The players can hear the shutter because you are THAT close in those instances. This isn't Wimbeldon. Again, don't generalize for every sports shooter. Of course I can go stand in the parking lot with a 200 f/2L lens with a 1DX, but if I am allowed to get much closer, I'm going to. The silent shutter on the 5D3 is GREAT for these matches.
My point wasn't really whether or not they could hear you. I'm sure they can at times. But in my opinion, tennis players just have to accept shutter sounds and learn not to be distracted by them. If they ever reach pro level, they will be hearing that sound over and over again. I don't think there's any etiquette in tennis requiring absolute silence like in golf. Having said that, I am aware of players complaining, but it's extremely rare. They better learn to get used to it instead.
Presumably, if you're photographing a sport, it's at least in part because you enjoy watching the athletes perform at their best.
Would you rather watch (and photograph) the athletes actually at their best, or would you rather watch (and photograph) athletes pissed off at you because you're annoying them with your machine-gun-sounding camera?
And which photographer do you think the athlete will prefer working with for an off-the-court photo shoot: the one whom they didn't even notice during the match, or the one whose camera made a really annoying braaaaaaap sound every time a critical point came up?
Cheers,
b&
Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That is so true. I care about the athletes, because I was once a college athlete and I'm not going to be an ass and machine-gun shoot the tennis match, especially serving. The 1DX's shutter is a machine gun. The 1D Mark IV is also better/quieter, to a degree. You develop many relationships with athletes and parents off the tennis court, or playing field, or what have you, in Division II sports. I think of them first, not which camera I'm using. I guess I'm good enough that I don't NEED the 1DX to get the tennis shots I want? Again, the 5D3 is great for tennis, just great.
cliffec, I'm not trying to be rude to you, I'm really not. I'm just sharing my personal perspective and how I choose to photograph different sports and why. Even if I'm being given money, I'm still a guest at the venue. That's all.
