Wimbledon 2010 Advice

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bumfluff

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Mikey
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For the second year in a row I have been fortunate enough to get Centre Court tickets for the first day of Wimbledon.

Some of my pictures from last time can be found in this thread, these were taken using my Fujifilm S6500fd. However, this time around I am able to arm myself with my Canon 40D and its 6 or so fps but I only have a Sigma 17-70mm lens and a 10-20. Neither of which are great for the fast action of Wimbledon or contending with the distance I am going to be from the court when I am on centre.

It is for this reason that I am considering renting a lens for the day when I am there but I don't know what lens. Can anybody suggest the best lens for the job, I don't suppose IS would be any advantage and its costs more for an IS lens.

Secondly, it has been a while since I have picked up my camera as I don't seem to find the time or the motive to go out while I am at uni, so I really need some practice. As soon as exams are over I will definitely be wapping out my copy of Understanding Exposure but what can I do to make sure that I don't waste my time at Wimbledon, or waste my money on rental and actually produce some cracking shots?

Thanks,

Mikey
 
Before renting a lens I would check what the rules are on photography, a lot of major events dont mind P&S cameras but a pro looking camera in the stands maybe something different.
 
There were a lot of people walking around with SLRs last year I believe...

Edit:
Can I bring my camera to Wimbledon?
Cameras are permitted inside the Grounds but photographs (still or motion) taken may only be used for private, not commercial, purposes. There is no flash photography while play is in progress — cameras with automatic flashes should not be used unless the flash can be switched off. Video recording is permitted so long as it does not interfere with competitors or anyone else. It may only be used for private, not commercial, purposes.
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I guess so long as the lens isn't so long that it hits the players then anything is fine...:)
 
:D Don't know the rules ther ebut would of hated for someone to spend money renting a lens getting to the event to get it taken off them :D :D
 
I've been in the last few years with a 300/4 lens. I think that is a decent choice - 70-200s were too short and a 300/2.8 too heavy. If there is enough light to play tennis f4 will be enough to shoot.

Even if cameras are allowed I'd think it pretty easy to upset those in the seats next to you if you block their views with big lenses. I usually try to position myself at the end of rows or among friends to minimise this. I don't know how much choice you'll have on the show courts though.
 
I am between hiring this and this. I know the 100-400L has longer reach and is an L lens, so the optics are stunning, but the 70-300 is quite a lot smaller which would be useful especially in the show court stands.
 
Ill be taking my 100-400 with me I reckon.

Saved me a thread here, I was going to start one about Wimbledon...!
 
If you're going to hire a lens get in early as many Sports togs hire their kit for Wimbledon Fortnight as well - you may find the well is dry if you delay.

A 300 f/2.8 isn't too heavy if you use a monopod - which will be fine as you'll be sitting...
 
bumfluff said:
Have you been before a lex?
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Nope, not yet.

Have had tickets before but always had problems with getting there/staying there etc with school and the like...

Ive finished school/uni now and have a place in London so looking forward to it this year! :thumbs:
 
I don't own a monopod so I will have to resort to handheld and I would rather have a zoom than a prime as I am not going to be on centre all day and you need much less zoom for outside courts.

I just need to choose between the 70-300 and 100-400...
 
Well, if you go for the 100-400 (that would be my choice) then you want to beg borrow or steal a monopod too, I use mine on a gripped 40d all the time (and I do handhold it often) so am used to the weight, but for something like that I'd think a monopod is a must.

Tara
 
Has anyone taken a 100-400 into Centre Court if you are just sitting in the stands, never held one before so no idea how unwieldy it might be? Not that a professional would take one in either as they will have even better lenses...
 
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