[iLL n1njA]

So many mixed answers lol. So I basically have to weigh the chance of scratching my lens from dirt and grime or scratching my lens from a shattered filter lol.

You'd think they'd come out with gorilla glass filters for something like this by now eh?

[outkast kid]

They do make heavy duty filters, that's what HD is for Hoya, not high def. Like I said earlier, the larger the diameter of your lens, the more likely you're going to break something. A thick filter on a smaller diameter lens is going to be a lot more resistant to shattering.

[iLL n1njA]

It's high density, but yeah I know lol. It's a 77mm filter, so it's pretty big. Idk. I'm still on the fence about it. The field I'm going to shoot at isn't very dusty or anything so I'll probably just take it with me if I find myself wiping the lens off too often. Just in case.

[NotYourPsycho]

Originally Posted by iLL n1njA

It's high density, but yeah I know lol. It's a 77mm filter, so it's pretty big. Idk. I'm still on the fence about it. The field I'm going to shoot at isn't very dusty or anything so I'll probably just take it with me if I find myself wiping the lens off too often. Just in case.

Hoya 77mm on a 70-200 2.8 IS, got caught in a bunkering/spin off and got nailed. I had been hit before and never had an issue, until then. Luckily, the front element was not scratched.

I had an issue with not having one on for a while, then looked into how many times I actually put my lens down, or had it while laying down and it was less times dirt was on it and more times paint splatter got on it. A good microfiber wipe down worked every time. That's when I went back to no filter.

[pbjunkiee]

I'm pretty sure the hd's can take a hit or two...

[Ian Harding]

I primarily shoot with a 70-200mm that has a Hoya HD on it. Haven't had any issues so far. *knocks on wood*

I agree with Gary in that I only use a filter to reduce the frequent cleanings of my lens glass. I always have 2-3 extra filters with me at all times. After a hit, splatter, or just plain dirt, I can change out a dirty filter with a clean one and be shooting crystal clear photos again in less than a minute. Without a filter, a hit to my lens would require a lot more time to clean. I'd rather be photographing than cleaning.

As for paint in the buttons, I'm sure my camera would bleed paint if someone took it apart. That's just a reality that I've accepted, mainly because I use a low-end cover. When I upgrade my camera body, I plan to upgrade my cover. Until then, both me and my camera will continue to get shot... because that's where the best action is.

[bowler6788]

Good tips here guys. Thanks! Though I've shot a lot of sports, I haven't shot much paintball, and I'm shooting a small tournament this weekend near home, so this is a good read before hand!

[PRyAnKeE]

Filters wont stop paintballs but when you get paint spatter is easier to clean!

[Coastermaniac]

I'll just hop on this thread to ask my question.

What is the best way to cover the body, I see alot of opened case of paint with a hole for the lens, but that seems a bit annoying to move around.

I also saw some type of plastic rain cover, would that be sufficient ?

[fallen9210]

The paint cases are used more frequently by video guy shooting on a tripod. A box would be horrible for photo use with a large amount of movement. And sure, it will keep paint out of the cracks and crevices of the camera, although they can often get in the way and quite frankly be a pain in the ***.

[Coastermaniac]

Originally Posted by fallen9210

The paint cases are used more frequently by video guy shooting on a tripod. A box would be horrible for photo use with a large amount of movement. And sure, it will keep paint out of the cracks and crevices of the camera, although they can often get in the way and quite frankly be a pain in the ***.

Yeah this is what I thought, any alternatives ? Just shoot without anything ?

[ProtoBaller1991]

Originally Posted by PRyAnKeE

Filters wont stop paintballs but when you get paint spatter is easier to clean!

they can, and have for me.

[fallen9210]

Originally Posted by ProtoBaller1991

they can, and have for me.

They can. But they can also shatter and scratch the front element. Is it worth the risk? Well thats for you to weigh out...

Originally Posted by Coastermaniac

Yeah this is what I thought, any alternatives ? Just shoot without anything ?

They make neoprene covers for some bodies that would offer protection, and most people use sweatbands to cover the lens cracks and lens mount. A good eye can cut back on most shots, although some aren't avoidable. It's all personal preference really

[Mike Grenade]

Originally Posted by ProtoBaller1991

they can, and have for me.

I'm not sure what the value of this statement was. Just because they can doesn't mean they will. It's not reliable in any sense of the word. I think the images in this thread should speak for themselves.

For camera body protection - Neoprene or Kata elements covers.

[.Outlaw.]

As this seems to have degraded into a "Filter or Not Thread".. blah, I'll answer your original question and excuse myself.

You mentioned having an orange mask.. Honestly, it doesn't matter what you're wearing. Anyone on the sidelines, be it refs or photogs, is going to be shot a lot. Most of the time it's your positioning to get angles of streams, etc. but yeah, might as well call it like you see it.

For camera protection, I simply put a hand towel over my lens with the hood on (70-200 2.8L). The towel makes most shots bounce and the hood has taken a couple hits but I've never had the glass hit yet. Much more frequently paintballs find me, not my gear. (For the record, I go filter-less)

Don't worry about 'telegraphing positions'. Unless you are literally following a single player down the snake, mirroring him, most players are going to be worried about the people shooting them than what the photog is looking at. Plus, if you are only on one sideline, they see you shooting across field, they can't tell if you're shooting the snake insert or D1.

Best advice is to get low in your shots. Go for action shots (i.e. diving, bunkering, etc) because when editing you can only look at so many people crouching behind bunkers before you start drinking. Trust me, I know.

[empire112234]

I've never used a filter for paintball photos. This is what my front element looks like:


This lens has been hit at least 15-20 times head on.

As you can see, it's a little beat but there are no major scratches. The smudges still need to be cleaned a bit to prevent unnatural flaring but I have lens tissues for that. I'm not a pixel peeper, but over the years I've noticed that unless my front element is really dirty I don't lose any contrast or iq.

On the flip side, I love my f4 and telephoto work isn't what I do for the most part, so I plan on keeping this lens for a while. That being said, an exposed front element is bound to affect your resale.

Here's what I'd say as far as getting good shots goes:
1) Shoot on the same level as your subject.

This shot:


looks much less intimate than this shot:


2) Focus is tricky. Be sure to use servo focusing or whatever your camera's mode for focusing as the subject moves is.

3) If you can get your hands on a camera with good burst and a quick AF system (the 1d series, for example), do it. Otherwise just time your shots well.

4) Shutter speed>1/500ish most of the time. 1/2000 will freeze the ball pretty well.

5) Don't be afraid of higher iso if you need it. I've shot as high as 800 in good light to accommodate for other settings.

5) Get your hands on good software for post. Lightroom, photoshop, aperture, etc.

6) Paintball photography is a bit limiting in some respects, so let your mind go to work when you're shooting. Capturing emotion and interesting subject matter takes a certain kind of skill, and many photos lack that if you're shooting without a thought process.

7) If you're spending so much on equipment, pick yourself up a clear lens for your mask. It makes exposure adjustment so much easier.

[nullset]

Originally Posted by empire112234

5) Don't be afraid of higher iso if you need it. I've shot as high as 800 in good light to accommodate for other settings.

I love the subjectivity of "high ISO". Depending on the sport, 800 or 1250 iso is the base from which I start. Though most sports I shoot are indoors, so my settings tend to be a little more constrained (especially with a slow shutter because of strobes).

[fainerbainer]

ISO 800? That's a low number for me. I don't mind going to 3200.

[StosPhotography]

Originally Posted by fainerbainer

ISO 800? That's a low number for me. I don't mind going to 3200.

err he may be talking about when shooting outdoors in sunlight... not sure whyd youd be shooting at 3200 outdoors with a 2.8 lol

[PbLoSeR05]

I think the highest I've shot outdoors was 1250 due to overcast and a variable 70-300

[StosPhotography]

one time i had to shoot ISO 1743... it was rough