62nd IAA (Frankfurt Int'l Motorshow)

[Mike Gazda]

Anyone attending?

I will be there during both press days. Aside from hoping to score some tips on shooting an event of this magnitude, I'm wondering if any APN'ers will be out there. I'd be delighted to meet and chat cars over the Main.

I'm currently in the middle of planning out my conference attendance... I have zero experience with shows - the only thing I've done is the CIAS in Toronto, and that was during regular public hours.

[Mike Gazda]

Alright well now I have a real dilemma before me.

I scouted out the local rental place.. and I have to choose between lenses. I am considering renting either the 24-70 2.8L or the 70-200 2.8L. I only have with me the Canon kit lens and a slow-ass tamron 55-200 (4.5-5.6).

Anyone have experience at auto shows (particularly press conferences/model roll-outs)? Will I benefit from the longer range or should I try to keep the focal length as flexible as possible?

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Here are some random snaps from around town:

http://aycu18.webshots.com/image/26577/2005146919621318425_fs.jpg

http://aycu39.webshots.com/image/25518/2005138628201019496_fs.jpg

http://aycu02.webshots.com/image/25001/2005156880009107179_rs.jpg

http://aycu26.webshots.com/image/28025/2005129361105111234_rs.jpg

[Jacob Leveton]

i would highly suggest the 24-70 over the 70-200, and might suggest looking into a 16-35 or 17-40. I've shot a few auto shows, and you rarely get much room to back up and compose a shot. If you wanted something 'long', you might go for a 50mm f1.X prime. But in general, people won't respect your attempts to snap photos and will be walking in front of you all day.

Also, I personally prefer to go with a higher-iso handheld approach over the long-exposure tripod approach. at least at the LA Auto show, there's so much to see and do that i find it more important to get through the show and shoot the big stuff quickly, then go back and try and fill in the gaps a second time than to take your time with each photo. Coming out of the show with 500 photos isn't uncommon.

[Mike Gazda]

Thanks for your comments Jacob. I am leaning towards the 24-70. I don't know if I'll need something much shorter since I will be shooting during the press days, so the floor won't be as crowded. The 50mm prime is a cool idea.. I definitely want something fast enough for handheld- I won't be using a tripod. I will only have one camera body with me, though, so something slightly more versatile is preferred.

I'd like a fast lens so that I can stop down 1 or 2 stops and still retain decent light entry and acceptable sharpness.

My real concern revolves around not being certain about the distance at which new products are unveiled during press conferences, esp for the higher profile items.

[Jacob Leveton]

they'll let you plenty close to get the shots you need.

[Mike Gazda]

wow... what a show. like i expected, even on the press days the place was packed. i'd hate to see this event during the public days... i don't even know if it's worth going back!

here's a few pics

1. http://aycu35.webshots.com/image/25394/2001413827622876821_rs.jpg

2. http://aycu10.webshots.com/image/26769/2001485332408572740_rs.jpg

3. http://aycu39.webshots.com/image/26758/2001452207874128725_rs.jpg

4. http://aycu27.webshots.com/image/28146/2001443670029071202_rs.jpg

5. http://aycu34.webshots.com/image/26193/2001459526292793968_rs.jpg

6. http://aycu09.webshots.com/image/26968/2001451918375204268_rs.jpg


as always, c&c welcome and appreciated.

[Jacob Leveton]

told ya ;)

[Dany Flageole]

400!!!