Sport photography advice request
I wouldn't bother with a tripod as you'll not be able to adjust quick enough should you wish to change the composition. Maybe use a mono pod if you're happier using some form of support.
I feel pictures look better if you can get in a position with the racers coming towards(ish) you although you will need more side shots with cycling. As you want a sharp image (unless panning) you'll need a shutter speed of 1/640 to 1/1000 or above for the longer lenses, so shouldn't be much camera shake. Coming round corners adds to the atmosphere as well.
Obviously the start and and finish are fixed points, choose your location carefully, the sun in front of you will likely put the racers faces in shadow so from behind you or the side. Also take into consideraton the background as this can kill or make a good picture.
The DA* 16-50 and 55-300 (or the 50-200) should cover your scenarios. Although I use the Sigma 70-200 as the autofocus is very quick compared to the pentax.
If renting a prime I would go for the DA* 200, I have the 60-250* and find it too slow to focus for sports unless you're pre focusing on a specific spot.
Don't forget to take images of the pre and post race activities to tell the full story of the day.
Thats my thought on it, there will be others on here with far more knowledge than me.
Good luck
Regards
George
Pentax K10d, *istDL, Kit lens ( 18-55mm ), 50mm f1.7 lens, Tamron 70-300mm lens, Prinzflex 70-162 manual lens, Various old flashes.
Stuart..
Dont expect to get great results every shot. Focusing is the key, and a few of the Pentax zooms can be pretty slow in this area.
Fully agree. I throw away about 80% of the rally shots I take.
I also pre-focus to a spot on the road, then switch to manual focau so it stays there.
Pentax K10d, *istDL, Kit lens ( 18-55mm ), 50mm f1.7 lens, Tamron 70-300mm lens, Prinzflex 70-162 manual lens, Various old flashes.
Carmagw you have a good point about choosing the locations carefully ... I'm hoping there are some back roads so I can drive to other locations on the track without interfering with the race or Audax.
Father ted I seem to throw away a great number of shots anyway which is why digital is great
Carl
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128 posts
12 years
I have a manfrotto tripod, a ball head and one of the lighter (3kg) joystick heads. Have access to two K5's, DA* 16-50mm, FA 50mm, DA 40mm, DA 55-300, DA 50-200 WR and other random bits and pieces.
So with the kit available do you guys think I should set up the tripod and a k5 with long lens on af-c on a stretch of road and have my other k5 with the 16-50 around my neck to take some closer up shots as the rider goes by ? And then drive to another spot where I can take some more shots and repeat until I need to go to the finish line and take some shots there? Maybe even rent a DA* Prime or the 60-250 to try it out and drool over!
Any advice would be appreciated as usual