gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

If you have a crop sensor, the longest zoom would be best and you still might have to crop some to look closer. Shoot in bursts and try to get rider face detail.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I'd bring the 24-70 mm. The other one, with a minimum of 70 mm, might be to long for things near to you. It really depends on what you plan to shoot. If you'll be walking around getting close-up shots, you'll want wider. If you'll be shooting primarily from the stands, you'll want more reach. You can always "zoom" by cropping, but you can never use a long lens to get a wide shot.

KR Pletzer

I recently attended a rodeo that was also an evening event, beginning at 7:30. I used my 70-200 f2.8. I had my 24-70 f2.8, but it never came out of the bag. I was about 8 rows up in the middle of the arena. Good luck and enjoy.

ELNikkor

if only 1, the longer

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

You should read the rodeo regulations about spectators using photography equipment. The rodeo near me limits cameras to 3 inch long lenses.

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

I would take both just in case you need the 24. The 70 to 200 will be used the most with less cropping with the individuals on the field plus you can get the clowns in with the rider at 70 if you want it.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

I shoot rodeo, gymkhana and other equestrian events a lot. Most of the time I shoot with two APS-C crop sensor cameras fitted with different lenses... a lot of the time 70-200mm and 100-400mm (or a 300mm prime instead of the zoom). I also have 24-70mm that I use fairly often for closer work. In addition, I have an ultrawide zoom (10-22mm) and macro/portrait prime (60mm) in my camera bag, although I use those lenses fairly infrequently.

Because I'm the "official" photographer at the events I'm shooting, I have close access. During some of the less frantic action, I'm in the arena with my subjects. That wouldn't be the case with most rodeo action. I'd be shooting from the perimeter of the arena, behind the rail. Often spectators have fairly easy access to that area too, where a 70-200mm lens would be usable for a lot of the action. It's one of my "most used" lenses, but I also often use the 300mm or 100-400mm for the "opposite end" of larger arenas.

In your case and assuming you'll be using a single camera, I'd recommend setting up to shoot the action with the 70-200... but have the 24-70mm with you in case the action comes close or to take portraits or other interesting sideline shots. Get as close as you can to the action... but also move around to other locations and distances to get shots from different angles and perspectives. Don't get "stuck" in one place (all your images will end up looking pretty much the same).

Some 70-200mm examples....



300mm or 100-400mm...





24-70mm...




That last image is a panorama assembled from 20+ images taken with 24-70mm.

Jeannie1 Loc: Sacramento,CA

Many thanks for all of your help.
Jeannie

SkyKing Loc: Thompson Ridge, NY

...I’m in on the 70-200...especially if you plan on isolating your subject...and don’t forget to switch your camera vertically so you don’t cut off the cowboy as he gets tossed in the air...the challenge will be trying to keep everything in the frame...

Jeannie1 Loc: Sacramento,CA

Many thanks
Jeannie

coolhanduke Loc: Redondo Beach, CA

Take the higher powered zoom.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

70-200 f2.8 is preferred - f4 will handicap the AF and ISO.
.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

OOPS, replied to the wrong one. Sorry.

(Download)

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

Just found out that pro-Photography camera, video and drones are prohibited at the rodeo. Glad I called and asked. Thanks for the tip hoggers!!!

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

70-200 would be my first choice, hands down. Best of luck.