Football lens
Sep 1, 2011 15:46:30 #
spokenimage
Loc: Bearwaller, KY
Can anyone tell me what is the best lens to use while shooting a football game, Shooting as in photograph. These were taken from the stands.
Sep 1, 2011 16:13:47 #
Johnny
Loc: Shreveport, La
I would highly suggest using a tripod if not already. Its very hard to get a perfect pic shooting a distance and moving target without one while zooming in on subject. Telephoto lenses would work well for these type of shots. What type of camera are you using?
Sep 1, 2011 17:05:13 #
Actually, sharp focus seems to be more of an issue than lens. The lens you are using appears to be adequate. I am in agreement that some sort of camers stabilization is needed. If it is awkward to carry a tripod into the stands the try a mono-pod. I use one a lot!
Sep 1, 2011 17:08:47 #
DFHdez
Loc: Brooklyn
The best sports shooting is done at ground level. If you can get to the side lines that will improve your shots. Focus on one or two players at a time. Go for the fastest shutter speed available, and the widest aperture (stops motion and blurs backgrounds). Use a monopod with a long lens. Get the action as close as you can and fill the frame with it. That being said, shoot a little wider at first until you get used to it. Crop your photos. As far as which lens, just remember you want the viewer to feel like they are in the huddle, not in the stands.
Sep 1, 2011 17:12:07 #
couldn't agree more with the previous 2 posts. at least a monopod for night games. when i covered high school football games for my school newspaper, i used the biggest zoom I had for details and a wide angle for sweeping plays and crowd shots. course it helped that as press I got to shoot from the sidelines.
Sep 2, 2011 08:25:30 #
BulletlessShooter
Loc: Missouri USA
Use telephoto, high ISO and don't be afraid to shoot at faster shutter speeds with your aperture set wide open. If your photos are a little bit dark you can always use your software to brighten the shots when you get home. It has worked for me.
Sep 2, 2011 08:33:30 #
Denise Jones
Loc: Lewes DE
Use a monopod to steady that camera. Get in on the action - anyone can just take a snapshot put a truly great sports shot puts you on the field. Carry a wide angle and a long telephoto. Your lens seems to get you as close as you are able to be from the stands - just learn to moe in on the action. Also panning is a great technique to learn. Know the sport and how the plays unfold - such as football, is it a running play or a pass. Where is the action taking place? Get in on the action. If you can get on the sidelines, even once, do so. BE CAREFUL sidelines are dangerous places. If you are not quick with your eyes and reactions you can end up on your butt and possibly hurt. Good luck and stay focused on capturing a story telling action shot ... makes a huge difference when you see those shots post production. Get a few great ones and the local or school newspaper might like them.
Sep 2, 2011 14:08:47 #
Hang in there my first football pictures were awful and I was so frustrated that I said I would never shoot a football game again. Then to top it all off people around me with point and shoots (the $59.00) ones looked better than mine. The lens is not the problem even though a $1200.00 would help you don't need it unless you are making big money off your work. I would suggest a tripod or mono pod to steady your camera. Go to a higher ISO and shot wide and crop. I sent one of mine with the camera settings but mine are far from being perfect. This picture was early evening night youj need a higher ISO
canon 50D focal length 70mm f4 Iso 640 exposure auto exposure 1/800 sec
Sep 3, 2011 19:04:25 #
spokenimage
Loc: Bearwaller, KY
Actually this was only the second football game that I took pictures at my son is the center. I am in the stands. I have asked the Coach about being able to get on the side line, and he said as long as I am out of His way and the players way, and He gets copies of the pictures. He has no problem. I have a Canon eos digital it is old has to have an adapture for the cards to go into the computer to download the pictures. Now who will tell me the best but fairly cheap camera that I should buy to get started.
Sep 16, 2011 22:51:07 #
You might try amazon to buy a used Nikon or Cannon. Another tip is follow the ball.
Sep 17, 2011 06:35:49 #
Monopod for sure. it will give you stability and easy flexibility to move about. This is the first season i shot a lot of my daughters lacrosse games and I would totally agree with being on ground level and try to get the eyes of the subject if you can. I bought my first real glass this year, 70-200mm 2.8 Nikor and combined with a Nikon 300s i can say I'm finally taking the sort of pictures ive always wanted to but man is this stuff expensive! You can rent just about any lens for reasonable costs which I would like to do with a 400 or 500mm 2.8. I'm terrified that I might love them that much and start mortgaging my house for equipment!
Go for the monopod. i have a Gitzo and love it.
Mike C
Go for the monopod. i have a Gitzo and love it.
Mike C
Sep 17, 2011 08:04:46 #
spokenimage wrote:
Can anyone tell me what is the best lens to use while shooting a football game, Shooting as in photograph. These were taken from the stands.
Considering the top image in your first post, I'd try to find a lens that makes the huge size discrepancy between the teams a little more fair! That kid on the left looks like the Hulk vs the Smurfs! :)
Sep 17, 2011 18:38:07 #
spokenimage
Loc: Bearwaller, KY
Thats because he is. The team that we played the week after that. Know let me tell you this first the one in the first picture is in the seventh grade. The young man playing on the team the next week was in the 8th grade and had a full beard and mustache no kidding. I will not post his picture because I do not have permission. Some of these kids that are playing know are huge. I will post this pic this little guys is my son. I call this picture David and Goliath.
Sep 17, 2011 18:52:38 #
I have done football games with a Canon 40D and a Sigma 70-200 f2.8. I always used a monopod. I shoot in aperture priority at first, using f2.8. That gives you the fastest shutter speed for the light available. After several shots, I see what looks the best and then set those settings in manual mode. The different uniforms and highlights and shadows will change the shutter speed and fool the meter. If your going to change cameras, I would suggest a Rebel to start with, or maybe a used 40D or 50D. The lens you're using seems adequate for doing the games. I also agree with previous posters as far as getting on the field, but the shots you have seem to be zoomed enough. You may just need a faster lens (f2.8 fixed) so you can get faster shutter speeds. Hope this helps.
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