Surfing/beach..which

[Dead Cell]

I was wondering if a 70-200 f/2.8 with 1.5x kenko would be able to reach for surfing pictures. If it doesn't, would the 100-400 be good for surfing pictures? Not sure if it would be fast enough. Also, wondering if i should use a uv filter for protection from the ocean spray and blowing sand. Should i cover my 20d with a plastic bag or something from sand and water?

[tim]

During the day there should be plenty of light for a 100-400 to get good pictures. I'm not sure if the 100-400 gains weather sealing from a UV filter, but it's unlikely to hurt so long as you get a good quality multicoated filter - I like B+W filters. The 20D may benefit from some protection, be especially careful changing lenses on the beach - do it in a car or inside a bag if you can.

[Blue Deuce]

I think you will find the 70-200 is not long enough for surfing pictures. I use my 100-400 for them and find myself wishing I had more reach. I guess it would depend how far off shore the break is where you are planning on using it.

You wont have any trouble with the 100-400 being too slow. If anything you need to shoot with smaller aperatures, low ISO and fast shuuter speeds due to the amount of sun and all the reflecting surfaces.

Beach locations are also one of the few places I use my UV filter. I figure if a piece of glass is going to get pitted or scratched from winds or such, better it be a "throw away" filter.

[Krapo]

Get a waterproof case, a 35mm, a bodyboard and go into the water! ;)

Joke aside, I have never seen a surfing / windsurfing picture from an amateur being even close to what you can see in surf magazines. Have you?

I wonder where it comes from. Of course, most of the pros use 500 or 600 f4, or even shoot from an helicopter so we can't say we play in the same league here.

Maybe this is a good example of subjects where equipment DOES matter a lot.

What do you think?

Do you have examples of nice surfing pics, and advices?

[DavidEB]

depends on your beach, dude. at a crummy beach (like most in north carolina) where the break is close to the shore you can do OK with 400mm. At the better beaches the break is outside and you need to be on a boat, helicopter or a board. I've done OK at places where the break is around a point or rock barrier and you can get out on that.

Use a filter to protect your lens from salt water and put the whole camera + lens inside a clear plastic bag, close off the front with a rubberband. not perfect but keeps casual sand and saltwater off it.