Surfing photography setup? what lenses/camera?

[tiger20]

I want to get into surf photography. What camera and lenses do you guys recomend? I'm thinking about a 20D and some really good glass. ideas? Semi pro setup.

[SurfKahakai]

20D is good enough but I'd go for the 30D at least. You'll get 5 more frames for a sequence when shooting RAW.

For glass...Canon 400mm f/5.6. It's an exceptionally sharp lens with some good reach. You don't need the IS if you're shooting surf because your shutter speed will be 1/500 or faster anyway. If you have the cash, a 300mm f/2.8 with a 1.4 TC will be good too.

[BLS439]

I use a 30D with the 300 2.8 IS. I get good results, sure it's not a 1DS MKII or 5D, but I like it. My next camera is either going to be the 5D or the 1D MKIIN. I also have and use the 1.4x and 2x TC's. Here's one from a recent Oakley contest.

[tiger20]

Great pics there. I have been reading good things about the 400mm lenses. I might go with the 30D if I can get a good price.

[ECSouljah]

You can also go with getting a water housing, and putting your camera and a wide-angle / fisheye lens in that. I got the XT, and a Canon 10-22, with a Photo Support Systems water housing. Here's an example of what I'm talking about...

http://static.flickr.com/66/183304409_905b49cccc_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/64/167329440_ec296eb49d_o.jpg

[SurfKahakai]

How much was that housing EC? I've been wanting one since I started shooting last year but my 600mm broke me.

[merrrrjig]

I am pretty sure housing goes for around $1300

[ECSouljah]

The base price for a water housing is around $1100-$1200...

[waterdawg]

ec, nice. i am starting to wish i had saved a bit more and went with canon 10-22 instead of the sigma 10-20. i see more light fall off than i like. of course it really only shows when i under expose and have to lighten after the fact. also, i don't know if it is my lens, camera, or port, but i have found i am getting better results by over-exposing by 2/3 of a stop (at least i think that is what i am doing. i usually shoot av mode and try and get to f7.1 or 8 with a good shutter speed). i also have been shooting manual focus with my wide. my camera focus is all over the place when i shoot auto focus. i shot sunday and will get some posted tomorrow. small, grey and windy so i was just trying to get some tight shots of guys on the nose. thanks for the water advice in the past.
chuck

[weka2000]

I want to get into surf photography. What camera and lenses do you guys recomend? I'm thinking about a 20D and some really good glass. ideas? Semi pro setup.

Would also depend on if you want close up of the surfer or of the wave formation.

[sponger606]

ive just bouight the 350D with a sigma, 70-300mm lens, obviously with the crop its nearer 450mm but its perfect for what i need,from then on its all about your timing and the people you are shooting