Need quick help, best lens to use

[JZaun]

Wow I just learned that my 37 year old daughter is in a mini triethalon tomorrow.I thought it was next month. I have 3 lens. 100mm macro f2.8 and 100-400 IS and a 24-85 usm. I am leaning toward the 100-400 but worry that I may need a wider lens.. I have never shot anything close to this event. I will be on foot, and moving about 1/2 mile to catch each event. Any sugestions would be appreciated... Should I use the 24-85 wide lens and let them get closer, or use the 100-400 with the IS......The 100mm macro is faster but no zoom,,,and Its not flowers I want to shoot :D Needless to say if I don't get a decent pic of my girl I am in deep poo. :D

Jerry

[Tom W]

It depends on how close you can get. Perhaps you can use this calculator to determine your field of view at various distances with different lenses.

http://www.sweeting.org/mark/lenses/

I would say that if you can get within 25 feet of her, the 24-85 should be fine. Farther than that and you'll need the big one.

[Scottes]

Take them all. Leave the 24-85 on until you get into position and then decide if you use that or the 100-400. If it's a triathlon you'll have different opportunities for different types of shots so having 24-400mm will be nice.

That's probably not much help, huh? "Take them all." :)


If you're in a position where she'll be running at you for a stretch grab the 100-400 and keep zooming out while she runs at you. Lots of shot possibilities there.

Try to grab positions for different shots - get in close for a while with the 24-85 and get some shots. Then pick a further position with more opportunities at different distances and grab the 100-400.

Print a big "PRESS" pass and wear it to get by all the other parents trying to get shots with cheap P&S cameras. With the monster 100-400 and a press pass they'll just let you through... :wink:

Don't forget about IS mode 2 for panning with the 100-400.

And if it's cloudy or something you'll kill yourself for not taking the f/2.8... And it's a killer sharp lens, but slow to autofocus - you probably don't want that one if she's running by, but it will be great if she's standing still for a minute - especially considering the DoF you'll be able to keep her in sharp focus while leaving all the others blurry.


Good luck!

[Tom W]

Even if its cloudy, you can do OK - just bump it up to 400 or even 800 ISO.

[Conk]

Don't forget your monopod.

[sGu]

i'd leave monopod behind. it'll drag you behind trying pass through the crowd, the only lens you'll probably use it with is 100-400mm, it has IS, not so heavy, a perfect handheld lens. imagine you change lenses with a monopod attached, it won't be instant, and it might cost you a great pic. I'd go without it if i were you