Greyhound Race Photographers Help Please

[debandross]

I am relatively new to photography and have been working as a greyhound race photographer since August 2007. Am using a 400D with the EF 70-200 f4 L USM, EFS 17-85mm IS USM & EF 28-105mm 1:3.5-4.5 USM.

Having problems with low light & night race shots. Can anyone suggest a telephoto lens that will give clear action shots under these conditions. Have been told that the EF 135mm F2.0L USM & EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM are probably the best options at the under NZ$2500 price range. Has anyone had experience with these or are there better alternatives?

I shoot at four different tracks between 12 noon and 9.30pm.
Attached file taken with 70-200 f4 L USM in auto mode as need shots in sequence.
Cheers, Deb.

[cosworth]

A fast lens might not be your best bet here. You'll need a usable depth of field nad shooting wide open will not be your best strategy to get most of the pack in focus.

A fast lens will help with AI SERVO though.

Your 70-200 F4 is capable, but a 300 F4 IS shot at f/5.6 might be a good bet too. 200 2.8 perhaps? Reminder people, he's talking NZ dollars, not USD. There is a world outside the US.

Bottom line is you need to run as high a usbale ISO as possible and to expose properly. Don't be afraid to go higher with ISO. If you are printing these shots you won't see the grain.

[tracknut]

Deb,

I shoot dog performance, and can tell you that I run all the way to ISO 3200 with a 70-200/f2.8 lens (no need for IS at these speeds), as necessary. Obviously those won't be the best of shots, but when you need them, you do what it takes. Also, I do not shoot running dogs at 1/400th - if you want to stop the action you'll need 1/1000th or faster.

I use a Canon 1DmkIIN, as its focusing will be better than the other Canon models. Yes, this gets to be an expensive proposition...

Dave

[andrewhuxman]

Experiment outside of Auto mode also perhaps?