Is the 100-400L good for action shots?

[FlipsidE]

I know it's not as fast as the 70-200/2.8, but I'm curious if it's still a good lens for action shots.

I intend to be using it for wakeboarding photography. Unfortunately, I'm never really sure how close or far away the boat will be from me (unlike football where you can almost guarantee the action will occur between two particular lines). Even with the 1.4 teleconverter, I think the 70-200 could end up a tad too short at times.

Even though it is slower, is the 100-400L a good lens for action shots?

Thanks

FlipsidE

[Jon]

Yes, lens aperture aside it does well.

[Paul_B]

Hello Flipside, I asked a question similar, see here
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=47551

That lens was mentioned for good action shots at a distance. As there were a few good choices suggested, you may find having a look worthwhile.
Can I ask how you have found your Rebel for action shots so far, if you've tried it out at all ?.

[FlipsidE]

Can I ask how you have found your Rebel for action shots so far, if you've tried it out at all ?.

- I really wish I could answer this question, but unfortunately, I can't yet. Currently, I'm at that stage in the process where I really don't have the equipment needed to truly persue any of my main focuses in photography. So, I appologize for not being able to help more.

Though, this thread (http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=47406) was my inspiration for getting into action shots in the first place. If you look at the info posted a couple of posts down into that thread, you'll notice that all shots were taken with the 300D + 70-300 USM. I think they turned out VERY well. They are a little noisy because ISO 1600 was used, but that's not so bad considering that it did truly "stop the action." And, I like his composition also.

Maybe that thread and a conversation with lensmen can give you a better idea of what the Dreb can do with action shots.

FlipsidE

[defordphoto]

Check my site. A good majority of the shots are with the 100-400. Especially last year's shots. Sample:

http://racefamily.racinglines.com/Galleries/2003/CART/Portland/3_Day/img_4236_std.jpg

This photo was recently printed in an advertisement in the Australian issue of FHM Magazine:

http://racefamily.racinglines.com/Galleries/2003/CART/Portland/3_Day/img_4261_std.jpg[/list]

[iwatkins]

I use the 100-400L on my 10D. Great for action shots, see below.

As you already point out, distnace from subject is going to be key, but I can't help with that though.

Cheers

Ian

In horrible light, cold with wind doing 40 knots, at 400mm, IS off (doh!)
http://www.asrv84.dsl.pipex.com/Gallery/AutoSport/Images/20040207_1116_3369.jpg

Much nicer day at 360mm and remembering to switch on IS :)
http://www.asrv84.dsl.pipex.com/Gallery/AutoSport/Images/20040409_1009_4689.jpg

[FlipsidE]

Yeah, unfortunately, I don't know anything about distance to target. My guess is that they'll be a good ways away when they first get up. Then, get a good bit closer as they ride by my location, then further away as they approach the turn to head back my way. I'll have to be changing zoom on the fly pretty heavily while doing this.

FlipsidE

[Adam Hicks]

Yeah the 100-400 is a fantastic action lens in my opinion. Just excellent image quality and contrast. You'll be shooting high action at ISO400 or so anyways, so no biggie. Although I rarely have to bump it up past ISO200 on the 20D.

Some of my shots from the 100-400 are here, hopefully in addition to the fantastic shots already posted!

All kinds of motorsports action stuffs...
http://www.golilm.com/autos.htm

[mjordan]

If you are use to a twist zoom, the push/pull of the 100-400 does take a bit getting use too and finding the proper tension so you can smoothly adjust the zoom. Once you get use to that, it's an excellent lens... well, it's an excellent lens even if you aren't use to the push/pull, but being use to it makes it better. :lol:

I have used mine for taking pictures of kite boarders, wind surfers, high speed jets at air shows, fast action dog agility and herding and other action events like this.

And it also works just great on a tripod of static displays like waterfalls, birds, landscapes, etc.

Mike

[commando]

How did you guys get the cars so crisp and clear given they were probably moving pretty damned quickly? Especially you RFMSports. Did you just use a high shutter speed, or are there other tricks?

[defordphoto]

How did you guys get the cars so crisp and clear given they were probably moving pretty damned quickly? Especially you RFMSports. Did you just use a high shutter speed, or are there other tricks?

Panning. Practice, practice and much more practice.

The shutter speed was 1/250 on the top photo and I have shot much slower. It's awesome when you get it right on.

[commando]

Panning. Practice, practice and much more practice.

The shutter speed was 1/250 on the top photo and I have shot much slower. It's awesome when you get it right on.

Panning - that's the word I couldn't think of! You must be a pretty quick panner to get that though. Very nice :)

[Cadwell]

As long as there is enough light it's a decent enough action lens. I find that AF tends to get a bit flaky with it as the light fades (on a 10D) so I rarely use it wide open, but it has good reach and is a very flexible lens.

[defordphoto]

As long as there is enough light it's a decent enough action lens. I find that AF tends to get a bit flaky with it as the light fades (on a 10D) so I rarely use it wide open, but it has good reach and is a very flexible lens.

Yes it can get into search mode from time to time on the 10D in reduced light. I did notice that too, but it recovers pretty quick and I didn't seem to have that problem with it on the MKII. I have not even tried it on the 20D yet. That's why I also have the 400 f/5.6. AF is faster and it never searches.

[izzypizzy]

Hey, I was searching around on yahoo, and found this site, thought maybe it would be helpful for ya

http://www.wakeboarder.com/display.phtml?id=553

It gives tips on wakeboard photography.

[lensmen]

Well brother, I would like to thank you for the praises.... Really make my week....

Yes, I am indeed eyeing on the 100-400L IS...though I will be a bit out of pocket..

an alternative would be

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=105&sort=7&thecat=29

Have held someone's during completion, and he was using the 300D on handheld. Did not get his name or see his works either but I am sure they will work out fine...

Though, this thread (http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=47406) was my inspiration for getting into action shots in the first place. If you look at the info posted a couple of posts down into that thread, you'll notice that all shots were taken with the 300D + 70-300 USM. I think they turned out VERY well. They are a little noisy because ISO 1600 was used, but that's not so bad considering that it did truly "stop the action." And, I like his composition also.

Maybe that thread and a conversation with lensmen can give you a better idea of what the Dreb can do with action shots.

FlipsidE

[lensmen]

Did you have the IS mode ON while panning ?

How did you guys get the cars so crisp and clear given they were probably moving pretty damned quickly? Especially you RFMSports. Did you just use a high shutter speed, or are there other tricks?

Panning. Practice, practice and much more practice.

The shutter speed was 1/250 on the top photo and I have shot much slower. It's awesome when you get it right on.

[lensmen]

If you notice, all the shots are at 1/1000 and above....

Hey, I was searching around on yahoo, and found this site, thought maybe it would be helpful for ya

http://www.wakeboarder.com/display.phtml?id=553

It gives tips on wakeboard photography.

[FlipsidE]

Hey, I was searching around on yahoo, and found this site, thought maybe it would be helpful for ya

http://www.wakeboarder.com/display.phtml?id=553

It gives tips on wakeboard photography.

WOW!! Thanks for the link!

FlipsidE

[FlipsidE]

Hmmm...looks like they are using apertures in the range of 2.8 to 4.5...somewhat outside the range of the 100-400L at higher focal lengths. It also looks as they they are using the 70-200/2.8.

FlipsidE

[lensmen]

He was using these lenses and shot from the chase boat or tow boat...ie following the actions. not from shore...

with this advantage, the subject's distance from camera are generally constant, unlike shooting from shore where one has to pan...

Yes, our 300D do not have AI servo, ie continuous focus... irrating to keep 1/2 pressing the button all the time....

16-35mm f2.8 – this is a wide-angle lens. I use it for tube shots, when I’m floating in the water, or on land up close to an obstacle like a slider.

28-70mm f2.8 – this is a midrange lens. I don’t use it as much as my others, but I do use it when doing extremely close chase boat shots (i.e. 6-10 feet from the rider).

70-200mm f2.8 – this zoom lens is the workhorse of most pros. It can be used from chase boats at all angles, from within the towboat, or pretty much anywhere else.

300mm f2.8 – this is probably the least needed out of everything in a pros bag, and isn’t found in everybody’s (including mine). It is great for shooting from land, or if you want to shoot really tight from a chase boat or in the towboat.

[FlipsidE]

70-200mm f2.8 – this zoom lens is the workhorse of most pros. It can be used from chase boats at all angles, from within the towboat, or pretty much anywhere else.

- Yeah, this is what I was lookin at. Seems to me, though, that 70-200mm would be great for someone who had an "in" into that particular tournament and could be guaranteed a spot on the towboat or on a dock/bank right beside the action.

For those of us that will be on a bank or on a dock with a restricted spot to snap shots, I think the extra 200mm given by the 100-400 would almost be a necessity...even though it is a good bit slower.

FlipsidE

[Cadwell]

Yes it can get into search mode from time to time on the 10D in reduced light. I did notice that too, but it recovers pretty quick and I didn't seem to have that problem with it on the MKII. I have not even tried it on the 20D yet. That's why I also have the 400 f/5.6. AF is faster and it never searches.

Ah... so I'm not the only one that happens to then. I tend get out the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 when that starts happening. That will AF quite happily in all sorts of horrid light levels.

[skiphoto]

Howdy,

I mainly shoot watersports (Including wakeboarding) for a living and use the 100 400 to the exclusion (almost) of all else. Check the website for shots http://www.memoriesink.net

Watch out for the water drops from the board if you are close..it can confuse the heck out of the camera.

Good luck and feel free to email with any questions

[MarkH]

If wider aperture is needed then a good choice is probably the Sigma 120-300 f2.8 EX, but you couldn't use it on anything that gets too close, and it is bigger and heavier, and it costs more. But goddamn I want one!

[defordphoto]

Did you have the IS mode ON while panning ?

How did you guys get the cars so crisp and clear given they were probably moving pretty damned quickly? Especially you RFMSports. Did you just use a high shutter speed, or are there other tricks?

Panning. Practice, practice and much more practice.

The shutter speed was 1/250 on the top photo and I have shot much slower. It's awesome when you get it right on.

No. I rarely use IS.

[lensmen]

That brings me to the IS thingy, now that my deal with the seller of the 100-400L has gone sour...

(he changed his mind last min and sell it to someone higher, without giving me the right of 1st refusal - afterall, I tested the lens and he wanted to think about selling)

Is the IS really that important.... granted that I had my fair share of mildly OOF pitures as a digi-newbie, would the IS resolved it ? Would having more practice reduce the chances of using IS.

Why am I asking it now ? Coz there are 2 choices available here, the 35-350L & the 100-400L. Ok, they are not fair apples vs orange thing, but if I had to priortize between an IS lens and non IS, with both about the same price...(used).... what should I really be thinging about ?

No. I rarely use IS.

[FlipsidE]

I can't back this up with absolute fact, but I've read on the forums that IS really only makes a difference in low light situations. If you are taking pictures at mid day on a bright sunny day, I doubt IS would do anything for you.

But, at the same time I have heard that the 35-350L isn't as good of a lens as the 100-400L.

FlipsidE

[lensmen]

Well, I am still trying to find out more about this L lens.

With the L mark, I supposed that it will deliver it's punch......

I am still sore about losing that 100-400L deal.... but that is just me....

have a nice weekend.

[lensmen]

Forgot to add

As I have tested the 100-400 IS that eveing and true to what I was told to expect, activating the IS will eat 2 stops !!

The viewfinder will have the "drunken feeling" as you are aiming the lens... Just like after a few rounds to vodka neat.... Not complaining about this - just a curious observation....

[gramps]

Hey Flipside, is it on order yet? I think mine is getting ordered today!!!!

[BigRed450]

I use the 100-400 almost exclusively for Motocross and dragracing. I love this lens. For what I do the 70-200 is not long enough and adding a 1.4X tele is out of the question...

http://www.air.on.ca/cbjaps/jtphotographic/Proofs6/images/IMG_3068.jpg

http://www.air.on.ca/cbjaps/jtphotographic/images/IMG_1481web.jpg

[Theo]

I Could Not have Achieved These Results w\o IS! Mostly used the IS Set II for the 400-500mph Action Sequences seen Here:

http://community.webshots.com/album/209734710gAUxtn

Ted