Going to Thailand, Shooting Muay Thai Boxing

[Pessica]

Hi,

I'm somewhat new to photography, well I'm not new but I'm starting to spend more time learning. I'm going to Thailand at the end of the month and I will be shooting Muay Thai boxing and training. I have the Canon 40D, the standard kit lens efs 18-55mm, the ef 75-300mm, nifty fifty 1.8 and getting the sigma 10-20mm.

What would be the best lens for shooting the indoor stadium fights and settings? and outdoor training?

Greatly appreciated!!

[BenJohnson]

If you can get ringside or close to it, the 50 1.8 is going to be your best choice to stop action in low light. The focus is a tad slow, but I think it will do fine.

[ChrisRabior]

If you can afford to, I'd suggest picking up the 50mm f/1.4 or the 35mm f/2.0 (if you can find one). The kit and zoom are going to be way too slow, and I don't think you'll be happy with the low light focusing capabilities of the 50mm f/1.8 (I owned it, and sold it for that reason alone).

I get by with a lot of my low light using an 11-16mm f/2.8, 18-50mm f/2.8, and 50-150mm f/2.8 (and sometimes the 2.8 just doesn't cut it, even at ISO3200 on the 40D).. and borrow/rent the other stuff when necessary. If I didn't have a wedding to pay for, there would already be a 50mm f/1.4 on one body and a 35mm f/2.0 on the other.

Of course, it all depends on where you'll be and what kind of access you have. I had to resort to my 70-200mm f/4L and shoot from a balcony for one show, but fortunately I was able to talk the lighting guy into really juicing up the main lights above the ring. What's the scenario in which you'll be shooting?

[Pessica]

Most likely the indoor fights will in a stadium setting like this http://www.muaythai.ws/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/2301672-muay_thai_thai_boxing-bangkok.jpg

I think I'll have no prob with the outdoor training.

[MegaTron]

Most of the bigger stadiums in Thailand are well lit, so you might be able to get away with using your kit lens while bumping the ISO up a little. As someone mentioned your 50mm 1.8 is probably your best bet though. If you can afford it, you should pick up at least an f/2.8 or faster lens. Go with the Tamron 28-75 or Sigma 24-70 if you are on a budget.

Most of the training facilities will not be well lit, so a fast prime would be good. Someone already mentioned this, but if you can afford it, I would upgrade to the 50mm 1.4. The focus is just much more accurate, and the build quality is better. You might be moving around and bumping into things. The 85mm 1.8 would also be a good lens, but it might be a little long at times if you are right outside of the ring. I guess it would also depend on what kind of shots you want.

As far as settings go, just throw the camera in TV mode, and play with the shutterspeeds.

[Pessica]

excellent guys! thankyou! I am looking at the sigma 24-70 as well, it's definitely on my must get list. Much appreciated!

[BenJohnson]

What focal length was the above picture taken at? You may need more reach than 50mm or even 70mm....