Indoor Swimming - King County Aquatic Center

[rhurwitz]

Here is what I will be up against when I try to take pictures of my kids swimming at the NW Age Group Sectionals this weekend. Parents are not permitted on deck, lighting is funky, and the stands are usually packed tight.

352584

I plan to rent a lens from a local photo shop, and I am considering the Canon 200mm f/2.8L II. I could rent the 70-200mm F/2.8, but I am trying to get some experience with a lens that I can afford if I choose to buy.

I considered the 85mm F/1.8 and the 135mm F/2.8 lenses as well, but I didn't think that they would have the reach I need from the stands. I'm not sure, to be honest, if the 200mm is even long enough.

So, I have a couple of questions:

1) What do you think of my (preliminary) lens choice: 200mm F/2.8L II?

2) Other than AI Servo, High ISO, and 1/250+ shutter speeds, any suggestions for ways to get decent action shots under the circumstances?


Thanks,
Roger

[BenJohnson]

I doubt 200mm will even be long enough to get a swimmer's face, etc to fill the frame from up there. I would get the 70-200 2.8, show up really early, and get a seat near the front!

[SYS]

I don't like to shoot with a prime lens in a crowded public place where my mobility is rather limited. I'd choose the 70-200 f/2.8 and get there early and look for a better lighted area in the pool. From the photo, it looks like the pool ends are a bit more lighted. Try to find out which lane your kids are going to be assigned in advance if you can and take some practice shots of kids who are swimming in that lane prior to your kid's turn.

Have you found out, though, whether you could use a flash or not? For youth swimming events, they often allow the use of flash as long as it's not taken during take off.

[sulla]

Flash will more than likely not be allowed during the event. Don't go with anything less than a 70-200. I normally shoot from the pool deck with a 70-200 and can't imagine even trying anything less especially from the stands.

[rhurwitz]

Thanks for all the advice. It sounds like the 70-200 is the way to go. In the long run, any major complaints with the Sigma 70-200? I can rent the Canon, but when it comes to buying, I can afford the Sigma. :) For swim meets (90% of what I'd use a 70-200 for), I assume that IS is not a must-have feature.

Thanks,
Roger

[MadisonPhotography]

I shoot swim meets in Madison, WI and only even try when I am on deck. Two of the local clubs give me access and I have done a couple State Championship meets...

Getting photos, other than whole pool photos from the stands is almost impossible. Even a 70-200 on a crop camera isn't much help....

Good luck and enjoy the meet.....summer swim is almost here..

Nick

http://madisonphotography.org

[eigga]

I use a 300 on the deck...as mention 200 will be tough. Flash is typically allowed except for the start

[Darsk47]

I shoot for a local club. Use the 70-200 2.8
You really hampered by not having a deck pass.
Agree that you need a front row seat and hope that your swimmers are in the outside lane.
I've never had a problem with flash, just don't use it at the start as mentioned.

[rhurwitz]

Unfortunately, I was only able to rent the 200mm F/2.8L, and not the 70-200mm F/2.8. The good news is that many of the shots came out better than I expected. Here are some samples before any touch-up. I shot them at either 1/400 or 1/500 second with an ISO setting of either 1250 or 1600. Feedback welcome.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/3394423622_f6180880ee.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3593/3394422474_9580e3ebac.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3472/3393609139_4ed5ff32c5.jpg

[FOX2PRO]

Considering your limited position, those are pretty good. Shame the swimmers in the first two looked at the other side, their faces would have made a much better shot.

[Darsk47]

They look nicely exposed, but as mentioned, no faces.

On the backstroke, you've got to time it so you catch the swimmer with the far arm extended. With the close arm like you have here, you block his face with the arm and the splash.

I think that for shots of the start, you either show multiple swimmers or isolate one. Here you've got one and parts of others.