Marathon--which crop do you prefer?

[jabber]

I shot this at the São Paulo (Brazil) Marathon with a 20D and the 70-200/4L at 188mm, ISO 400, 1/1600th sec. at f/5.6. I'd appreciate any feedback about which crop you prefer and why. Many thanks.

[Dan-o]

2. what does the full crop look like?

[tadrscin]

I like the 2nd better as it doesn't cut off the runner's head at the neck. I'd like it even better if the runner's head wasn't cut off at all.

[cstewart]

At least in the second you get a sense of why this person is holding up cups of water since you can see a runner in the BG. The first looks simply like a product shot and I wondered why it is posted in sports forum. As Danny says above, I think if you show even more of the runners in BG you may provide a bit more context for the photo and it will have more impact.

Cheers!

Chris

[TempExp]

Of those, definitely the second.

As mentioned, the runner in the background gives you some context.

[jabber]

Thanks, all. Original crop here:

[1shot4u]

#2 by far.

[AdamLewis]

Crop wise? #2.

However, I really wish there was some more DOF to this. It would definitely help the picture tell a better story.

[RickyH]

Of those, definitely the second.

As mentioned, the runner in the background gives you some context.

Pretty much took the words right out of my mouth.

[alessandro2009]

The second because there is less arm.