Boxing Lens

[Photodawg1]

Please help...Have been reading the boxing threads and getting great info. I will start shooting boxing within next couple of weeks and want a good lens for my 20D to start, and looks like that might be the 50 f/1 . Will it really cover the whole ring well? What is the best/most versatile though for ringside for best shots? Would a combo of the 50 and a 85 be alright? + is it possible that Canon will come out with something more suited by the end of this month?

[Tapeman]

To me it looks like the pros at ring side are using two bodies, one with a 24-70 2.8 and the other with a 70-200 2.8. No flashes.

[foley71]

Hi--

I shoot a bit of boxing with a 20D. I use a 50 F1.8, which is especially good when the lighter fighters are in the ring. When the big boys come out, I have sometimes switched to a 20 F2.8. This is great when they're on the ropes near me or when there's a knockdown.

I would say the 50 is more versatile, though. And if the lighting is good enough, I will shoot with a 24-70 F2.8.

I'm not sure how others feel, but on a 20D, if you're shooting ringside, an 85 is going to be too long for me. The 50 gets me to the middle of the ring easily and handles some of the stuff that happens on the ropes near me.

If this is your first time shooting boxing, be prepared for poor lighting and a crowded ringside. Get there early and tape a businesses card to the canvas to mark your spot. Also, bring babywipes.

Good luck!

Jeff
www.foleypics.smugmug.com

[Photodawg1]

Well the good news is I have at least one of those! I am starting to research that 24-70 now. Knew about the san flash...Thanks much!!

[Photodawg1]

Originally Posted by foley71

Hi--

I shoot a bit of boxing with a 20D. I use a 50 F1.8, which is especially good when the lighter fighters are in the ring. When the big boys come out, I have sometimes switched to a 20 F2.8. This is great when they're on the ropes near me or when there's a knockdown.

I would say the 50 is more versatile, though. And if the lighting is good enough, I will shoot with a 24-70 F2.8.

I'm not sure how others feel, but on a 20D, if you're shooting ringside, an 85 is going to be too long for me. The 50 gets me to the middle of the ring easily and handles some of the stuff that happens on the ropes near me.

If this is your first time shooting boxing, be prepared for poor lighting and a crowded ringside. Get there early and tape a businesses card to the canvas to mark your spot. Also, bring babywipes.

Good luck!

Jeff
www.foleypics.smugmug.com

Thanks much Jeff. I have shot twice before awhile back..with a film camera...ugh...will rolls and rolls of film at Michael's in Glen Burnie (talk about dark)...I don't even like remembering that! I guess I will hit the camera shop and paw at the 50 and 24-70.

[gmen]

This gallery is shot with the 50mm f/1.4:

http://www.sportsshooter.com/gmen/boxing/

This gallery is shot with the 28-70mm f/2.8L:

http://www.sportsshooter.com/members.html?id=3172

The lighting will determine what is possible.

A second body is useful if you wish to use a longer lens as well.

This thread is vital reading for tips on boxing photography (in particular read Robert Hanshiro's post): http://www.sportsshooter.com/message....html?tid=8445

I hope that's helpful.

---- Gavin

[Photodawg1]

Gavin,

Wow...those are awesome! That f/1.4 is crystal clear.... and they almost give them away. Thank you immensely...I have been reading the thread you mentioned...it is such a good resource and sportshooter too . Hopefully I will be able to post some good shots after the fight which is in a couple of weeks...You raise that bar pretty high though...
Linda

[Photodawg1]

Well looks like I am going to try that 50 1.4 out tomorrow night...my tax accountant screwed up, I mean transposed my routing numbers, so it may be summer now before I see my refund. Was hoping to get the 24 - 70 too,...heavy...weighty sigh.........................