Vans Pier Classic 2009 Surf Competition at Huntington Beach Pier

[xknowonex]

I have a Canon 100-400L on loan for a while now and I have only used it twice so today I decided to head out and get acquainted with it before Formula Drift Long Beach.

I headed down to HB for the Vans Pier Classic 2009 Surf Competition. I was not too dissappointed given the fact that I am shooting with subpar equipment when a 40D and atleast a 500L lens is needed at the mininum to have enough frames per second speed and the focal length to reach the surfers far away from shore. Moreover, the conditions was a total bust since I got there at around 2pm. The sun was extremely harsh to the point where the only other photographer there who I was talking to - a pro with a Nikkor 600 f/4 lens - gave up after a bunch of shots. The conditions MUST be bad if I am the only photographer there for the last 2 hours at a surf competition. Anyhow, despite the poor conditions and my sub-par equipment, here goes:

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[khall]

As you say, a 500mm or more would have been better.

[xknowonex]

Originally Posted by khall

As you say, a 500mm or more would have been better.

These shots were at 350-400mm and then cropped. Yea 500mm or a 600mm would be awesome but it would cost ughhh $7000 + tripod?

[Bubble]

are you out there again tomorrow? i'll be out there tomorrow with my NIkon 600mm.

[xknowonex]

Originally Posted by Bubble

are you out there again tomorrow? i'll be out there tomorrow with my NIkon 600mm.

Damn you guys and your 600 primes!

LOL

Nah, there are a bunch of car events on Saturday

[doubleo6point9]

Funny, I was out at the Pier yesterday (just hanging out, not shooting) and the only photog I saw was the Nikon guy you're talking about and I didn't see him shoot much either. Wasn't sure what competition was on but I was surprised that I didn't see anyone else there also.

[Bubble]

Originally Posted by doubleo6point9

Funny, I was out at the Pier yesterday (just hanging out, not shooting) and the only photog I saw was the Nikon guy you're talking about and I didn't see him shoot much either. Wasn't sure what competition was on but I was surprised that I didn't see anyone else there also.

1. This is a 2 stars event. Not a big one.
2. If the lighting condition too harsh, it is useless to shot.

[doubleo6point9]

Originally Posted by Bubble

1. This is a 2 stars event. Not a big one.
2. If the lighting condition too harsh, it is useless to shot.

Ah ok. Did you make it out there the next day then?