Special Olympics Kit

I have been asked to shoot Special Olympics. From indoor swimming, track & field. Opening ceremonies, awards, vip. I plan to use my 70-200 2.8 with 1.4 on my 1DmarkIII, 24-70 2.8 on 5D mark II. When you shoot events like this do you take a 3rd body for my 17-40 (either 40D or 5Dc) or just keep extra lens etc in something like a Think Tank change up? Most of my shoots do not involve so many venue changes, just not sure what insures best coverage. Thanks

I would think you would be fine with the two body solution with the 17-40 on hand if you want to get artsy with the 5dII. Although some special olympics athletes are gifted, the events themselves often have a more casual pace. You should be fine with the two body option.

Do you have any photos to share?

J.David wrote in post #15934804
I have been asked to shoot Special Olympics. From indoor swimming, track & field. Opening ceremonies, awards, vip. I plan to use my 70-200 2.8 with 1.4 on my 1DmarkIII, 24-70 2.8 on 5D mark II. When you shoot events like this do you take a 3rd body for my 17-40 (either 40D or 5Dc) or just keep extra lens etc in something like a Think Tank change up? Most of my shoots do not involve so many venue changes, just not sure what insures best coverage. Thanks

You'll only need the 70-200mm lens. A lens fitting that specification was used for these images at an athletics meet and was the only lens needed.

DC Fan wrote in post #15938826
You'll only need the 70-200mm lens. A lens fitting that specification was used for these images at an athletics meet and was the only lens needed.

Trying to use and carry multiple bodies will distract you from covering the event. Concentrate on taking pictures rather than manipulating gadgets.

Huh? I've, never covered the special olympics before, but I imagine there are many opportunities for a 24-70 to come in handy (opening/award ceremonies, venue shots, some indoor events, etc.) Having a 24-70 on strapped on and ready to go would be a must for me. Any sports photographer worth a lick should be able to handle two bodies with ease. Like anything, with more use it becomes second nature and requires little "manipulating". Besides, the second body serves as a backup, which is a must when covering any event.

abruckse wrote in post #15942477
Huh? I've, never covered the special olympics before, but I imagine there are many opportunities for a 24-70 to come in handy (opening/award ceremonies, venue shots, some indoor events, etc.) Having a 24-70 on strapped on and ready to go would be a must for me. Any sports photographer worth a lick should be able to handle two bodies with ease. Like anything, with more use it becomes second nature and requires little "manipulating". Besides, the second body serves as a backup, which is a must when covering any event.

I have photographed actual athletics events several times and never needed a wide angle lens. Many of the photographers at these actual events used a 400mm f/2.8 lens for basic coverage. They were concentrating on tightly framed action images at moderately long distances

Since you will be covering both athletic events and ceremonies, I would suggest using both the 24-70 (for ceremonies) and 70-200 ( for athletic events). Personally, I would use 2 bodies so I wouldn't have to change lenses between the athletic events and the ceremonies but that would depend on your comfort level carrying 2 body/lens combos.

DC Fan wrote in post #15942653
I have photographed actual athletics events several times and never needed a wide angle lens. Many of the photographers at these actual events used a 400mm f/2.8 lens for basic coverage. They were concentrating on tightly framed action images at moderately long distances

By rhe time you'll have switched cameras or lenses, the brief meaningful instants will have passed and disappeared. That's the main reason to concentrate on a single lens such as a 70-200mm. By the way, this example image and the others in this thread were of indoor events.

As for outdoor events, a few years ago at a national championship event, I had retreated to the grandstands for the women's pole vault, moving up to the level of the crossbar where the vaulters were running at me. I was busy using a Canon 70-300mm IS lens and then sensed that I wasn't alone in what had been a lightly populated area. I glanced around and saw two other photographers with 400mm lenses had noticed the same potential angle that I had and wanted to be on the elevated level of the crossbar. Been there, done that.

We're talking about the Special Olympics here, not a T&F meet or normal athletic event. There are shots (especially ceremonial) that would otherwise be missed if you shot just from the stands with a telephoto. I shoot from the stands all the time with a 400 f/2.8 or 600 f/4 at events, so I've been there done that as well. But if I'm expected to get special non-action shots (which are probably more important than the action itself in the case of the Special Olympics), then you better believe I would carry multiple bodies/lenses for those situations. If you go to an event like this with just one body and a 70-200, you would be setting yourself up for potential disaster.

On the subject of missing stuff when switching bodies when shooting action, I usually switch in anticipation of something, not in the middle of action. Sometimes I will never use the second body/lens, but it's important to me to have it there just in case. It's allowed me to get some of my favorite shots, like THIS. Dissuading people from carrying more than one body is bad advice IMO. Like I said before, practice makes perfect.

Special olympics are more about the reactions and the ceremonial parts as much as they are about being a sporting event.

agree
its a moment to remember
I did the state SO in Arlington a few years back with a 40d and a 70-200 2.8
put a 18-55 on also

its about moments more than sports
but there are some good action shots to be had

Ended up taking 2 bodies 1D MarkIII and 5D Mark II mostly shot 24-70 2.8 the new Tamrom....nice glass, along with 70-200 2.8. I will shoot this event for them for free as long as they want me. fantastic experience! it also got head out of my ass.......I have no problems....just a grat cause. Thanks for all the comments.

Oh come on ... throw us a bone ... photos please!

70-200 one body, 24-70 on another and a 16-35 in a pouch hanging off my vest harness.

Post your Special Olympics photos here, if you like -- a 'best of' thread on POTN

https://photography-on-the.net …p?p=16537399#po​st16537399