Swimming with a 200-400mm f/4 indoors

This lens continues to amaze me. I've had the chance to use it since August (long term loaner from CPS), and in my opinion, the 1DX/200-400 combo is the best out there for sports photogs at the moment. It may not be the best in absolute dungeons, but it's just so versatile.

Here's a few from swimming. Light isn't too bad (better in quantity, not quality). I was at ISO6400 and 1/1000th for these, with some correction in post. I think this is my 3rd time shooting swimming. I need to practice with it some more for sure.

Let me know what you think.

edit: Just realized my thread title is very poorly worded, haha.

1.

Excellent series Andrew!

I especially like the first shot.

I am a little surprised by #5.I thought swimmers shaved all body hair to cut down on drag.

Cheers,

Robert

robert614 wrote in post #17276311
Excellent series Andrew!

I especially like the first shot.

I am a little surprised by #5.I thought swimmers shaved all body hair to cut down on drag.

Cheers,

Robert

Thanks Robert, and I agree about #5. He may be taking No-Shave-November a little too seriously.

Love your motorsports work BTW. Would love to shadow someone like you for a few events. I need to figure out a way to try my hand at motorsports photography.

abruckse wrote in post #17276335
Thanks Robert, and I agree about #5. He may be taking No-Shave-November a little too seriously.

Love your motorsports work BTW. Would love to shadow someone like you for a few events. I need to figure out a way to try my hand at motorsports photography.

Thanks Andrew.It looks like you're doing just fine to me.I doubt you'd learn anything from following me around.

Regards,

Robert

Wonderful set. Any of these with the 1.4 extender switched on? Any thoughts on using the extender?

robert614 wrote in post #17276578
Thanks Andrew.It looks like you're doing just fine to me.I doubt you'd learn anything from following me around.

Regards,

Robert

I wouldn't know the first thing about the good angles/positions, proper panning technique, etc. when it comes to shooting motorsports.

eigga wrote in post #17277247
Wonderful set. Any of these with the 1.4 extender switched on? Any thoughts on using the extender?

Not for these, no. It's a little too dark in there for the extender, plus indoors, the extender slightly affects AF speed and accuracy. Outdoors, the extender is amazing, and there aren't really any noticeable changes in AF, sharpness, and overall image quality. Having that ability to switch quickly is incredible, especially for sports like football and soccer, where the action can quickly come down field at any moment.

I'm going to use it tonight to shoot basketball again, I'll give the extender a try in there since the light is nice.

Good pictures.......

Andrew,
great set! My only nit pick is #4 with the other swimmers' legs in the background. Maybe a tighter crop would help. Once again, this is a stretch on CC. #2 and #6 are my favorite.

Thanks great info. Appreciate you sharing your results and thoughts. I will be requesting this as a loaner eventually.

abruckse wrote in post #17277311
Not for these, no. It's a little too dark in there for the extender, plus indoors, the extender slightly affects AF speed and accuracy. Outdoors, the extender is amazing, and there aren't really any noticeable changes in AF, sharpness, and overall image quality. Having that ability to switch quickly is incredible, especially for sports like football and soccer, where the action can quickly come down field at any moment.

I'm going to use it tonight to shoot basketball again, I'll give the extender a try in there since the light is nice.

I was expecting a report on waterproofness of this lens judging by the title.

But these are very well done! Thanks for sharing.

-alex

great captures! that 1DX/200-400 combo is a dream team for sports

They look good. I'm not a big fan of downhill swimming as in #6. I like that you also have something in the shot for reference like a lane rope or end of pool. (otherwise it's just a guy-in-the-water shot) The extreme close up of #1 doesn't count, it stands on its own. Nice work.

On the facial/body hair: Usually swimmers will shave for the most important meets only. It looks like Tennessee so they'll probably shave next for the SEC Championships, which are likely in February.

The science around training for a championship swimming season is vastly different than the traditional sports (football, basketball, hockey, baseball) It's not necessary to win every contest, just the last few like Conference titles and NCAA Finals. That's why swimmers are not usually fully rested, tapered or shaved.

Cheers !