Basketball photography lessons from the NCAA tournament

Those who ask about basketball photography, from equipment to shooting locations, will find plenty of real-world lessons available for free and easily found with the NCAA men's division one tournament on four television channels. What location? on the floor at the baseline with the basket at the photographers' left. Note how photographers are set several feet back from the baseline behind a line defined by the front of the basket and sit in two or three rows. What lens? you can't miss the familiar shape of the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 in nearly universal use. Fom time-to time you'll catch a Canon 300mm f/2.8. Notice that every court is set up identically regardless of location.No TV? check http://www.ncaa.com/ma​rch-madness for streaming coverage. Watch the the tournament games and you'll see exactly how basketball photography is handled at the highest level.

A friend of mine is shooting the tournament in Jacksonville.

I'm anxious to see what she comes away with...

My little sister chimping between games at the 2012 tournament.

I shot round 2 and 3 in Charlotte, no tv is on the floor except for cbs (tbs/tnt/tru). Most every photographer shoots with a 70-200 and a 300, some choose a short lens as well depending on spot. Some people set up remotes, the guy from SI had 9 remotes set up for the games. Our photo spots are assigned and there are 2 rows, biggest outlets get first row (as well as teams) and then smaller papers and websites get second row.

jbrevard wrote in post #17540641
I shot round 2 and 3 in Charlotte, no tv is on the floor except for cbs (tbs/tnt/tru). Most every photographer shoots with a 70-200 and a 300, some choose a short lens as well depending on spot. Some people set up remotes, the guy from SI had 9 remotes set up for the games. Our photo spots are assigned and there are 2 rows, biggest outlets get first row (as well as teams) and then smaller papers and websites get second row.

Thanks for helping to emphasize the answer to a frequently asked question.
A 70-200mm f/2.8 is the basic coverage lens for available light indoor action because of its wide aperture and focal length versatility. Deadline basketball photographers depend on a 70-200mm f/2.8 because it can be used to cover most of the court.