Track & Field

I've never shot Track & Field before and want to know what lens works best for Track & Field between the 100mm-400mm f/4-5.6 IS or 70mm-200mm f/2.8 IS. The event time will be in the afternoon with plenty of sun. I'm leaning toward the 100mm-400mm because of focal length and the event is held at noon. On the other hand, the 70mm-200mm is faster, so I'm torn between the two right now. I bring the 1.4x for insurance to use if necessary. Here is what I want to capture.

1. Facial expressions.
2. Lots of close up with runner in entire frame.
3. Lots of close ups with runners close to each other.
4. Close ups with blur effect.
5. Shooting @ 500-1000 max shutter speed.

Bring both and try them and see which works better.

That's one of my issues! I don't want to bring both because I'm traveling out of state and do not want to run the risk of losing one. I'm leaning towards the 70mm-200mm f/2.8 IS unless someone convinces me the 100mm-400mm f/4-5.6 IS works best.

This look at credentialed pros at the 2006 national championships, shooting the triple jump, might give you a hint:

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I guess the question is, how close to the subjects will I be before shooting? This will dictate what lens works best. If I can get within 50-100 feet, then the 70mm-200mm could work. If anything farther, then the 100mm-400mm with 1.4x would probably work best.

Just buy the 300mm 2.8.
Its a good all around sport lens.

I would take the 100-400, next try renting a 300 2.8 and see how you like it

Are you shooting from the stands or are you credentialed and shooting from the track? From the stands go with the 100-400. If you are on the track and since you are traveling I would go with the 70-200 and your TC when you need extra reach.

Well photoman I shoot alot of track and field and I don't believe a 200mm is long enough.I use a 300mm and sometimes it's not long enough .Since I am a assistant coach though I do get to shoot pretty much anywhere on the track I want but still go with a 300mm minimum.
coach

Like others have said, I think it depends on where you are allowed. For example, high school and smaller events might allow you much closer than NCAA venues. Credentials will make a difference as well.

Tom

I used to use the Sigma 100-300 f/4 with and without the 1.4x TC. Found it to be an excellent lens for T&F. Of the two lenses that you mention, it sounds like the 100-400 IS + monopod would be your best bet for most, if not all, of the events.

PS - I also found the 17-40 very handy at times for close-ups with that wide angle look.

It depends where on the track you are located. Sounds like you will have acces to the track, and can move around freely. If so, carry the 100-400. I have both lenses and 1 body, so having the extra reach has been valuable. I tried something new this past track season; I used the 16-35 wide angle. I got some pretty cool shots of high jumpers from behind the pit, as well as a great panning perspective of runners from ground level at the end of the curve of the track before the final straight away.

Good luck!

I took the 100-400 lens and shot many top notch images on and off the track. The decision was last minute, but everything worked out well for me. The event was held in the afternoon, so the 100-400 was perfect for the occasion. The picture quality is perfect and I was able to capture facial expressions and emotions from each runner. The 100mm-400m lens is one of my favorite lenses in my arsenal.

I can say that the 300mm is probably what you are really looking for. From the two. I rent this one for a couple of NYC marathons and it has given me the best results. There really is no point in having zoom on hand since you're going to get 1 set of clicks as they run by -- amazing fast. You won't have time for zooming and/or adjustments.

100mm-400mm, will probably be the best choice from your two choices. Lock it in at some Focal Range that will give you the corner they are coming from.

BUT, if the day is cloudy than you wish you had your f/2.8. All that said I usually use the 70-200mm with a 1.4TC until I can afford the 300mm.