Sports photography can be a fun niche to get into. But it’s also one of those types of photography that require good quality equipment. You’re shooting difficult subjects that are always on the move and often far away. You need to plan your shots ahead of time, get in the right spot for the photo, and have the perfect gear that’s equipped to capture the shot crisply and efficiently.
What is Sports Photography?
Sports photography is a genre of photography that focuses on capturing moments and actions in various sports events. Sports photographers aim to freeze moments of action and highlight the excitement, skill, and athleticism of athletes in their images. They often work in fast-paced and unpredictable environments, where they need to anticipate and react quickly to capture the decisive moments that define a game or an athlete’s performance.
It is important to have the right equipment that can capture fast-paced action and deliver high-quality images. Every beginner sports photographer would need a camera, lenses, a tripod or a monopod, and some camera accessories.
The best camera for sports photography
Sports photography demands a fast burst rate, quick autofocus, and high processing power to help you freeze the action. Therefore, DSLRs are the preferred cameras for both beginner and professional photographers. A DSLR has sat autofocus, high frames per second (FPS) rate and excellent low-light performance which are highly desirable for capturing fast-paced action and delivering excellent results.
Indeed, the technological landscape in the world of cameras is constantly evolving, and mirrorless cameras have made significant advancements in recent years, matching and even surpassing the capabilities of DSLRs. Mirrorless cameras are generally more compact and lightweight than DSLRs, making them easier to carry and handle for extended periods, especially during sports events where mobility is crucial. This advantage is particularly significant when using longer telephoto lenses, as the overall weight is reduced.
Some of the best cameras for beginners including:
Canon EOS-1D X Mark II – a full frame camera have exceptionally fast autofocus tracking and continuous shooting, along with high ISO performance and weather sealing.
Nikon D5 – a professional-grade DSLR camera known for its exceptional performance and robust build quality.
Canon 7D Mark II is another, more affordable choice, with outstanding battery life, a continuous shooting rate of 10 fps, and a native ISO range of 100-16000.
Nikon D500 has a great AF system and subject tracking capabilities, along with speedy burst shooting and a sturdy body.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II – a mirrorless camera has promising focus and capture speeds.
The best lenses for sports photography
You can’t skimp on the lens if you want to achieve high-quality sports photography. Lenses play a vital role in capturing the action, delivering sharp images, and maximising your creative potential. Just treat your lens as a long-term investment that will help you improve your photography over time.
The best lenses for sports photography are those that are super fast and high quality with a maximum aperture of f/2.8. In particular, photographers like 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom lenses. Fixed focal length telephoto lenses such as a 400mm f/2.8 lens are another great option. Zoom lenses with apertures of f/4 or f/5.6 don’t achieve the same soft background, nor do they work as well in low-light scenarios. But they are, of course, more affordable.
Notable high-end sports lenses include:
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM zoom lens
The Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM telephoto lens
The Nikon AF 80-200mm f/2.8D ED lens
The Nikon AF-S 300mm f/2.8G IF ED VR II telephoto lens
If you’re operating on a budget, consider looking at the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III, the Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II lens, or the Pentax DA 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED WR telephoto lens, or the Tamron SP AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD lens, which is available for Canon, Nikon, and Sony cameras.
The best sports camera monopods and tripods
Sports camera monopods and tripods possess important characteristics that make them indispensable tools for sports photography. Stability is crucial in sports photography to ensure sharp and blur-free images. Both monopods and tripods provide stability by supporting the camera and lens, reducing the risk of camera shaking during fast-action shots.
Versatility is another essential characteristic. Monopods offer greater mobility, allowing photographers to quickly move and track the action while providing some stability. Tripods, on the other hand, offer a higher level of stability and are ideal for capturing static scenes or situations where a slower shutter speed is required.
Portability is crucial in sports photography where photographers often need to move quickly and cover various locations. Monopods and certain tripods are designed to be lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry and transport, especially during fast-paced events.
Lastly, ease of use is vital for sports photographers who need to react swiftly to capture fast-paced action. Quick-release mechanisms, leg-locking systems, and intuitive controls enable photographers to set up and adjust their monopods or tripods efficiently, allowing them to focus more on capturing the action.
Our recommended monopods includes:
ProMaster Specialist SPCM428K Convertible 4 Section
Slik 350AF Monopod with AF1100E Pistol Grip Head
Manfrotto MVMXPROC5 5 Section
If you’re looking for a higher level of stability, the following tripods will be a good fit:
Slik Pro 723EZ Carbon Fibre Tripod Kit
Manfrotto MK190XPRO4-3W 4 Section – Tripod Kit with 3 Way Head
ProMaster Scout SC430K Travel Tripod Kit
Other essential sports photography equipment
The key to sports photography is in having a camera setup that processes your shots quickly – and your memory card will have a lot to do with this. You’ll ideally want a memory card with writing speeds of at least 90MB/s to keep up during continuous shooting mode. As always, it’s best to have more than one memory card.
Sporting events are often held outdoors, which means it’s important you have rugged camera gear that will withstand the elements. Alongside your spare memory card, you’ll probably also want a spare battery. In sports photography, it’s common to take hundreds of photos to land just a few you love. Don’t miss the best moment of the day because of a dead battery.
Also, a sturdy and spacious camera bag is essential for transporting and protecting your equipment. Look for a bag that offers padding, compartments, and waterproofing to keep your gear safe during travel and shooting.
Weather conditions can be unpredictable, so having a rain cover for your camera and lenses is essential. It will protect your equipment from rain, snow, or dust while still allowing you to operate the camera effectively.
Upgrade your gear today
Camera House offers a comprehensive selection of gear to help you take your game to the next level. If you’re unsure about which equipment suits your needs, visit one of our camera specialists at your nearest store. They will provide you with expert advice and insights on essential gear for sports photography. Alternatively, if you already know what you require, explore our extensive range of camera equipment online and start shopping today.
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