lens suggestions for indoor swim meet?

[acarbo99]

looks like I may get the opportunity to take some shots at an upcoming swim meet (indoors). I'll be allowed to be on the deck w/ the coaches, so I don't have to worry about shooting from the stands.

any/all suggestions would be most appreciated ... what lens would you suggest? what vantage points are best? anything else?

I've never even been to a swim meet, so I'm as green as they get.

TIA,
GiGi

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

As fast as a mid size zoom that you can get a hold of -like a 80-200 2.8. (may be able to rent one if you have 3 days+ to take delivery in or find a place in Austin that rents them). If you had a second body I would take along a 300 2.8 too!

[Wil_Bloodworth]

It's going to depend on the lighting in the venue. If you want to get the water droplets stuck in mid-air, you're going to need a fast strobe of some sort. That may mean a simple flash like an SB-900 but it may mean you'll need to strobe the room... depends... on the size of the pool, how close you can get to the athletes... and all kinds of factors.

Shooting from head on is a great vantage point. Also shooting from the edge of the pool right next to the edge (finish line) is also somewhat advantageous... but probably not good for faces as you'll mainly get hands and the tops of heads.

Go to a practice and engage the coaches for their opinions... they are the subject matter experts in this case. Pull up videos of swim meets on YouTube... and see where those photographers are placed. Find a book on sports photography at the library and look at the swimming section. Need more?

- Wil

[mmuhlenkamp]

I've never shot a swim meet, but I used to be a swimmer so hopefully this info helps. If you're going to be real close to the action, you might want to make a "splash" cover or something for you camera (plastic bags and tape?). I would think something like a 85 f/1.8 or 70-200 f/2.8 would be a good lens (fast, medium telephoto). I would try to get as low as possible so that you can see the swimmers' faces (particularly on butterfly).

Oh, also make sure to get your lenses acclimated to the hot, humid pool, they can get condensation if taken from cold to hot keep the camera and lenses in a plastic bag and let them get to room tempature (though now that it's not so cold out it shouldn't be too bad).

Shooting a swim meet sounds fun, I might need to contact Denton ISD and see if they could use a photographer.

[Matt_G]

Each stroke has a "best position" - Indoors without strobes (which are typically permitted EXCEPT at the start) you will need a 2.8 or faster lens from my experience. I covered meets with the 300 2.8 mostly. Ideally a 300/400 and 70-200 would be my choice as a two camera setup.

[bigjon0107]

Where is it going to be at? Just curious if it happens to be at Texas A&M's pool and I can give you much more detailed info about the venue.

[acarbo99]

Thanks everyone. My 'deck access' has been revoked, so I'll be in the stands, it seems. I'm thinking "long and fast" is what I need (I'm going to rent a lens).

And Jon ... yes, it will be at TAMU's pool in the Rec center.

Thanks again!
GiGi

[bigjon0107]

Originally Posted by acarbo99

Thanks everyone. My 'deck access' has been revoked, so I'll be in the stands, it seems. I'm thinking "long and fast" is what I need (I'm going to rent a lens).

And Jon ... yes, it will be at TAMU's pool in the Rec center.

Thanks again!
GiGi

Revoked? Man, I wont ask.

But your exposure will be something like ISO 2000, 1/640th, f/2.8 for the pool, diving will be ISO 3200 1/320th, f/2.8.

[Jim Boyd]

I've shot about 4 or 5 meets, and I used the 300 2.8 and 70-200 2.8, but I was shooting from the deck. I've also used the 400 2.8 while lying on my stomach at the opposite end of the starting platforms. I tried the Nikon 85 1.4, but it didn't acquire focus fast enough.

[bigjon0107]

Ya, if you are going to be shooting from up top you will need a 300 2.8. A 70-200 may do. Just for reference, i used a 400 on a 1.3 crop body from there to shoot some stuff and it was just about right.

Image five on my Sports Shooter page was from up high in that natatorium. (www.sportsshooter.com/joneilts)