Whether you are photographing professional athletes or your child’s little league game, as a sports photographer, having the right equipment can make all the difference.
Introduction to Sports Photography
Sports photography is a fairly specialized genre that requires a unique set of skills and to a certain degree, specialized equipment.
When shooting sports, it’s important to remember that it’s all about capturing the action, the emotion, and the drama of the moment, so as a sports photographer, you must be able to anticipate the action and be in the right place at the right time to capture the winning shot.
Another important facet of being a successful sports photographer, is that you must have a good understanding of the sport you are photographing.
Things like knowing the rules of the game, the key players, and the important moments can all greatly help you anticipate the action and capture the perfect shot.
Essential Gear for Sports Photography
Regardless of what camera brand you favour, before you head out in the field looking to capture great sports photos, you need to make sure you have the right gear.
Below, we outline the essential pieces of equipment every sports photographer should have in their arsenal.
Cameras
The camera is the most important piece of equipment for any photographer, and sports photography is no exception. When choosing a camera for sports photography, there are several factors to consider, including speed, autofocus, and image quality.
The best sports cameras are the ones that can shoot at high speeds and have a fast autofocus system. Additionally, sports photographers need cameras with high ISO capabilities to capture clear images in low-light conditions.
Choosing the Best Camera for Sports Photography
Choosing the best camera for sports can be a daunting task, with so many options on the market. So here are some factors to consider when choosing a camera for sports photography.
Shutter Speed/Autofocus
The burst speed of the camera is crucial for sports photography so you’ll want to look for a camera that can shoot at high speeds, such as 10 frames per second or more.
Additionally, you’ll want to look for a camera with a fast autofocus system with advanced autofocus features such as subject tracking, to help you capture the action.
ISO Capabilities
Sports photographers often have to shoot in low-light conditions, so look for a camera with high ISO capabilities to help capture clear images in low-light situations.
Image Quality
Image quality is also an essential factor to consider when choosing a camera for sports photography so you’ll want to look for a camera that can capture high-quality images with minimal noise and distortion.
Comparing the Top Sports Cameras on the Market
Here are some of the best mirrorless cameras (and a couple of older DSLRs) on the market to shoot sports with and how they compare.
Mirrorless Cameras
The Sony Alpha A9 II is designed for professional sports photographers and has a 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor that can shoot at up to 20 frames per second with no blackout. It also has an advanced autofocus system with 693 phase-detection points and real-time eye autofocus.
The Nikon Z6 II has a 24.5-megapixel full-frame sensor and can shoot at up to 14 frames per second with the electronic shutter. It has an advanced autofocus system with 273 phase-detection points and real-time eye autofocus. The camera also has in-body image stabilization.
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II has a 20.1-megapixel full-frame sensor and can shoot at up to 20 frames per second with the electronic shutter. It has an advanced autofocus system with 1053 phase-detection points and real-time eye autofocus. The camera also has in-body image stabilization.
DSLRs
Nikon D5
The multi-purpose Nikon D5 DSLR is an outstanding sports camera that can shoot at 12 frames per second and has a fast autofocus system. Additionally, it has a high ISO range of up to 102,400, making it great for low-light conditions.
The legendary Canon EOS-1D X Mark III is another DSLR sports camera that can shoot at up to 20 frames per second and has a fast autofocus system. Additionally, it has an ISO range of 102,400, making it great for low-light conditions.
Lenses
Lenses are just as important, if not more, as the camera when it comes to sports photography and having the right lens can help you capture the action and get the perfect shot.
When choosing a lens for sports photography, there are several factors you’ll want to consider, including focal length, aperture, and image stabilization.
Sports photographers will typically use telephoto lenses to capture the action from a distance and a lens with a minimum focal length of 70-200mm is a great option to start with.
Another thing that is important to look at is the aperture range of the lens. Lenses with a wide aperture of f/2.8 or wider which are better for capturing clearer images in low-light conditions.
Lens Selection Criteria for Sports Photography
When choosing a lens for sports photography, there are several factors to consider, including focal length, aperture, and image stabilization.
Focal Length
While sports photographers typically use telephoto lenses to capture the action from a distance, a wider angle lens can also be extremely useful in some situations.
For outdoor/indoor sports where you might be situated back from the action, a telephoto lens with a minimum focal length of 70-200mm, is a good starting point.
However, for indoor sports where you might be closer to the action, say at a boxing match, you might want to consider a wide angle zoom with a focal length of 24-70mm or even a wide angle prime lens, that can capture a wider view of the action as a starting point.
Aperture
Regardless of the focal length, you’ll want a lens with a wide aperture of f/2.8 or wider which will allow you capture clearer images in low-light conditions.
Additionally, a wide aperture can also help you create a shallow depth of field, adding a sense of depth and dimension to your images.
Image Stabilization
Image stabilization will help you capture sharp images, even in low-light conditions so look for a lens with image stabilization to help you capture clear images without blur.
Best Lenses for Sports Photography
Choosing the right lens is crucial for sports photography, so we have come up with a list of what we feel are some of the best lenses for sports photography.
Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
The Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM is a top-of-the-line telephoto zoom lens that is great for sports photography. It has a wide aperture of f/2.8 and image stabilization to help you capture clear images in low-light conditions.
Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is another top-of-the-line telephoto zoom lens that is great for sports photography. It has a wide aperture of f/2.8 and image stabilization to help you capture clear images in low-light conditions.
Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II
The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is a telephoto zoom lens that is great for sports photography. It has a wide aperture of f/2.8 and image stabilization to help you capture clear images in low-light conditions.
Other Lenses Options
Wide-angle zoom lenses are great for capturing the atmosphere of sports events, such as the crowd, the stadium, or the field. They can also be useful for creative shots, such as getting low and shooting up at the athlete. Some good options include the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art lens or the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM E lens.
Standard zoom lenses are versatile lenses that can be used for a variety of sports and situations. They can be useful for capturing athletes in action as well as for capturing the emotion and reactions of the crowd. Some good options include the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens.
Prime lenses are fixed focal length lenses that offer excellent image quality and low light performance. They can be useful for capturing fast-moving action with a shallow depth of field, as well as for capturing portraits of athletes. Some good options include the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM lens or the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM lens.
Other Important Accessories for Sports Photographers
In addition to the camera and lens, there are several other accessories that can help you capture great sports photos.
A tripod is an essential piece of equipment for sports photographers. It can help you stabilize your camera and get a clear shot, even in low-light conditions. Additionally, a tripod can help you capture long exposures and create stunning motion blur effects.
Read Tripod Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Tripod for Photography
A monopod is a lightweight alternative to a tripod that can help you stabilize your camera and get a clear shot, even in low-light conditions.
An external flash can help you capture clear images in low-light conditions. Additionally, it can help you create interesting lighting effects and add depth and dimension to your images.
A camera bag is essential for any photographer, but especially for sports photographers who need to carry their gear with them to different locations. Look for a camera bag that is durable, spacious, and easy to carry.
Read What to Look for When Choosing A Camera Bag
Tips for Capturing Great Sports Photos
Here are some tips to help you capture great sports photos.
Anticipate the Action
Sports photography is all about anticipating the action. Try to predict where the action will happen and be ready to capture the perfect shot.
Use Burst Mode
Burst mode can help you capture a series of images in a short amount of time, increasing your chances of getting the perfect shot.
Experiment with Shutter Speed
Experiment with different shutter speeds to create interesting motion blur effects or freeze the action.
Conclusion
To sum things up, sports photography can be a challenging, but rewarding genre that requires the right gear and skills. By investing in the right equipment and learning the right techniques, you can capture stunning sports photos that really capture the action and emotion of the moment.
Image Credits:
Cover Image: Adobe Stock
Image of Equipment on Ground: Adobe Stock
Image of Swimmer: Adobe Stock
Image of Fencers: Micaela Parente
Image of Zoom Lens: Adobe Stock
