Which lens should I use for shooting a running event?

NickTent · 08-10-2018, 08:28 AM

Hello,

I am going to shoot ( photos) a running event at a stadium track over the weekend and I was wondering which lens of the ones below, you think will be the best to use?

1) Pentax smc DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR

2) Pentax smc D-FA 100mm F2.8 Macro WR

3) Pentax HD PENTAX-DA 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR

I will be using a Pentax K-S2 camera.

Any thoughts\suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Thank you for your time,

Nick

**pres589** · 08-10-2018, 08:32 AM

16-85 every day, twice on Sunday.

**mattb123** · 08-10-2018, 08:37 AM - **1 Like**

Are you concentrating on individual runners to sell them photos or are you covering the event for a media outlet?

If I was doing individual runner shots I might lean more toward the 50-200, especially if there is interesting background stuff to include.
The 16-85 would probably be better for wider shots of the crowd or the whole race at once.

Ideally, two bodies with one of those lenses on each one would be great. If you only have one body you might want to bring both in case you want some of each type of those shots.
If you can only have one lens the 16-85 is probably your most versatile option.

C_Jones · 08-10-2018, 08:39 AM

I would recommend the 50-200 for the reach and versatility in case you need it. Also, as was mentioned, the 16-85 would be useful for groups in case you have that kind of scenario come about.

donpjt · 08-10-2018, 08:43 AM

It all depends on how far you are shooting from and if you are looking to freeze the action with the subject really popping in the photo, then a good zoom between 70-200 should be good. I would definitely use the 100mm macro WR as the main lens because it has a great bokeh, and very sharp and its a good focal length. 50-200 is not a lens with great optical qualities

**UncleVanya** · 08-10-2018, 08:52 AM

Bring the 50-200 but mount the 16-85. If you find you are to far away you can try the 50-200.

**aslyfox** · 08-10-2018, 08:55 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by NickTent

Hello,

I am going to shoot ( photos) a running event at a stadium track over the weekend and I was wondering which lens of the ones below, you think will be the best to use?

1) Pentax smc DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR

2) Pentax smc D-FA 100mm F2.8 Macro WR

3) Pentax HD PENTAX-DA 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR

I will be using a Pentax K-S2 camera.

Any thoughts\suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Thank you for your time,

Nick

what is the event

a sprint

or

longer race

what are you trying to capture

the close finish of a sprint

the face of the long distance runner struggling with the effort to run a long distance

to me, although I haven't ever tried to photograph a running event, those issues might be important to know to get good advice from knowledgeable members of the forums

I would probably use a sharp zoom to give you ' options ' without changing lenses, assuming you don't have two camera bodies

and I like my Pentax HD PENTAX-DA 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR and Pentax smc D-FA 100mm F2.8 Macro

I don't have a DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR

**pres589** · 08-10-2018, 09:04 AM

The 16-85 is going to focus faster and provide so much more versatility vs. a 100mm AF macro. This is a classic zooms vs. primes thing and while I like primes a lot I wouldn't want to complicate things when a good lens like the 16-85 is an option.

The 50-200 is a funny lens. There's been discussions about it here and I wasn't the only person that expressed the belief that it's not very good for use for distance targets (for lack of a better word). It's nice for close-ups stuff and it feels odd thinking this way about a telephoto lens but I just wouldn't consider it for this. I've played with my copy of the 50-200 a fair amount and I would totally grab my 18-135 for what the OP is asking about.

**shardulm** · 08-10-2018, 09:29 AM

Originally posted by mattb123

If I was doing individual runner shots I might lean more toward the 50-200, especially if there is interesting background stuff to include.
The 16-85 would probably be better for wider shots of the crowd or the whole race at once.

Ideally, two bodies with one of those lenses on each one would be great. If you only have one body you might want to bring both in case you want some of each type of those shots.
If you can only have one lens the 16-85 is probably your most versatile option.

Exactly my thoughts as well. You need reach to get individual runners. For wider shots 55 may work but may be too tight so use the other lens+body.

**Alex645** · 08-10-2018, 09:33 AM

Originally posted by NickTent

I am going to shoot ( photos) a running event at a stadium track over the weekend and I was wondering which lens of the ones below, you think will be the best to use?

1) Pentax smc DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR
2) Pentax smc D-FA 100mm F2.8 Macro WR
3) Pentax HD PENTAX-DA 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR

I will be using a Pentax K-S2 camera.
Nick

Nick,
Assuming you're trying to shoot the runners and you won't necessarily have field access, you need as much reach as possible, which means your 50-200mm zoom.

Even in good daylight, you'll want to use 400-800 ISO so that you don't have to shoot wide open, but rather at least f/8 with shutter speeds above 1/500".

If it's a night or indoor event, you may be better shooting with the 100mm telephoto prime so that you'll have a larger aperture for less light and a sharper lens for cropping.

No matter what, you will regret not bringing the one or two lenses you left behind. So if this is your first ever running event at this stadium, I'd bring all three lenses and from that experience, lighten your load next time out.

Also, be prepared to not use auto-focus. Often I will pre-focus manually for the start or finish line, and then rapid fire when my subject is in the zone. Don't sweat the bad shots; celebrate the gems.

**aslyfox** · 08-10-2018, 09:42 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Alex645

. . . If it's a night or indoor event, you may be better shooting with the 100mm telephoto prime so that you'll have a larger aperture for less light and a sharper lens for cropping. . . .Don't sweat the bad shots; celebrate the gems.

it is so nice to use a DSLR

you don't spend the money to print the bad photos

trust me, I have plenty of those

___________________

shooting TAV mode

K 3 II + SMC Pentax-D FA 100 F2.8 Macro

Focal Length 100.0mm (35mm equivalent: 150mm)
Exposure Time 1/5000s (0.0002)
Aperture F/5.0
ISO Equivalent 3200

I was sitting in Sec 141 Row 9 in Kauffman Stadium, well down the first base line, focused on Rizzo, the Cubs' first baseman

SOOC

crop and pp

**mattb123** · 08-10-2018, 09:54 AM

My advice was based on my assumption that the event is outdoors in daylight. If it is indoors or at night you may just need to rent a 70-200/2.8 if it's longer shots that you want.
I have only shot some gymnastics indoors and it was really hard. I used a K-3 and 70-200/2.8 and had to use ISO 3200 and still had a tough time keeping the shutter fast enough.
Outdoors is much easier unless you get severe weather.

NickTent · 08-10-2018, 09:59 AM

Originally posted by aslyfox

what is the event

a sprint

or

longer race

what are you trying to capture

the close finish of a sprint

the face of the long distance runner struggling with the effort to run a long distance

to me, although I haven't ever tried to photograph a running event, those issues might be important to know to get good advice from knowledgeable members of the forums

I would probably use a sharp zoom to give you ' options ' without changing lenses, assuming you don't have two camera bodies

and I like my Pentax HD PENTAX-DA 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR and Pentax smc D-FA 100mm F2.8 Macro

I don't have a DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR

Hello,

There will be mile repeats! The vent will be during the day, on an open outdoor stadium.

Thank you!

---------- Post added 08-10-18 at 09:59 AM ----------

Originally posted by pres589

16-85 every day, twice on Sunday.

Thank you!

---------- Post added 08-10-18 at 10:09 AM ----------

Thank you for the reply!

No I am not selling the photos. I am shooting for the people who will be running a mile at an open stadium during the day. there will be several mile repeats based on the finish time people choose.

Nick

---------- Post added 08-10-18 at 10:14 AM ----------

Thank you!!

I will have access to the field and I will be able to move anywhere I want! I will bring all lenses but I will mount the 16-85 and pre-focus on the certain spots and take several shots. I will change lenses if I have to, too bad I don't have multiple bodies ...

Thank you very much!

**aslyfox** · 08-10-2018, 10:29 AM

you might want to consider using this:

Continuous Shooting
Hi: 5.4 fps up to 20 JPG, 5 RAW
Lo: 3 fps up to 100 frames (JPG), 8 RAW

Read more at: Pentax K-S2 Review - Specifications | PentaxForums.com Reviews

to take a series of photos rapidly

NickTent · 08-10-2018, 11:36 AM

Originally posted by aslyfox

you might want to consider using this:

Continuous Shooting
Hi: 5.4 fps up to 20 JPG, 5 RAW
Lo: 3 fps up to 100 frames (JPG), 8 RAW

Read more at: Pentax K-S2 Review - Specifications | PentaxForums.com Reviews

to take a series of photos rapidly

Thank you!

08-10-2018, 08:28 AM	#1
NickTent Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Posts: 46	Which lens should I use for shooting a running event? Hello, I am going to shoot ( photos) a running event at a stadium track over the weekend and I was wondering which lens of the ones below, you think will be the best to use? 1) Pentax smc DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR 2) Pentax smc D-FA 100mm F2.8 Macro WR 3) Pentax HD PENTAX-DA 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR I will be using a Pentax K-S2 camera. Any thoughts\suggestions are greatly appreciated! Thank you for your time, Nick

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08-10-2018, 08:32 AM	#2
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,529	16-85 every day, twice on Sunday.

08-10-2018, 08:37 AM - 1 Like	#3
mattb123 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Colorado High Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,872	Are you concentrating on individual runners to sell them photos or are you covering the event for a media outlet? If I was doing individual runner shots I might lean more toward the 50-200, especially if there is interesting background stuff to include. The 16-85 would probably be better for wider shots of the crowd or the whole race at once. Ideally, two bodies with one of those lenses on each one would be great. If you only have one body you might want to bring both in case you want some of each type of those shots. If you can only have one lens the 16-85 is probably your most versatile option.

08-10-2018, 08:39 AM	#4
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,088	I would recommend the 50-200 for the reach and versatility in case you need it. Also, as was mentioned, the 16-85 would be useful for groups in case you have that kind of scenario come about.

08-10-2018, 08:43 AM	#5
donpjt Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Houston, TX Photos: Gallery Posts: 190	It all depends on how far you are shooting from and if you are looking to freeze the action with the subject really popping in the photo, then a good zoom between 70-200 should be good. I would definitely use the 100mm macro WR as the main lens because it has a great bokeh, and very sharp and its a good focal length. 50-200 is not a lens with great optical qualities

08-10-2018, 08:52 AM	#6
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,407	Bring the 50-200 but mount the 16-85. If you find you are to far away you can try the 50-200.

08-10-2018, 08:55 AM - 1 Like	#7
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by NickTent Hello, I am going to shoot ( photos) a running event at a stadium track over the weekend and I was wondering which lens of the ones below, you think will be the best to use? 1) Pentax smc DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR 2) Pentax smc D-FA 100mm F2.8 Macro WR 3) Pentax HD PENTAX-DA 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR I will be using a Pentax K-S2 camera. Any thoughts\suggestions are greatly appreciated! Thank you for your time, Nick what is the event a sprint or longer race what are you trying to capture the close finish of a sprint the face of the long distance runner struggling with the effort to run a long distance to me, although I haven't ever tried to photograph a running event, those issues might be important to know to get good advice from knowledgeable members of the forums I would probably use a sharp zoom to give you ' options ' without changing lenses, assuming you don't have two camera bodies and I like my Pentax HD PENTAX-DA 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR and Pentax smc D-FA 100mm F2.8 Macro I don't have a DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR

08-10-2018, 09:04 AM	#8
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,529	The 16-85 is going to focus faster and provide so much more versatility vs. a 100mm AF macro. This is a classic zooms vs. primes thing and while I like primes a lot I wouldn't want to complicate things when a good lens like the 16-85 is an option. The 50-200 is a funny lens. There's been discussions about it here and I wasn't the only person that expressed the belief that it's not very good for use for distance targets (for lack of a better word). It's nice for close-ups stuff and it feels odd thinking this way about a telephoto lens but I just wouldn't consider it for this. I've played with my copy of the 50-200 a fair amount and I would totally grab my 18-135 for what the OP is asking about.

08-10-2018, 09:29 AM	#9
shardulm Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Cumming, GA Posts: 793	Originally posted by mattb123 If I was doing individual runner shots I might lean more toward the 50-200, especially if there is interesting background stuff to include. The 16-85 would probably be better for wider shots of the crowd or the whole race at once. Ideally, two bodies with one of those lenses on each one would be great. If you only have one body you might want to bring both in case you want some of each type of those shots. If you can only have one lens the 16-85 is probably your most versatile option. Exactly my thoughts as well. You need reach to get individual runners. For wider shots 55 may work but may be too tight so use the other lens+body.

08-10-2018, 09:33 AM	#10
Alex645 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Kaneohe, HI Photos: Albums Posts: 3,526	Originally posted by NickTent I am going to shoot ( photos) a running event at a stadium track over the weekend and I was wondering which lens of the ones below, you think will be the best to use? 1) Pentax smc DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR 2) Pentax smc D-FA 100mm F2.8 Macro WR 3) Pentax HD PENTAX-DA 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR I will be using a Pentax K-S2 camera. Nick Nick, Assuming you're trying to shoot the runners and you won't necessarily have field access, you need as much reach as possible, which means your 50-200mm zoom. Even in good daylight, you'll want to use 400-800 ISO so that you don't have to shoot wide open, but rather at least f/8 with shutter speeds above 1/500". If it's a night or indoor event, you may be better shooting with the 100mm telephoto prime so that you'll have a larger aperture for less light and a sharper lens for cropping. No matter what, you will regret not bringing the one or two lenses you left behind. So if this is your first ever running event at this stadium, I'd bring all three lenses and from that experience, lighten your load next time out. Also, be prepared to not use auto-focus. Often I will pre-focus manually for the start or finish line, and then rapid fire when my subject is in the zone. Don't sweat the bad shots; celebrate the gems.

08-10-2018, 09:54 AM	#12
mattb123 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Colorado High Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,872	My advice was based on my assumption that the event is outdoors in daylight. If it is indoors or at night you may just need to rent a 70-200/2.8 if it's longer shots that you want. I have only shot some gymnastics indoors and it was really hard. I used a K-3 and 70-200/2.8 and had to use ISO 3200 and still had a tough time keeping the shutter fast enough. Outdoors is much easier unless you get severe weather.

08-10-2018, 09:59 AM	#13
NickTent Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Posts: 46 Original Poster	Originally posted by aslyfox what is the event a sprint or longer race what are you trying to capture the close finish of a sprint the face of the long distance runner struggling with the effort to run a long distance to me, although I haven't ever tried to photograph a running event, those issues might be important to know to get good advice from knowledgeable members of the forums I would probably use a sharp zoom to give you ' options ' without changing lenses, assuming you don't have two camera bodies and I like my Pentax HD PENTAX-DA 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR and Pentax smc D-FA 100mm F2.8 Macro I don't have a DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR Hello, There will be mile repeats! The vent will be during the day, on an open outdoor stadium. Thank you! ---------- Post added 08-10-18 at 09:59 AM ---------- Originally posted by pres589 16-85 every day, twice on Sunday. Thank you! ---------- Post added 08-10-18 at 10:09 AM ---------- Thank you for the reply! No I am not selling the photos. I am shooting for the people who will be running a mile at an open stadium during the day. there will be several mile repeats based on the finish time people choose. Nick ---------- Post added 08-10-18 at 10:14 AM ---------- Thank you!! I will have access to the field and I will be able to move anywhere I want! I will bring all lenses but I will mount the 16-85 and pre-focus on the certain spots and take several shots. I will change lenses if I have to, too bad I don't have multiple bodies ... Thank you very much!

08-10-2018, 10:29 AM	#14
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	you might want to consider using this: Continuous Shooting Hi: 5.4 fps up to 20 JPG, 5 RAW Lo: 3 fps up to 100 frames (JPG), 8 RAW Read more at: Pentax K-S2 Review - Specifications \| PentaxForums.com Reviews to take a series of photos rapidly

08-10-2018, 11:36 AM	#15
NickTent Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Posts: 46 Original Poster	Originally posted by aslyfox you might want to consider using this: Continuous Shooting Hi: 5.4 fps up to 20 JPG, 5 RAW Lo: 3 fps up to 100 frames (JPG), 8 RAW Read more at: Pentax K-S2 Review - Specifications \| PentaxForums.com Reviews to take a series of photos rapidly Thank you!