Sports – ExpertPhotography

Sports Photography Settings (9 Tips & Best Camera Settings)

Christopher Bryan-Smith — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 07:54:41 +0000

By mastering your sports photography settings, you’ll be able to capture any sporting event with confidence. Whether you’re covering a school sports day or the FA Cup final, knowing the best settings for sports photography helps you capture pro-level results.

While being one of the most popular, sports is also one of the most challenging photography subjects. Get the settings wrong, and your images can end up blurry. There’s always a lot of movement, so you need to know what you’re doing with your camera to capture sharp shots.

This article looks at the best camera settings for sports photography. We examine everything from shutter speed to white balance. Once we’re done, you’ll be the master of your camera settings and great for any sporting event.

Best Sports Photography Settings

With fast-moving subjects, difficult lighting conditions, and restrictive viewing positions, sports photography isn’t easy.

However, you can overcome these problems by mastering your camera settings. You need to understand shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. But you also need to know about more advanced settings like white balance and AF modes.

We look at all the important settings right here, so let’s get started.

Use a Fast Shutter Speed

Shutter speed is one of the three main exposure settings on your camera. Along with aperture and ISO, they make up the exposure triangle. Every photographer needs to know about these settings and how they relate to each other.

Shutter speed is perhaps the most important of the three settings when it comes to sports photography.

The camera shutter speed determines the length of time the shutter is open. With a slow shutter speed, the shutter is open for longer and more light enters the camera. A fast shutter speed only opens the shutter for a short period, so less light enters.

You might be tempted to use slower shutter speeds to let in more light, but shutter speed also affects motion blur. This is where moving elements within your image appear blurry.

The longer the shutter is open, the higher the risk of motion blur. Using a faster shutter speed reduces the risk because the sensor is exposed to light for less time. It freezes the action, giving you sharper shots with moving subjects.

The shutter speed scale varies from camera to camera. But you don’t want to use anything below 1/250 for sports photography. Even this might be too slow for very fast action.

1/500 might be enough for most amateur events, but it’s best to go as high as possible. The faster it is, the sharper your shots will be.

You can use a slow shutter speed if you want to use motion blur as a creative effect. But generally, use a fast setting for sharper sports photographs.

You’ll have no problem using a fast shutter speed when shooting outside on a bright, sunny day. But you might encounter problems when shooting floodlit games, indoor events, or matches in bad weather. Thankfully, we solutions to help you shoot in any of these situations.

Control Depth of Field with Aperture

The aperture is the adjustable hole in the lens that allows light to pass through to the camera’s sensor. The bigger the aperture, the more light passes through. Use a small aperture, and the camera receives less light.

It’s important to understand aperture from an exposure point of view. But aperture also controls your depth of field, which determines how much of your scene is in focus.

If you have a shallow depth of field, only your subject will be in focus. The foreground and background will be out of focus. With a deep depth of field, everything in your scene will be in focus.

If you want a narrow depth of field for a blurred background, use a wider aperture. Use a narrow aperture for a deep depth of field with everything in focus.

You can use a narrow or deep depth of field when shooting sports photography. You can make a creative choice depending on the subject and situation.

If you’re shooting a close-up of an individual athlete, you can use a wide aperture to create a blurred background. This will make them standout in a busy environment. An aperture of f/4.5 or wider will give you a nice background blur.

Shooting a wider shot of the event? It’s best to use a smaller aperture to keep more of the scene looking sharp. Lighting conditions might limit your aperture choices, but aim for f/8 or f/11 for wider shots.

Increase Your ISO

ISO tells us how sensitive the camera sensor is to light. The higher the number, the more sensitive it is. A low ISO setting means the sensor is less sensitive and needs more light to fully exposure the image.

Using a higher ISO is great if you’re shooting in low light. However, the higher your ISO, the more likely you are to experience digital noise in your images.

Digital noise is the grainy texture in your images when the camera struggles for light. It can also look like pixelation in extreme cases. This is why photographers want to keep their ISO as low as possible.

This isn’t easy with sports photography. If you’re shooting an outdoor event in sunny weather, you can keep your ISO at 100 or 200 for maximum image quality. But life isn’t always so simple.

When covering indoor events, floodlit matches in the evening, or experiencing bad weather, you will have to increase your ISO.

800 ISO should be OK on overcast days. That will also be OK for indoor events with bright artificial lighting. But you might have to stretch to 12,000 or 16,000 if the lighting is poor. You can stretch higher if your camera has good low-light performance and controls noise.

Select the Correct Autofocus Mode

A fast and responsive autofocus system is a godsend for sports photographers. But even if your camera is well-equipped in the AF department, you still need to select the correct AF mode to get the best results.

One of the most important AF mode for sports photographers is Servo AF (Canon) or AF-C (Nikon and Sony). This is where you select a focus point on the touchscreen or half-press the shutter button to find focus. The camera then keeps that focus point in focus.

You can select individual players, or you can select specific areas of the scene. For example, in soccer, you can select the areas around the goal before a corner kick is taken, anticipating the action as the ball is crossed into the box.

Most modern mirrorless cameras now have AF Tracking. This is where the AF system actually tracks moving subjects, which is ideal for the fast-paced action of sports photography.

Switch to AF Tracking mode, then select your AF point in the LCD or half-press the shutter button to lock onto your subject. Then the camera follows your subject as they move, keeping the in focus the whole time.

Mirrorless cameras also now have head, face, and/or eye-detection focusing. With head-detection AF mode, the camera can find and lock onto human heads. This is great for focusing on athletes in a busy environment.

Face and eye-detection modes work in a similar way, only they are more refined. These are the best options if you’re shooting more tightly composed shots of individual sports players.

When selecting the AF mode, you need to think about the type of shots you’re taking. Servo AI is ideal for predicting the action, allowing you to focus on specific areas. AF tracking is perfect for covering one athlete. Then the head and face detection modes allow you to capture detailed shots of individuals.

Back Button Focusing

Back button focusing is where you use a button on the back of the camera to focus. Usually, you have to half-press the shutter button to make the camera focus. This works well in most cases but can cause problems when shooting sports.

When shutter button supports AF, the camera will refocus every time you take a picture. If you’ve moved or elements within your scene have moved, this can be a problem. The camera might try to focus on something other than your intended subject, and you might miss your shot.

By detaching focusing from the shutter, you can focus your shot and then take a picture without refocusing each time you press it. You can compose, focus, and then take the picture.

Back button focusing works best in Servo AF mode. It allows you to find the focus point you want without the risk of the camera refocusing on another player or object. Even if there’s a lot of movement, with players coming in and out of shot, you can still keep the focus point you want.

Use Burst Mode

Burst mode allows you to capture several images in quick succession. You don’t need lightning-fast fingers, as the camera will keep snapping exposures as long as you hold down the shutter button. It’s the perfect shooting mode for those blink-and-you-miss-it sporting moments.

The maximum continuous shoot speed varies from camera to camera. Older DSLRs tend to have slower burst speeds than mirrorless cameras. DSLR cameras also have less autofocus support when shooting in burst.

Most mirrorless cameras have good AF support in burst mode. You can shoot with Servo AF or AF tracking, helping to keep moving subjects in focus while you’re bursting.

Newer mirrorless cameras also have the choice of the mechanical or electronic shutter. Some cameras can reach astronomical burst speed with the electronic shutter, but that’s not always best for sports photography.

When you use the mechanical shutter, the shutter in front of the sensor opens and closes. For the electronic shutter, the shutter stays open while the sensor turns on and off. With no moving parts, the electronic shutter can achieve much quicker burst speeds.

However, despite the faster shooting speeds, the electronic shutter is more prone to distortion when shooting movement. Fast-moving objects can appear bent or warped, ruining the quality of your images.

You get no such distortion from the mechanical shutter. That’s why it’s often better to sacrifice a few more frames per second for sharper images with no distortion.

Shoot in JPEG

Most of the photography advice you see online tells you to shoot in RAW format. RAW files do collect more information, giving you more power in post-production. But shooting in RAW isn’t the best option for sports photography.

JPEG files are compressed, contain less information, and offer fewer editing options. On the plus side, however, they are much smaller than RAW files. That’s good news for sports photographers.

Because RAW images hold so much info, they take up more space on your memory card. This is especially true if you’re using a high-resolution camera. That means your memory cards will fill up fast.

If you’re shooting RAW images at 15 fps in burst mode, you might use up all your memory in a matter of minutes. Of course, we recommend carrying plenty of SD cards at all times. But there’s a risk you could miss a vital moment when changing your SD cards.

Shooting in JPEG format allows you to capture more images before having to change the memory card. You can keep your focus on the game, so you won’t miss any important moments.

It’s worth sacrificing the extra info of a RAW file when capturing sports. Sports images usually don’t need much editing. You can add a preset or make a few adjustments. But generally, what’s going on in the image is more important than the image itself.

You can also open JPEG images on any device. You don’t need specialist software, so you can transfer images from your camera to your smartphone using Wi-Fi. That means you can upload your sports shots to social media during the game, giving fans live updates.

Adjust White Balance for Indoor/Outdoor Events

The white balance controls the color temperature of your images. It controls whether your images look “cold” or “warm” and allows you to get natural-looking images under any lighting conditions.

We measure color temperature in Kelvins. Cold light has a high Kelvin level, and warm light has a low Kelvin level.

This relates to sports photography because different types of light sources generate different-temperature light. Sunlight and artificial lights have different temperatures. Even sunlight at different times of day can differ in temperature.

That means you have to adjust your white balance depending on where and when your shooting. Are you shooting outdoors in the middle of the day? Is it an indoor event with bright artificial lights? Or is the sporting event taking place during the golden hour?

These different situations call for different white balance settings. All cameras are set to auto white balance as default, and this works well in most situations. But setting the white balance manually will give you pro-looking images in any situation.

Different cameras and brands have different white balance modes. Some have scenario-based settings, like “daylight,” “overcast,” or “artificial.” Others let you select a specific color temperature or Kelvin level.

The key is to select the correct white balance for your environment. This will give your images natural-looking colors whether you’re outdoors or indoors.

Minimize Camera Shake with Image Stabilization

Image stabilization (IS) features can be a great help to sports photographers. IS allows you to use slower shutter speeds when shooting in low light and reduces camera shake when using a telephoto lens.

Not all cameras and lenses have image stabilization. These features are more common in high-end gear, but we are seeing them more and more in gear towards the entry-level end.

As we’ve already discussed, sports photographers need to use a fast shutter speed. And if you’re shooting at a high shutter speed, about 1/500 or faster, you won’t need image stabilization.

However, conditions can sometimes force you to lower your shutter speed. If you’re shooting in low light and your telephoto lens has a slow max aperture, this might force your shutter speed down. This is where image stabilization can be useful.

Whether on your camera or your lens, the image stabilization counteracts camera shake to give you sharper images. You can use a 1/250 shutter speed and still capture sharp images.

Some cameras have only one image stabilization mode, which tries to combat movement in all directions. But other cameras have more IS modes.

For example, one mode allows for horizontal camera movement but corrects vertical movement. This is perfect for side-to-side panning shots. The other option allows vertical movement but corrects horizontal movement. You might use this mode for Olympic diving.

Bonus: Best Sports Photography Gear

Learning the best sports photography settings is absolutely vital when shooting fast action. But sports photography is a tough discipline, and knowing your settings will only take you so far if you don’t have the right gear.

This might be heartbreaking for those on a tight budget. But you don’t have to buy all the top equipment all at once. You can take a step-by-step approach, building up your gear gradually.

If you are interesting in upgrading your equipment for to improve your sports photography, we can help you on your way. Check out the following article for more information.

Cameras for Sport Photography

If you’ve read this article carefully, you’ll have a pretty good idea of what to look for in a camera for sports photography.

Of course, image quality is always important. But a fast and reliable autofocus system has to be a top priority. You need Servo AF/AF-C or AF Tracking modes. Head and face-recognition is also helpful.

Look for a camera with a fast burst mode. And don’t be fools by a rapid-first burst with the electronic shutter. A quick burst rate with the mechanical shutter is what a sports photographer really needs.

Built-in image stabilization is another handy feature. It’s not essential, but useful if you have it.

See our full article on the camera for sports photography to find out more.

Lenses for Sports Photography

Sports photographers like to use telephoto lenses. The magnification allows them to capture close-up images of athletes from the sidelines. They don’t have to endanger themselves or the players by venturing on to the pitch or court.

Zoom lenses are also common because they give you more flexibility. Things can change quickly in sport, and a photographer needs to be able to adapt to what’s happening. A wide zoom range allows them to recompose their shots without having to move.

You also need a lens with a fast maximum aperture. This allows more light into the camera, allowing you to use faster shutter speeds.

Some sports lenses also have optical stabilization system. Again, this is handy for indoor sporting events.

Our article on the best lenses for sports photography is a must read for sports fans. You can also see our brand-specific articles below:

Monopods for Sports Photographers

Additional support can be really useful in sports photography, helping you keep your shutter speed high and your ISO low. But tripods are too static and cumbersome for sports photography. That’s why sports photographers prefer monopods.

A monopod gives you extra stability, but also allows you to move around quickly and unencumbered. You can move from location to location with easy, but you still have the added support when you take the shot.

See all the best monopods for sports photography in this full-length article.

Conclusion

From shutter speed to white balance, learning the key sports photography settings helps you capture any action-packed event with confidence and panache.

Sports photography isn’t an easy discpline, but we’ve given you a lot of information to absorb. The key is to take it step by step. Focus on one setting at a time, then move on when you’re confident.

Practice is essential, so look for opportunities to snap sports shots before any major event. Take this theory and turn it into practical competence by doing the reps. Whether it’s the Super Bowl or a Sunday League fixture, you’ll be ready to capture the action.

13 Best Monopods for Cameras in 2024 (& What to Look for!)

Christopher Bryan-Smith — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 18:22:56 +0000

Using a monopod for cameras will revolutionize the way you work. They provide extra stability when shooting. That stability reduces camera shake and gives you more exposure control. But you have more freedom of movement than using a tripod. Whether you’re shooting photos or videos, a camera monopod is exactly what you need.

The Altura Photo Camera Monopod tops our list. It folds down to a small and convenient size. It weighs next to nothing. But it’s strong enough for many DSLR and mirrorless cameras. It’s also an absolute bargain.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Monopod For Camera

Altura Photo Camera Monopod

Manfrotto XPRO+ Monpod with Fluid Head

3 Legged Thing Trent 2.0 Monopod

What Is the Best Monopod for Cameras?

The best monopods for cameras give you extra stability when shooting. But they also allow you to move quickly and freely between shots. A camera monopod can’t stand freely like a tripod. But they are more convenient if you have to move around when shooting.

That’s why monopods for cameras are favored by sports photographers. The photographer has more control over exposure settings. They can use slower shutter speeds without worrying about camera shake. But they can still move with the flow of the game.

They can change positions when they need to. But they still get precision image quality with every shot. (You can also see our list of the best cameras for sports photography).

Monopods are also popular with wildlife photographers. They’re especially useful for capturing animals on the move, like migrating herds. Event and fashion photographers use monopods all the time. And photojournalists are often seen using monopods for their cameras. A camera monopod has become a must-have for any photographer who can’t stay still.

The table below looks at all the monopods for cameras in brief. Then we take a deep dive into each camera monopod in the following section. And we have a buyer’s guide for photography monopods at the end of the article.

Our Top Choice

Altura Photo Camera Monopod

Lightweight and compact design
Quick and easy setup with flip locks
Extendable to over 60 inches (1.5 m)
Supports up to 5 lbs (2.3 kg) of gear
Rubber foot with retractable spike

Best Photo and Video Monopod

Manfrotto XPRO+ Monpod with Fluid Head

Fluid head and control handle for excellent control
Maximum stability and smooth movements
Supports up to 11 lbs (5 kg)
Mini tripod base for fantastic stability
Universal head for all camera types

Most Durable Monopod

3 Legged Thing Trent 2.0 Monopod

Durable yet lightweight build
Supports up to 66 lbs (30 kg)
Twist leg locks for easy and secure adjustments
Non-slip rubber boot
Rubber handle for a secure hand grip

Best Video Monopod

Manfrotto Element MII Video Monopod

Supports up to 35 lbs (16 kg) of gear
Mini tripod base with ball joint for tilting
Features 4 leg sections with secure twist locks
Rubber handle and wrist strap for security
Extendable up to 62 inches (1.5 m)

Best Value Monopod

Neewer Extendable Camera Monopod

Lightweight and easy to carry
Adjustable from 20 to 66 inches (.5 - 1.67 m)
Non-slip rubber foot grips
Universal 1/4" screw for most DSLR cameras
Tripod legs can be adjusted independently

Best for Smartphones

Vanguard VEO 2S Monopod

Lightweight and compact
Smartphone holder included
Supports up to 13.2 lbs (6 kg)
Mini tripod base with angle adjustment system
Versatile and adjustable

Most Portable Monopod

SIRUI AM-326M 6 Camera Monopod

Lightweight and compact design
Supports up to 22 lbs (10 kg)
Wrist strap included for extra safety
6-section adjustable legs with twist locks
Non-slip rubber foot for grip

Best Carbon Fiber Monopod

Manfrotto 290 Carbon Fiber 4-Section Monopod

Lightweight and durable carbon fiber construction
Supports up to 11 lbs (5 kg) of gear
4-section rapid locking system
Ergonomic rubber grip handle
Retractable spiked feet for added stability

Best Lightweight Monopod

Koolehaoda 6-Section Compact Monopod

Lightweight and Portable
Maximum Height of 61 inches (1.56 m)
6-section leg locks
Removable foot spike
Carry case included

Best Heavy-Duty Monopod

3 Legged Thing Alan 2.0 Monopod

Enhanced stability for any camera setup
Durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction
Patented Tri-Mount plate for versatile positioning
Quick-release leg locks for fast setup
Extendable from 17 to 56 inches (.44 - 1.43m)

Best All-in-One Monopod for Video

Avella CD324 Carbon Fiber Monopod Kit

Lightweight and durable carbon fiber construction
Quickly and easily extendable to 6.2ft (1.9 m)
Includes a carrying case and adjustable wrist strap
Supports up to 13 lbs (6.2 kg) of camera equipment
Perfect for outdoor photography and videography

Best for Action Cameras and Vlogging

Manfrotto Compact Extreme 2-in-1 Monopod & Pole

Compact and lightweight design
2-in-1: use as a monopod or a hiking pole
Stable and secure with a maximum load of 6.6 lbs (3 kg)
Adjustable height from 14.2" to 63" (36 - 160 cm)
Non-slip rubber foot for added stability

Best for DSLR Cameras

Benro MSD46C SupaDupa Monopod

Lightweight aluminum construction
Load capacity up to 17.6 lbs (8 kg)
4-section adjustable legs
Non-slip rubber feet for stability
Quick-release twist leg locks for fast setup

13 Best Monopods for Cameras

This is our selection of the best monopods for cameras. We have monopods for photography and video shooting. There are monopods for cameras of different sizes. And we’ve included camera monopods to suit all budgets. You will definitely find the monopod you need for your next shoot.

1. Altura Photo Camera Monopod

Brand	Brand Altura Photo
Build Material	Build Material Aluminum
Item Weight	Item Weight 0.6 lb / 300 g
Retracted Height	Retracted Height 16.7 inch / 42.5 cm
Max Extended Height	Max Extended Height 62 inch / 1.57 m
Max Load Capacity	Max Load Capacity 5 lb / 2.3 kg
Other Key Features	Other Key Features 4 leg sections, flip locks, spiked foot
Best For	Best For Beginner to enthusiast photographers

The Altura Photo Camera Monopod is the best place to start with camera monopods. It’s tough and reliable. And it can support a decent amount of camera gear. But it’s compact and lightweight. And the affordable price means it’s an absolute bargain. You can’t miss this camera monopod.

It measures only 16.7 inches (42.5 cm) when it’s folded down. And it weighs nothing more than 0.6 lb (300 g). It easily fits in your camera backpack. And it won’t weigh you don’t when traveling from shoot to shoot.

The quick-release leg locks make it easy to extend and fix in position. And the four leg sections allow you to find the perfect height for comfortable shooting. You get a max height of 62 inches (1.57 m), which is enough for most photographers. The foot is attached to a ball joint, giving you a good range of movement. And the rubber foot has a retractable spike for extra grip.

The strength might surprise some users. Despite its compact size and light weight, it can carry a load of up to 5 lb (2.3 kg). That’s enough for APS-C DSLR cameras with telephoto lenses. And it’s strong enough for full frame mirrorless cameras with large lenses attached.

The upper section has a foam handle for extra grip and comfort. You also get a wrist strap for extra security. This stops the monopod from toppling over if it slips out of your hand. That’s a lifesaver when you’re using expensive equipment. And it’s vitally important when shooting in wet weather.

The universal thread mount works with a wide range of cameras. You can attach Nikon, Canon, and Sony Models. You can even use it with Fujifilm and Olympus Cameras. The Altura Photo monopod is a practical and versatile camera monopod. And the more-than-reasonable price makes it the best monopod for cameras right now.

2. Manfrotto XPRO+ Monpod with Fluid Head

Brand	Brand Manfrotto
Build Material	Build Material Aluminum
Item Weight	Item Weight 3.3 lbs / 1.5 kg
Retracted Height	Retracted Height 30.7 inches / 78 cm
Max Extended Height	Max Extended Height 79.9 inches / 2 m
Max Load Capacity	Max Load Capacity 11 lbs / 5 kg
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Fluid head, quick-release plate, control arm. mini tripod base
Best For	Best For Professional photography and videography

The Manfrotto XPRO+ is the best camera monopod on the market right now. It isn’t the cheapest. But it offers the best balance in quality and price. It’s a multipurpose monopod, supporting DSLR, mirrorless, and video cameras. It’s a professional-standard monopod for photography and videography.

Manfrotto has been making a name for itself as one of the best manufacturers of camera accessories. And this XPRO+ monopod is a prime example. The build quality is excellent with a strong aluminum body. There’s a bit of heft to it, which adds stability and security. But it’s not so heavy you’ll feel fatigued when you need to move.

The maximum height is 79.9 inches (2 m), so it’s suitable for photographers of all sizes. And you can even shoot above your head if necessary. And you can keep the camera attached when retracted, using it as a camera stabilizer for shooting video.

The stereoscopic leg is adjusted using quick power locks. They provide a secure grip when attached, so the head doesn’t slip down. But they’re quick and easy to release when you need to make a change.

The Manfrotto XPRO+ monopod has mini tripod legs at the base for extra stability. It won’t support a full load on its own. But it keeps your shots steady and avoids unwanted camera shake. The tripod base is connected with a ball joint, making it adaptable to uneven surfaces. It also allows you to move and adjust the shooting angle while shooting.

3. 3 Legged Thing Trent 2.0 Monopod

Brand	Brand 3 Legged Thing
Build Material	Build Material Magnesium Alloy
Item Weight	Item Weight 2.1 lbs / 960 g
Retracted Height	Retracted Height 23.6 inches / 60 cm
Max Extended Height	Max Extended Height 79.5 inches / 2 m
Max Load Capacity	Max Load Capacity 66 lbs / 30 kg
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Rubber boot, twist leg locks, rubber grip
Best For	Best For Full frame cameras and heavy gear

The 3 Legged Thing Punks Trent 2.0 gives you one of the longest extended ranges. But it’s also one of the most lightweight monopods for its size. It gives you excellent bang for your buck, with a reasonable price tag and fantastic stability. The Punks Trent 2.0 is worth considering if you’re looking for the best monopod for photography.

This monopod is stripped-down and simple. But I mean that as a positive. You position your camera directly on top and the four-piece monopod allows you to get stable shots. It can support a staggering 66 lbs (30 kgs) of gear. That’s more than enough for heavy camera bodies and big lenses. You can use it with full frame cameras and telephoto lenses for wildlife photography.

The height is easily adjusted using the twist locks found at the bottom of each leg section. The starting height is 23.6″ (60 cm), which is expandable to a massive 79.5″ (202 cm). That gives you incredible scope and flexibility for getting the high-angle shots you want. And despite the height, the magnesium alloy frame is light and easy to carry.

The base of the monopod has a detachable rubber foot. It gives you additional grip on slippery surfaces. And it can be swapped for other foot accessories if you need something different. This allows you to adapt to any situation you find yourself in. You could be pitch-side in the rain or in the arctic tundra.

The 3 Legged Thing Trent 2.0 is simple in design but highly effective in application. It gives you tremendous height and can support any camera you need to use. It’s durable, portable, and helps you get sharp shots in trying conditions. It’s a durable monopod for sports and wildlife photographers with heavy gear. And if you love animal photography, our Wonderful Wildlife ebook is a must-read.

4. Manfrotto Element MII Video Monopod

Brand	Brand Manfrotto
Build Material	Build Material Aluminum
Item Weight	Item Weight 1.5 lbs / 700 g
Retracted Height	Retracted Height 17 inches / 43 cm
Max Extended Height	Max Extended Height 62.6 inches / 1.5 m
Max Load Capacity	Max Load Capacity 35 lbs / 16 kg
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Mini tripod base, wrist strap, twist locks
Best For	Best For Video and cinematography

There’s no surprise that Manfrotto is again featured so highly on our list. Their equipment is some of the best on the market. And the Manfrotto Element MII is another superb camera monopod. It’s more affordable than the XPRO+ model. But you still get quality and stability.

The aluminum body is lightweight, compact, and easy to transport. It weighs only 1.48 lbs (700 g), making it perfect for travel photography or landscape expeditions. And it’s small enough to fit in your backpack when reduced to its smallest form.

The central column is made of five sections. And you adjust them for height using the waterproof twist locks. The twist locks are uncomplicated, making changing the height a straightforward and quick operation. That’s helpful if you need quick mobility to capture the pictures you need.

The base has three foldable feet that give you extra stability for sharp shots. The three feet each have their own rubber foot for grip. And the base is attached to the main pole with a pivoting ball joint. It can cope with any terrain and gives you the flexibility you need as a busy photographer.

The aluminum construction might be lightweight, but it’s also robust and reliable. It has a maximum capacity of 35 lbs (16 kg). That’ll support a full frame DSLR or mirrorless camera. And you can use the best lenses for landscape photography. You can shoot sports, nature, or action photography. But when it comes to shooting video, you can’t go wrong with this Manfrotto Element monopod.

Videographers should also check out our article on the best DSLRs for video.

5. Neewer Extendable Camera Monopod

Brand	Brand Neewer
Build Material	Build Material Aluminum Alloy
Item Weight	Item Weight 1.3 lbs / 600 g
Retracted Height	Retracted Height 20.4 inches / 52 cm
Max Extended Height	Max Extended Height 66 inches / 1.67 m
Max Load Capacity	Max Load Capacity 11 lbs / 5 kg
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Mini tripod base, twist locks, 15-degree tilt in foot joint
Best For	Best For Photographers on a budget

Neewer is another brand that’s built a solid reputation for photography accessories. And the Neewer extendable monopod is definitely worth your consideration. It’s a well-made piece of equipment with an affordable price tag. It doesn’t break any records for height or capacity. But it’s a versatile and reliable piece of photography gear.

The five central poles are carbon fiber. And they’re adjusted with their waterproof and dustproof twist locks. When fully extended, you get a maximum height of 66 inches (1.67 m). And it’s quick and easy to make adjustments when shooting. You attach your DSLR or mirrorless camera directly to the top. And there’s a foam grip and wrist strap for security.

The 11 lb (5 kg) weight limit is strong enough for most photographers. It’ll hold an APS-C or full frame camera. And you can use large lenses and extra gear.

The base has three foldable feet for extra-stable support on all terrain. They’re strong aluminum stands with rubber feet for grip. And the flexible joint between the base and the pole gives you 15 degrees of tilt. It’s supportive and flexible enough to get the shots you need.

6. Vanguard VEO 2S Monopod

Brand	Brand VANGUARD
Build Material	Build Material Aluminum
Item Weight	Item Weight 1.96 lbs / 890 g
Retracted Height	Retracted Height 21.5 inches / 54.6 cm
Max Extended Height	Max Extended Height 64 inches / 1.62 m
Max Load Capacity	Max Load Capacity 13.2 lbs / 6 kg
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Angle adjustment system, mini tripod base, smartphone holder
Best For	Best For Mirrorless cameras and smartphones

The Vanguard Veo 2S AM-264TR combines fantastic build quality and versatility. It’s durable and lightweight, built for the hardworking life of a professional photographer. This camera monopod offers excellent value for money. It has an action-orientated design and a reasonable price tag.

The central pole is made of aluminum, which is both strong and lightweight. The telescopic leg gives you an excellent height range, making it a suitable monopod for photographers of all ages. And the easy-twist leg locks are a simple and reliable solution for adjusting the height. There are no fiddly locks, so you can erect or retract your pole in seconds.

The Vanguard Veo 2S AM-264TR has tripod legs at the base for extra stability. The legs are retractable so you can fold them away when moving to your next shot. And the main pole is connected to the base with a flexible joint for pivoting the monopod. This gives you the stability you need when working on uneven surfaces.

The maximum load weight is 13.2 lbs (6 kgs). That’s enough for a professional-grade mirrorless camera and a large lens. And the monopod adds less than 2 lbs to the total weight, making it easy to move when shooting. The lightweight and retractable frame also makes it perfect for travel photography. And the camera wrist strap is another handy feature. This monopod is a great alternative to travel tripods.

This option from Vanguard is also a great monopod for smartphone photographers. There’s a smartphone connector that holds your phone in place. And the light weight of the phone means the monopod can stand unaided. Or you can use it as a selfie stick. And with the Bluetooth remote, it’s perfect for selfies or travel blogs and vlogs.

7. SIRUI AM-326M 6 Camera Monopod

Brand	Brand Sirui
Build Material	Build Material Carbon fiber
Item Weight	Item Weight 0.9 lbs / 400 g
Retracted Height	Retracted Height 15.6 inches / 39 cm
Max Extended Height	Max Extended Height 61 inches / 1.55 m
Max Load Capacity	Max Load Capacity 22 lbs / 10 kg
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Wrist strap, 6 leg sections, rubber foot
Best For	Best For Travel photography

This compact and portable monopod from Sirui offers excellent value for money. It’s small and light enough for your travel camera bag. But it has a robust construction, so you know it will survive the trip intact. It’s an ideal monopod for travel and adventure photographers.

The total weight is only 0.9 lbs (.4 kg), so you’ll barely feel it in your backpack. But the carbon fiber frame is strong enough to burden a max load of 22 lbs (10 kg). That’s not the strongest on the list, but definitely enough for your travel cameras.

The six sections have twist-leg locks. And a half-turn twist of the lock gives you a controlled release so you can get the exact length you need. The foam grip on the upper section makes the monopod a pleasure to use. And the rubber foot at the bottom allows you to get a steadier shot indoors and outdoors. The wrist strap is another thoughtful feature.

8. Manfrotto 290 Carbon Fiber 4-Section Monopod

Brand	Brand Manfrotto
Build Material	Build Material Carbon Fiber
Item Weight	Item Weight 1.1 lbs / 500 g
Retracted Height	Retracted Height 19.3 inches / 49 cm
Max Extended Height	Max Extended Height 59.4 inches / 1.5 m
Max Load Capacity	Max Load Capacity 11 lbs / 5 kg
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Quick-release locks, wrist strap
Best For	Best For Photographers wanting a carbon fiber monopod

The 290 camera monopod is one of the simpler designs from Manfrotto. But this simplicity is precisely what some photographers are looking for. It’s usable and uncomplicated. And the build quality is as good as you’d expect from Manfrotto.

There are aluminum and carbon fiber models of the monopod and both are excellent. But while the aluminum Manfrotto 290 option is cheaper, the overall quality of the carbon fiber model is worth the extra cost.

The 290 camera monopod can carry a weight of 11 lbs (5 kg). That’s not the heaviest load, but it’ll support professional standard cameras with lens attachments. The height range isn’t record-breaking. But a max extension of 59.4 inches (1.5 m) is more than enough for most photographers.

The individual leg sections are tightened and released with aluminum flip locks. They’re quick to release and easy to tighten when you need to readjust for your next shot. It also has a rubber leg warmer design and a wrist strap for extra security. And the bottom of the pole has a rubber foot that grips uneasy surfaces.

If you like the Manfrotto 290 monopod, you should also see our list of the best carbon fiber tripods.

9. Koolehaoda 6-Section Compact Monopod

Brand	Brand koolehaoda
Build Material	Build Material Aluminum
Item Weight	Item Weight 0.94 lbs / 430 g
Retracted Height	Retracted Height 15 inches / 38 cm
Max Extended Height	Max Extended Height 61.4 inches / 1.56 m
Max Load Capacity	Max Load Capacity 22 lbs / 10 kg
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Carry case included, removable foot spike, wrist strap
Best For	Best For Easy transportation

The Koolehaoda Compact Monopod is a great option if your budget is tight. It’s an affordable option for all types of photographers. It’ll hold a surprising amount of gear. You can use pro-grade DSLRs. And it can manage some telephoto lenses.

It’s a lightweight piece of gear, weighing only 0.94 lbs (430 g). And it gives a reasonable max height of 61.4 inches (1.56 m). That’s enough for most photographers to get a comfortable shot. The maximum load weight is 22 lbs (10 kg). That’s plenty of support for adding heavier lenses to your camera.

It folds down to 15 inches (38 cm), which is small enough for your camera bag. The upper section has a foam grip area for comfort. And the base has a rubber foot and metal spike to grip the ground.

The Koolehaoda Compact Monopod is a lowkey but reliable monopod for camera bodies of all kinds. It also comes with a handy carry case for easy transportation.

10. 3 Legged Thing Alan 2.0 Monopod

Brand	Brand 3 Legged Thing
Build Material	Build Material Carbon Fiber
Item Weight	Item Weight 1.35 lbs / 620 g
Retracted Height	Retracted Height 17.3 inches / 44 cm
Max Extended Height	Max Extended Height 56.3 inches / 1.43 m
Max Load Capacity	Max Load Capacity 132 lbs / 60 kg
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Twist locks, rubber grip, spring-loaded camera thread
Best For	Best For Heavy-duty equipment

The Alan 2.0 monopod from 3 Legged Thing is a beast. It doesn’t have the highest expandable reach. But it does have a load capacity of 132 lb (60 kg). That’s genuinely impressive for a monopod. And it’s much more than most photographers and videographers need. It’s also a solid piece of kit you can rely on.

The central poles are tough carbon fiber. And the upper section has a rubber grip area making it easy and comfortable to handle. Each leg section has a twist lock to release and tighten. The twist-action on the leg locks is smooth, making height adjustments easy even when you’re in a hurry.

The Alan 2.0 comes with a detachable rubber boot. It provides the grip you need in any environment. And it can be replaced by other 3 Legged Thing accessories. You also have the tri-mount plate at the top for your camera.

The Alan 2.0 isn’t cheap, but it’s one of the toughest photography tools you’ll find. If you use heavy camera equipment, you also need to see our list of the best heavy-duty tripods.

11. Avella CD324 Carbon Fiber Monopod Kit

Brand	Brand AVELLA
Build Material	Build Material Carbon Fiber
Item Weight	Item Weight 5.95 lbs / 2.7 kg
Retracted Height	Retracted Height 27.5 inches / 70 cm
Max Extended Height	Max Extended Height 71 inches / 1.8 m
Max Load Capacity	Max Load Capacity 13.2 lbs / 6 kg
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Fluid head with control handle, mini tripod base, quick-release locks
Best For	Best For Videography and cinematography

The Avella CD324 Monopod isn’t the lightest option. Nor is it the smallest monopod on this list. But it’s a solid piece of photography gear. And definitely worth your consideration if you make videos.

The central leg sections are made of carbon fiber. And you have strong flip locks that release the sections when you need to make a change. The head has a quick-release plate for your DSLR or mirrorless camera. The fluid head is perfect for filmmakers. And there’s a control handle for effortless tilting and panning.

The base has aluminum tripod legs you can unfold for additional support on tough terrain. The legs are connected to the central column with a ball joint. You can rotate and tilt the monopod without losing stability. You can also attach the quick-release plate onto the tripod base to make a mini tripod for a lower shooting angle.

It can stand freely provided the weight isn’t too heavy. You also have a wrist strap for added security, so there’s no fear the monopod won’t topple over. Videographers also need to see the best video tripod list.

12. Manfrotto Compact Extreme 2-in-1 Monopod & Pole

Brand	Brand Manfrotto
Build Material	Build Material Aluminum
Item Weight	Item Weight 0.7 lbs / 320 g
Retracted Height	Retracted Height 16.1 inches / 41 cm
Max Extended Height	Max Extended Height 51.5 inches / 1.3 m
Max Load Capacity	Max Load Capacity 2.2 lbs / 1 kg
Other Key Features	Other Key Features All parts are adjustable, rubber grip, wrist strap
Best For	Best For Vlogging and small cameras

The Compact Extreme 2-in-1 Monopod from Manfrotto is perfect for small and lightweight cameras. It has a max weight capacity of 2.2 lbs (1 kg), meaning it can’t support heavy cameras and large lenses. But it’s perfect for compact cameras, smartphones, and action cameras.

Despite the weight limitations, you still get plenty of reach with the 51.57-inch (1.3 m) maximum height. And the four leg sections have a quick-release flip lock for rapid changes. The top section has an aluminum ball head for smooth panning and tilt movements. This is ideal for filming with 4K cameras or vlogging cameras.

The Compact Extreme is one of the most affordable Manfrotto monopods if you want to shoot video or stills. The price is very reasonable and the build quality is excellent. It’s not a monopod for professionals. But it’ll give amateurs the enhanced stability they need.

13. Benro MSD46C SupaDupa Monopod

Brand	Brand Benro
Build Material	Build Material Carbon Fiber
Item Weight	Item Weight 1.3 lbs / 590 g
Retracted Height	Retracted Height 16.5 inches / 45 cm
Max Extended Height	Max Extended Height 72 inches / 1.82 m
Max Load Capacity	Max Load Capacity 88 lbs / 40 kg
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Flip and twist leg locks, rotating foot, waterproof leg joints
Best For	Best For DSLR cameras and all-weather photography

The SupaDupa monopod from Benro is another versatile option for enthusiasts and professionals. It sits in one of the middle price brackets, so it’s not the cheapest monopod. But the robust construction means that the SupaDupa monopod is worth the money.

It gives you plenty of height with a maximum reach of 72 inches (1.82 m). That’s enough for even the tallest photographers. And it folds down to a portable size to easily fit in your travel bag. The main leg sections are made of ultra-lightweight carbon fiber. And even though there are stainless steel elements, the overall weight remains low.

The central legs have waterproof twist locks for easy tightening and loosening. And leg locks are also dustproof, giving you extra protection. This protection prevents the threading from becoming blocked with grit and sand. This keeps the twist-action smooth. You also have a fast-action flip lock for the main leg section for more security.

Buyer’s Guide for Best Monopod for Cameras

This section looks at the benefits of using a camera monopod. We’ll look at why you might choose a monopod over a tripod. And we’ll look at the specific features you need to look for in the best monopod for photography and videography.

Monopod For Camera vs. Tripod

Monopods and tripods both serve the same purpose in photography. They give a photographer stability with their camera, giving them more control over their camera settings. Monopods and tripods act as a platform for the camera. This means the photographer doesn’t have to support the camera with their hands while shooting.

The main physical difference is that a tripod has three legs and a monopod has one. The three-leg system allows the tripod to stand independently, holding the camera in place. A monopod has one vertical leg and can’t balance on its own.

While a tripod gives you excellent stability when taking a photo, erecting it and taking it down again can be a nightmare. And this is especially true if you have to move a lot to take pictures. You can move it erected with the camera attached, but this is far from an ideal solution.

The monopod gives you the stability you need to get the shot. But you don’t lose any mobility. The vertical leg stabilizes the camera while you take a picture. And then you’re free to easily move your position when you need to.

Tripods remain popular with landscape, portrait, and fine art photographers. But sports, action, and wildlife photographers need to be more mobile when shooting. And the monopod has provided them with the perfect solution.

The monopod has become an essential piece of camera gear for photographers in these fields. Sports photographers can shoot night events, with the monopod allowing them to use slower shutter speeds. They can keep their ISO low. And they can move about with the action on the field.

It’s the same with wildlife photographers working at dawn and dusk. They need more freedom with the exposure settings. And it’s also about supporting the weight of the camera. These types of photography also require telephoto lenses. These are bulky pieces of equipment. And the monopod takes the weight so your arms don’t feel fatigued.

What to Look For in a Monopod

The budget is the first thing you need to think about when buying any camera gear. And the monopod is no different. Thankfully, there are high-quality monopods in every price bracket. There is a difference in quality between the top and bottom of the scale, but there is something for everyone.

Your camera is your most valuable piece of equipment. You need to make sure the monopod you buy can support your camera and the different lenses you use. Look at the maximum weight limits. And go for monopods made from strong and durable materials. Avoid cheap plastic models. Trying to save money here could cost you dearly in camera damage later.

Consider the type of photography you do. Do you need something lightweight and mobile for moving around a sports field? Or do you want something more sturdy for more precise shooting? Knowing this will help you choose the weight and the material of the monopod.

Many monopods have features some photographers will like. There are ball-head joints for changing shooting angles. Some have quick-adjust telescopic legs for changing height and position. And some have padded feet so the monopod doesn’t slip. They’re all features you may want in your monopod.

Conclusion: The Best Monopod For Cameras

The use of monopods is on the rise. They give you extra stability to get perfect shots every time. But they don’t restrict your movement the way a tripod does. You have more camera control and better options with your exposure settings. And you can move freely between shots. They’ve beloved by sports and wildlife photographers. Photojournalists love them. And more and more filmmakers are using camera monopods.

The Altura Photo Camera Monopod is the best monopod for cameras right now. It’s compact and lightweight. It can hold pro cameras and lenses. And the price is hard to argue with. It’s the best place to start if you’re looking for a quality all-around monopod.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Monopod For Camera

Altura Photo Camera Monopod

Manfrotto XPRO+ Monpod with Fluid Head

3 Legged Thing Trent 2.0 Monopod

Best Camera for Sports Photography in 2024 (Beginner to Pro)

Christopher Bryan-Smith — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 08:44:47 +0000

Using the best camera for sports photography gives you the best chance of capturing all the on-pitch action. You need good image quality, a fast burst, and a reliable AF system. Without these features, you’ll struggle to keep up.

Thankfully, all the cameras in this article have been specially selected for capturing sports photography. We have options for beginners, intermediates, and pros, but they all have the features and functions you need for high-quality sports photography.

The Canon EOS R10 is our top choice thanks to its rapid mechanical shutter and sophisticated AF system. It’s beginner-friendly but also caters to more advanced photographers.

Keep reading to find out more about all the best cameras for sports photography.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Camera for Sports Photography

Canon EOS R10

Olympus OM System OM-1

Nikon Z50

What is the Best Camera For Sports Photography?

The best camera for sports photography helps you capture sharp images of fast moving subject. It should help you photograph the key players at key moments, creating high-energy images that capture the excitement of any sporting event.

Finding the best camera for sports photography isn’t easy. No matter your skill level, there are certain features you need to look out for. You want good-looking images, so you need good image resolution. But you also need a fast and accurate autofocus system.

You might also need a fast burst mode to capture the fastest action. Good video features are another positive feature of a modern sports photography camera.

We’ve considered all this when compiling our list. We have cameras at different levels and prices. But every camera on this list is fit for sports photography.

Here’s a quick rundown of the list. We’ll then look at each sports camera in detail. And the FAQ section at the end has some extra info.

Our Top Choice

Canon EOS R10

Powerful APS-C sensor
Professional-standard Dual-Pixel AF
23 fps burst speed (electronic shutter)
Compact and lightweight camera body
Excellent video quality with 4K options

Best Micro Four Thirds Camera

Olympus OM System OM-1

Powerful 80 MP High-Res Shot mode
Sophisticated autofocus (1,053 cross-type focus points)
Incredible 120 fps burst shooting with full resolution
4K video at 60 fps, Full HD at 240 fps

Best for Beginners

Nikon Z50

A more affordable mirrorless option
Nice to handle and use
Relatively lightweight and not too bulky
Solid 4K video performance

Best Intermediate Camera

Canon EOS R7

30 fps burst mode with electronic shutter
5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization
Fully articulating touch screen
Unlimited, oversampled 4K video
Animal eye-detect AF for wildlife and pets

Best Nikon Intermediate

Nikon Z6 II

Excellent low-light focusing
Lightweight and portable
Superb low-light dynamic range
Dual memory card slots

Best High-Res Burst

Sony a9 III

Global shutter system
120 fps burst with no distortion
Super-fast 1/80,000 shutter speed
Gyroscopic stabilization
4K video at 120 fps
Dual storage slots

Best Professional Camera

Nikon Z9

Ultra-fast image processor
High, 120 fps compressed frame rate
No visible rolling shutter
Excellent battery life
8K/60p Ultra HD video
Unlimited low-resolution recording

Best Cameras for Sports Photography

Now we look at each camera in more detail. They examine all the important specs and features, so you can find a camera that matches your sports photography objectives.

1. Canon EOS R10

Released	Released 2022
Sensor Format	Sensor Format APS-C
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Canon RF
Megapixels	Megapixels 24 MP
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 651
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 32,000
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 15 fps
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Max Video Resolution	Max Video Resolution 4K
Key Features	Key Features Vari-angle touchscreen, face-detection AF, quick control dial, Wi-Fi connectivity
Best	Best All-round camera for amateur sports photographers

The Canon EOS R10 is a brilliant mirrorless camera for sports photography. It’s lightweight, compact, and affordable. While it’s a beginner-friendly model, its advanced features will also satisfy more experienced sports shooters.

A 24.2 MP APS-C sensor provides excellent image quality, with clear details and accurate colors. This is backed by the DIGIC X processor, which delivers fast buffering and image processing.

The native 100 – 32,000 gives you the flexibility to shoot in low light, but you can also expand it to 51,200 if you need more wiggle room. The images remain relatively noise-free until you get to the very top of the ISO scale, allowing you to cover indoor sports and night games.

Canon’s Dual-Pixel CMOS autofocus system is the best in the business. And even though the R10 is towards the entry-level side, it still has superb AF support. It offers human, animal, and vehicle subject detection, so you can capture anything from horse racing to Formula 1.

When it comes to burst shooting, you can use the mechanical or electronic shutter. The electronic option gives you a rapid-fire 30 fps shooting speed, which can be great for capturing blink-and-you-miss-it moments. But you might experience some distortion.

The 15 fps mechanical burst is often the best choice for sports photography. You get no distortion, and 15 fps is still fast enough for most sports photographers.

Sports videographers will love the 4K video recording. It has a 30 fps frame rate at full resolution, so the playback is smooth and jerk-free. It also has excellent AF coverage, with a special Movie Servo AF mode that works well when recording sports.

Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to transfer media from the camera to other devices quickly and easily. This allows you to post sports shots on social media while the game is still going on. This is great for sports bloggers.

2. OM System OM-1

Released	Released 2022
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Micro Four Thirds
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Micro 4/3
Megapixels	Megapixels 20 MP
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 1,053
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 25,600
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 10 fps
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Max Video Resolution	Max Video Resolution 4K
Key Features	Key Features High-res shot mode, slow-motion 4K, dedicated AF-on button, weather-sealed
Best	Best Micro Four Thirds camera for sports photography

The Olympus OM System OM-1 is a camera that has to feature on a list of the best cameras for sports photography. It’s packed with advanced features for capturing fast sporting action. You can even produce pro-level sports videos, which is why it’s the total package for sports photographers.

The OM-1 is a Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera. It’s compact and lightweight but durable enough for life on the sidelines.

Its sensor is smaller than an APS-C or full-frame camera, giving you a more compact camera body. That’s why the OM-1 is such a compact and lightweight camera. It’s the perfect fit for any camera backpack or messenger bag.

The MFT sensor gives you a 20 MP resolution. That’s a strong resolution for a sensor of this size. And the image quality is impressive. The details are sharp, the colors well-rendered, and it has a high dynamic range.

If 20 MP isn’t enough, you have a high-res shot mode. This takes several images and creates one high-resolution composite. The results are stunning 50 MP images and can be shot handheld. So you don’t need a tripod or monopod to use it.

The burst mode is the best in the business. It gives you 120 fps of sequential shooting with the electronic shutter, so you never miss a moment.

You don’t get AF tracking at that speed. But it can capture split-second actions from the players. Full AF tracking gives you a max continuous shooting speed of 10 fps.

A dedicated AF-on button allows you to use back button focusing, a key feature for sports photographers.

Another bonus for sports photographers is the five-axis image stabilization. It gives you more control over your exposure settings and five stops of shutter speed compensation.

It’s ideal for indoor and night sporting events. It also provides smooth video footage, so you don’t need a camera gimbal.

The video features are just as impressive. You can shoot with 4K video resolution and a 60 fps frame rate at full resolution. That means you get ultra-smooth sports footage at the highest quality. The slow-motion options are great, too. You get a 240 fps rate in Full HD.

The Olympus OM System OM-1 has everything a sports photographer needs. It’s compact and weather-sealed for outdoor shooting. And it has all the features you need to capture intense sporting action.

It’s a true hybrid camera with outstanding features for photos and video. If you love the Olympus/OM System style, see our list of the best OM System cameras.

3. Nikon Z50

Released	Released 2019
Sensor Format	Sensor Format APS-C
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Nikon Z
Megapixels	Megapixels 21 MP
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 209
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 51,200
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 11 fps
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Max Video Resolution	Max Video Resolution 4K
Key Features	Key Features 120 fps slow-mo footage, vari-angle touchscreen, in-camera effects
Best	Best Sports photography camera for beginners

The Nikon Z50 is a fantastic camera for sports photography beginners. It’s compact and lightweight, making it easy to take on the road. The quality of the photos and videos is excellent. It also has features that capture all the on-field action.

The APS-C sensor gives you a 20.9 MP image resolution. Combined with the fast EXPEED 6 image processor, you take high-quality images with very little processing time. You can snap sports photos quickly without waiting for the camera to buffer.

You get an 11 fps continuous shooting mode. It uses a mechanical shutter, so there’s no distortion with moving subjects. And it has full AF coverage at full speed.

Sports fans will also love the hybrid autofocus system. It uses 209 on-sensor focus points to find and track your subject. These focus points provide coverage of the full frame, giving you edge-to-edge sharpness. And it doesn’t lose focus if your subject is moving.

It is great for video, too. You can record 4K videos at 30 fps. It’s smooth footage with incredible detail. And you have slow-motion video options in Full HD. There’s no cropping in slow-mo, so it’s perfect for shooting sports.

The Nikon Z50 has a fully articulating LCD screen, built-in effects, and Wi-Fi connectivity for easy image transfers. The camera also has some weather-sealing, so you can shoot outdoors in light rain.

4. Canon EOS R7

Released	Released 2022
Sensor Format	Sensor Format APS-C
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Canon RF
Megapixels	Megapixels 33 MP
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 651
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 32,000
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 15 fps
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Max Video Resolution	Max Video Resolution 4K
Key Features	Key Features AF tracking, face/eye-detection AF, vari-angle touchscreen
Best	Best Intermediate camera for sports photography

The Canon EOS R7 is a the perfect option for amateur sports photographers looking to upgrade. Its image quality packs a punch, and its features won’t let you fall behind the action on the pitch.

It has an APS-C sensor with an impressive 32.5 MP resolution. The details and color rendering are outstanding, and you also get very low noise when shooting in low-light conditions. A wide dynamic range gives accurate detail in bright and dark areas.

A standard max ISO of 32,000 should be enough for most sporting events. But you can expand the ISO range to 51,200 if you are struggling for light.

This mirrorless has one of the best autofocus systems on a Canon camera. A Dual-Pixel CMOS AF system uses 651 focus points to lock and track your subject, so fast athletes and speeding cars are no problem.

The mechanical shutter gives you a burst rate of 15 fps. That’s fast enough for most sporting situations, and it has full AF support.

But if you need something quicker, switch to the electronic shutter. It gives you 30 fps of continuous shooting. You won’t miss a shot with a frame rate like that.

The video features are just as impressive. The video resolution is 4K. And you get a max frame rate of 60 fps with no cropping. You record super smooth sports footage with cinematic quality.

Plus, the five-axis image stabilization works for stills and video recording. It’s a lifesaver if you’re shooting the EOS R7 handheld.

5. Nikon Z6 II

Released	Released 2020
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Full Frame
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Nikon Z
Megapixels	Megapixels 24.5 MP
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 273
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 51,200
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 14 fps
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Max Video Resolution	Max Video Resolution 4K
Key Features	Key Features Dual card slots, weather-sealed, Wi-Fi connectivity, vari-angle touchscreen, no-crop 4K
Best	Best Intermediate Nikon for sports photography

The Nikon Z6 II is another intermediate-to-pro-level camera that’s ideal for sports photography. It’s a full frame machine with a powerful sensor and processor. It’s also lightweight and compact for a full frame camera, so it’s an easy fit for any decent camera backpack.

A 24.5 MP resolution gives you glorious image quality with sharp details and accurate colors. The larger pixels on a full frame sensor also give you better low-light performance and a wider dynamic range than APS-C cameras.

Nikon’s EXPEED 6 processor delivers high-resolution images even under pressure. You can make the most of the 14 fps burst rate, shooting dozens of full-res images in sequence without buffering or lagging.

Using a 273-point hybrid focusing system, the N6 II has no problem keeping your fast-moving subjects in focus. It has face and eye-detection capabilities for locking onto individual athletes. The system also works well in low light, so you can still capture sharp shots indoors or at night.

The Z6 II is compatible with the Nikon MB-N11 vertical battery grip. It provides a comfortable grip whether holding the camera horizontally or vertically, and it gives battery life a 1.9x boost. It’s a great option for serious sports photography.

Advanced video features also make it a great option for sports videography. You can record uncropped 4K footage with a smooth 60 fps frame rate. There’s also a 120 fps slow-motion option if you switch down to Full HD resolution.

5-axis image stabilization is another handy feature for sports photography. It reduces camera shake and motion blur, which is always helpful when using a telephoto lens to snap fast-moving subjects.

Thorough weather sealing allows you to use the Nikon Z6 II outside in bad conditions so you can keep working when the heavens open.

6. Sony A9 III

Released	Released 2005
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Full Frame
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Sony E
Megapixels	Megapixels 25.2 MP
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 759
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 25,600
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 120 fps
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Max Video Resolution	Max Video Resolution 4K
Key Features	Key Features Global shutter, 1/80,000 shutter speed, vari-angle touchscreen
Best	Best Camera for high-resolution burst shooting

It’s not often we see something that’s genuinely revolutionary in the photography world. But Sony’s A9 III is a true trend-setting, with an incredible global shutter system giving you a 120 fps continuous shooting speed.

We’ve seen cameras with fast burst modes before, but these usually rely on the electronic shutter. As the pixels on a CMOS sensor are activated in sequence, moving subjects can appear bent and distorted when captured with the electronic shutter.

The A9 III’s global shutter, however, activates all the pixels at once. That means it can hold the shutter curtain open like with any electronic shutter, but all the images are sharp and lifelike. Moving objects don’t bend or warp.

The result is a 120 fps burst that captures any moving subject accurately. These are full resolution 24.6 MP images, and you get full AF coverage in burst mode. There’s also no viewfinder blackout, so you can keep your eye on your subject as you shoot.

A fast shutter speed is vital for sports photography, but few cameras can match the 1/80,000 of the A9 III. You never have to worry about motion blur again, even if you’re shooting Formula 1 or Moto GP.

The AF system is excellent, using 759 focus points for accurate subject detection and tracking. It also has 5-axis image stabilization built in.

With 4K at 120 fps, the video features are just as impressive. And that’s with pro-level 10-bit 4:2:2 color sampling for clear, vibrant sports footage.

The Sony A9 III is a professiona-grade camera with a professional-grade price tag, but it’s truly state of the art. The high-tech features make it a sports photographer’s dream.

7. Nikon Z9

Released	Released 2021
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Full Frame
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Nikon Z
Megapixels	Megapixels 46 MP
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 493
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 25,600
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 30 fps
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Max Video Resolution	Max Video Resolution 8K
Key Features	Key Features Built-in vertical grip, 4K 120 fps slow-motion video, RAW file size options, blackout-free viewfinder
Best	Best Professional camera for sports photography

The flagship Nikon Z9 is a true workhorse for professional photographers. It has the built-in vertical grip for comfortable horizontal and vertical shooting. It delivers extended battery life compared to other pro mirrorless cameras. And the features are perfectly suited to the demands of professional sports photography.

The full frame sensor and EXPEED 7 processor produce stunning 45.7 MP images. It also has an expandable ISO range, allowing you to stretch to 102,400 for low-noise low-light images. It also has a 64 ISO low setting, so you can maximize the image quality in bright light.

A fast burst gives you full-resolution images at 30 fps. And that’s with the mechanical shutter, so there’s no distortion. If that’s not fast enough, you can shoot with a 120 fps burst. The images are limited to 11 MP, but it gives you the speed you need.

You don’t have to worry about the large RAW files filling up your memory cards too quickly. The camera has three RAW file size options, allowing you to reduce the size when taking hundreds of photos in quick succession. These are high-efficiency RAW images, not compressed JPEGs, so you don’t lose any options in post-production.

3D Tracking takes subject detection and tracking to another level. It’s incredibly fast and accurate, and you never have to worry about missing a shot because the AF was too slow or confused.

You can create your own focus areas, giving you more accuracy when focusing. This mode can work simultaneously with subject-detection and eye-detection modes.

8K video recording means you can shoot cinema-quality sports videos. It has a 30 fps frame rate, so fast action isn’t jerky or laggy. You also have an option for 4K at 120 fps for dynamite slow-motion footage.

Best Camera for Sports Photography FAQs

Now, we answer some of the hottest questions on sports photography cameras. This information will help you find the best camera to capture all the sporting action.

What Features Are Important in a Camera for Sports Photography?

Sports photography is a tricky discipline. But having a camera with all the right features helps you achieve better results. These are some of the features you need to look out for.

You can learn about the best sports photography settings to give you a better understanding of what you need from your camera.

Sensor Resolution

Sensor resolution is an important feature of any camera. The resolution is the best indicator of the camera’s image quality. Image resolution is measured in megapixels (MP). Generally, the higher the MP, the better the image quality.

Other factors influence the image quality of any camera. But looking for a higher MP number is a good way to ensure better-quality images.

Wide ISO Range

A sports camera needs a wide ISO range. You can keep the ISO low on sunny days. But you need higher ISO settings when shooting night games or indoor events.

The ISO tells you how sensitive the sensor is to light. A higher ISO setting makes the camera’s sensor more sensitive to light. And it allows it to work in lower light.

A low ISO gives you superior images. The details are sharper, the colors are richer, and there’s no digital noise. But the sensor needs more light to properly expose the image. So, you have to balance the shutter speed and aperture.

Higher ISO settings also lose image quality. When you reach the top ISO settings, you see more digital noise in your images.

Fast Burst Mode

A fast burst mode is essential for sports photography. Everything happens so fast. So, you can’t always get the perfect shot with a standard shutter mode. It’s best to have more speed.

Beginners might be happy with a continuous shooting speed of 5 fps. But professionals have been demanding faster and faster burst speeds.

The camera manufacturers have delivered. Burst speeds of 30 fps are now common in the best mirrorless cameras. And the Olympus OM System OM-1 has an incredible 120 fps burst speed. You won’t miss a thing with that camera.

Fast, Relible Autofocus (AF) and Tracking

A good autofocus system is a welcome feature in any camera. But a sports camera needs an AF system that can track moving subjects. Athletes won’t stay still while you find focus. That’s why you need a fast and reliable AF.

It needs to find your subject quickly and follow them as they move. Look for cameras with subject-tracking AF.

In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS)

Image stabilization counteracts camera shake. That means you can shoot with slower shutter speeds without experiencing motion blur. You also have more exposure options in lower light. And it gives you sharper images. IBIS is a real bonus for sports photographers.

What Is the Best Lens for Sports Photography?

Sports photographers need a telephoto or super-telephoto lens. While some still use prime telephoto lenses, we recommend you use a zoom lens.

Zooms give you the magnification to get close to the players from the stands. And the zoom capabilities give you more freedom and flexibility.

A 70-200mm lens is a great choice for sports photographers. This is why the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM is our top choice sports lens. But some photographers may prefer lenses with a larger telephoto range.

Check out our full list of the best lenses for sports photography.

Conclusion: Best Camera for Sports Photography

Sports photography is difficult without the right camera. Because the action moves quickly, you often get blurry images or empty shots. But finding the best camera for sports photography is a complete game-changer.

Maybe you’re a devoted sports parent or a sports reporter. A sports photography camera is a must-have.

The Olympus OM System OM-1 is the best camera for sports photography. Its compact but weather-sealed body is suitable for any environment. It has powerful features for still images and impressive video options. It has a 120 fps burst mode for rapid sequential shooting.

Our Top 3 Choices for the Best Camera for Sports Photography

Olympus OM System OM-1

Nikon Z50

Canon EOS R7

13 Best Super Telephoto Lenses in 2024 (Updated)

ExpertPhotography — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 14:23:37 +0000

Today we’re looking at the best super telephoto lenses. I’m a wildlife photographer, and I love taking close-ups of animals. But they can be pretty skittish, so I often have to shoot from a distance.

Fortunately, it’s much easier with a super telephoto lens. That means anything over 400mm… the point at which lenses start to get very heavy—and expensive!

After looking at all the factors, we decided the best super telephoto lens is the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2. It performs to a high standard while also being available for an amazing price!

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Super Telephoto Lens

Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2

Sigma 60-600mm F/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM | S for Canon EF

Sigma 500mm F/4 DG OS HSM | S for Sigma SA

13 Best Super Telephoto Lenses

We have divided our list into two parts:

Best Super Telephoto Lenses for DSLRs

There are plenty of zoom lenses available for a DSLR. Everything depends on your camera brand and on how far your budget stretches!

Our Top Choice

Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD A011 for Canon EF

Amazing price for its abilities
Very lightweight
Flex lock allows the zoom lens to be set in any position

Widest Zoom Range

Sigma 60-600mm F/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM | S for Canon EF

Wide zoom range for multiple styles of photography
Sharp and contrast-heavy imagery
Short minimum focusing distance

Best Prime Lens

Sigma 500mm F/4 DG OS HSM | S for Sigma SA

Super-fast autofocus abilities
Wide maximum aperture
Great build quality and handling for a large lens

Best Nikon Choice

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm F/5.6E FL ED VR

Exceptionally sharp
Supplied teleconverter pushes focal length to 1000mm
Fast and near-silent autofocus

Best 600mm Lens

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm F/4G ED VR

Amazing image quality
Super-fast autofocus abilities
Great vibration reduction (VR) abilities

Sharpest 500mm Lens

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm F/5.6E PF ED VR

4-stop vibration reduction with Normal and Sport mode
Fast and near-silent autofocus
Relatively lightweight

Great Build Quality

Nikon AF-S 200-500mm F/5.6E ED VR

Sharp results from edge to edge
4.5-stop vibration reduction with Normal and Sport mode
Strong and rigid build quality

Best Canon Lens

Canon EF 800mm F/5.6L IS USM

Amazing image quality
Fast and precise autofocus
4-stop optical image stabilization with single-shot, panning, and exposure-only modes

Best Image Stabilization

Canon EF 600mm F/4L IS III USM

5-stop optical image stabilization with single-shot, panning, and exposure-only modes
Fast and near-silent autofocus
Wide maximum aperture

Best Canon 500mm Lens

Canon EF 500mm F/4L IS II USM

Sharp results from edge to edge
4-stop optical image stabilization with single-shot, panning, and exposure-only modes
Wide maximum aperture

1. Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2

Brand	Brand Tamron
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 5-6.3
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 150-600 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization
Best For	Best For Photographers who want a super telephoto for a great price

This Tamron lens is an upgraded version of the SP 150-600mm G1, first introduced in December 2013. The SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 provides better overall optical performance. And it has a faster autofocus speed.

It also features vibration compensation enhancements, fluorine coating, and a flex zoom lock. And it has an optional custom-made 1.4x teleconverter.

It’s designed for amateurs who’d rather not spend quite so much as professionals… but want to squeeze that last drop of sharpness out of their images!

2. Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM

Brand	Brand Sigma
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 6.3
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 60-600 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization
Best For	Best For Photographers who want a wide zoom range

Sigma’s 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM is the only lens with that range on the market. It offers such a huge zoom range. You could look at it as two lenses in one!

It also has a reasonably lightweight body. It comprises magnesium alloy, carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, and a thermally stable composite. But the max aperture is a little narrow and gets narrower as you zoom in.

3. Sigma 500mm f/4.0 DG OS HSM

Brand	Brand Sigma
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 4.0
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 500 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization
Best For	Best For Photographers who love prime lenses

The 500mm f/4.0 DG OS HSM is Sigma’s flagship lens for sport and nature photography. It provides sharp images with a fast and accurate autofocus system and a wide max aperture.

It has one Special Low Dispersion (SLD) and two Fluorite Low Dispersion (FLD) lens elements. They help minimize chromatic aberration and distortion and preserve image clarity.

4. Nikon AF-S FX 800mm f/5.6 ED VR

Brand	Brand Nikon
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 5.6
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 800 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization
Best For	Best For Nikon photographers who want the longest focal length

The AF-S FX 800mm f/5.6 ED VR is the longest Nikon lens. The sharpness of the images is outstanding, and it paired very well with my old Nikon D850. It comes with a 1.25x attachment.

It’s the one I owned until very recently. If you don’t mind the weight and don’t often need to handhold, this is the lens for you!

5. Nikon AF-S FX 600mm f/4.0 ED VR

Brand	Brand Nikon
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 4.0
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 600 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization
Best For	Best For Nikon users who need a wide f/4 aperture

Nikon’s AF-S FX 600mm f/4.0 ED VR is the slightly longer equivalent of the 500mm AF-S f/4G ED VR SWM. It’s aimed at professional sports and nature photographers.

It has a wide max aperture. It features a sophisticated autofocus system for good low-light performance. And it shows Nikon’s usual level of sharpness and camera build quality.

It introduces lighter fluorite elements at the front. This makes it much easier to handle than the previous version. But it’s still heavier than the latest 600mm Canon equivalent.

6. AF-S FX 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR

Brand	Brand Nikon
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 5.6
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 500 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization
Best For	Best For Nikon photographers who want complete control over manual focus

The AF-S FX 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR is a brilliant super-telephoto lens for Nikon DSLR cameras. It doesn’t have the fastest max aperture at f/5.6. But the built-in vibration reduction system helps you achieve the right exposure in low light. It’s also one of the sharpest 500mm lenses on the market.

7. Nikon AF-S FX 200-500mm f/5.6 ED VR

Brand	Brand Nikon
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 5.6
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 200-500 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization
Best For	Best For Nikon photographers who want a super telephoto zoom lens

The AF-S FX 200-500mm f/5.6 ED VR is designed for the “enthusiast” rather than the professional. Still, it outperforms the 150-600mm counterpart from Tamron. The Nikon has better focusing ability. And it performs better in low-light conditions or with a teleconverter.

It also has a constant max aperture of f/5.6. It’s an advantage over similar third-party lenses.

8. Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM

Brand	Brand Canon
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 5.6
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 800 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization
Best For	Best For Canon photographers who want the longest focal length

The EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM is the longest lens in Canon’s current range. And it’s excellent for getting close-ups or distance shots if you’re a wildlife photographer.

I had a Nikon 800mm lens for many years. And I took around two-thirds of all my shots with it. It was about the same weight as this Canon one. But that meant it was too heavy to handhold for more than a few seconds at a time.

9. Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS USM

Brand	Brand Canon
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 4.0
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 600 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization
Best For	Best For Canon users who need a wide f/4 aperture with a long focal length

The EF 600mm f/4L IS USM is another L-series lens. It’s great for sports, wildlife, or photojournalism. It’s also light enough to handhold. The new design shifts most glass elements to the back of the lens to improve balance and handling.

It’s the sixth generation of Canon’s 600mm f/4 series. And it’s the third version with image stabilization to help with camera shake. It encapsulates the very best in lens technology.

10. Canon EF 500mm f/4.0L IS II USM

Brand	Brand Canon
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 4.0
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 500 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization
Best For	Best For Canon users who need a wide f/4 aperture

The EF 500mm f/4.0L IS II USM is part of Canon’s premium L-series of telephoto lenses. This lens is designed for wildlife and sports photographers. It provides sharpness, fast autofocus, and exemplary performance in low light.

Best Super Telephoto Lenses for Mirrorless Cameras

There are very few extreme telephoto lenses available for mirrorless cameras. And Nikon doesn’t have a single one over 400mm! This will change in the next couple of years. But Canon and Sony are currently the market leaders.

Our Top Choice

Sony FE 600mm F/4 GM OSS SEL600F40GM

Fast and precise autofocus
Great selection of lens controls
Durable and lightweight build quality

Best Zoom Option

Sony FE 200-600mm F/5.6-6.3 G OSS SEL200600G

Wide telephoto zoom range
Teleconverter compatibility
Internal zoom design

Best Canon Lens

Canon RF 100-500mm F/4.5-7.1L IS USM

Sharp telephoto from edge to edge
Adjustable zoom tension
Lightweight and compact design

1. Sony FE 600mm f/4.0 GM

Brand	Brand Sony
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 4.0
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 600 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization
Best For	Best For Sony mirrorless users

Sony’s FE 600mm f/4.0 GM prime lens belongs to the premium G Master series of lenses. It is the longest lens in the Sony lineup and the lightest 600mm lens on the market.

It’s designed for wildlife, sports, and action photography. And it boasts excellent image quality and rapid, precise autofocus. I already have the 400mm f/2.8… and this is next on my list!

2. Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS

Brand	Brand Sony
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 6.3
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 200-600 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization
Best For	Best For Sony photographers who want a wide zoom

Sony’s FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS is another lens designed for wildlife, sports, and action photography. It boasts excellent image quality. And its affordable price shows that it’s aimed at the “enthusiast” market.

3. Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM

Brand	Brand Canon
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 4.5
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 100-500 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization
Best For	Best For Canon mirrorless users

Canon’s RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens is part of Canon’s premium L-series. It is a specialist mirrorless lens designed for sports and nature photographers. It gives you sharpness, fast autofocus, and portability. The weather sealing and lens coatings also make it a durable kit.

What to Look for in Super Telephoto Lenses

There are four main factors for super telephoto lenses:

Focal length
Max aperture
Image quality
Autofocus

All those come at a price, though. You might have to compromise in a few different ways:

Buy zoom lenses rather than primes.
Buy a third-party lens from Sigma or Tamron.
Buy a lens with a narrower maximum aperture. (Larger f-stop number)

Conclusion

If you shoot wildlife like me, I’d go mirrorless and pair a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS with a Sony a1. But not everyone can afford the best super telephoto lenses at any price. If your budget doesn’t stretch that far, I recommend going for the Sony 200-600mm with a cheaper mirrorless camera, such as a second-hand Sony A7.

Finally, do you already have a DSLR and can’t face trading it in? I suggest saving for either the Nikon AF NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR or the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM with a built-in extender. But most importantly, which is the best super telephoto lens for you?

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Super Telephoto Lens

Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2

Sigma 60-600mm F/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM | S for Canon EF

Sigma 500mm F/4 DG OS HSM | S for Sigma SA

17 Surf Photography Tips to Inspire Great Photos

ExpertPhotography — Sun, 20 Mar 2022 16:11:08 +0000

Are you eager to capture the thrill and beauty of surfing through your lens? Mastering surf photography can be a rewarding challenge. It tests your technical photo skills and creativity.

We’ve all seen those picture-perfect shots of a surfer in a barrel or riding a wave. They look fantastic, even before adding a setting sun or a dramatic background. But how do you take good surf pictures? We provide everything you need to know to get started with surf photography!

eBook

Photography Unlocked

Unlock your camera’s full potential with this guide:

Master manual mode to capture moments you’re proud of.
Overcome the frustration of missed shots with quick exposure settings.
Benefit from visuals with hundreds of images and illustrations.

What Is Surf Photography?

Surf photography is a specialized genre of sports photography. It captures stunning images of surfers riding waves, often in dynamic, challenging environments. But it also involves other types of photography, capturing the culture and natural surroundings.

Coastlines and beaches inspire and are perfect for dynamic, dramatic shots. There are also opportunities for water photography and underwater photography.

Taking surfing images requires technical photography expertise and an understanding of creative composition. You need to know about lighting, the direction to shoot in, and shot composition.

It’s also best to understand surf conditions. Physical considerations include shooting close to or in the water. But don’t worry—you don’t need to be a surfer to take great surf photos. While surfing knowledge helps, it’s not a barrier to success.

Despite the challenges, surf photography is a subject full of opportunities for taking epic action shots. The results are breathtaking shots that showcase the thrill and beauty of this exhilarating sport.

Shot with an OM System OM-D E-M1. 420mm, f/5.6, 1/2,500 s, ISO 200. Ting Tse Wang (Unsplash)

17 Tips for Taking Great Surf Photography

If you want to become a surf photographer, here are some tips to help you begin shooting incredible surf photography.

1. Use Fast Shutter Speeds for Dynamic Surf Shots

Surfing is a dynamic sport, which can result in blurred photos and a lack of clarity. You want to stick with a fast shutter speed to help keep your images sharp. This helps you snap great action shots with water spray and fine detail.

Shooting with a shutter speed of 1/700 s (seconds) and above lets you capture emotion, movement, and reactions with perfect sharpness.

It would help keep your ISO low to minimize noise in your shots. This is where your tripod is essential. Low ISO helps you maximize image quality.

But with higher shutter speeds, don’t be afraid to crank up the ISO as needed for the best exposure. Most modern digital cameras have high native ISO settings. Editing software, like Adobe Lightroom, also has excellent noise-reduction tools.

Shutter priority mode, also known as TV mode, is perfect for dynamic surf shots if you don’t want to use manual mode. You can adjust the shutter speed while your camera handles exposure in this mode. Most surf photographers use shutter priority mode or go fully manual if in the water.

Shot with a Canon EOS R3. 856mm, f/13, 1/1,250 s, ISO 1,000. Leo Visions (Unsplash)

2. Experiment With Composition to Best Balance Images

Balancing action with a stunning background in your surfing images is best. Consider how the surfer draws the viewer’s eye. Is there a pier or rocky outcrop you can frame them against? Can you play with perspective using sea cliffs, ships, or giant waves?

For example, if you’re shooting big wave surfing, you can emphasize the wave size compared to the surfer. Consider the angle of your shot. This can create drama and scale in your composition. The natural movement of breaking waves can create dynamic photos.

Try to avoid unnecessary distractions in your image. Objects directly behind your subject should not detract from the composition. For example, masts, buoys, or other surfers should no

3. Use Composition to Tell a Good Story

Surf action can create a great story. There’s plenty of natural movement when working with water. But you can get boring-looking images if you don’t position your subject correctly.

Avoid centering a surfer in your shot. This can create a flat image and leave the viewer wanting more. The same goes for shooting one or several subjects. Good surf photographers create a sense of direction by positioning subjects on the left or right of the frame.

You create a dynamic sense of movement by positioning them off-center, leaving lead space in the direction they’re headed. These images capture where their subjects have been and where they are heading well.

Also, consider what else you include in your shot. What is the context? Shooting from within a barreling wave or angling your shot to reflect the crest creates a great story.

Shot with a Canon EOS 5D. 400mm, f/6.3, 1/640 s, ISO 100. Kanenori (Pexels)

4. Keep the Horizon Level or Skew Images for Effect

Keeping a level horizon is a rule of photography not limited to surfing photography. Unless you’re in the water and skewing the horizon purposefully, you should try to keep it steady and level in your shots.

Images with a skewed horizon can look strange because they stand out to viewers. The human brain unconsciously processes what we see and can sense when something is off.

A horizon that isn’t level in an image looks strange unless you’re planning a creative edit or surreal shot. A skewed shot is an aesthetic choice and can completely change the composition of your image.

Ultimately, it’s your choice, as your photography should be a way for you to express yourself. But bear in mind the effects it may have. A skewed shot can emphasize the movement of surfers and waves in the ocean for a great effect!

Shot with a Canon EOS 5D Mark II. 200mm, f/5.0, 1/1,000 s, ISO 100. Vidar Nordli-Mathisen (Unsplash)

5. Use a Tripod or Monopod for Optimal Shooting

If shooting from land, it’s best to use a tripod or monopod. This improves your ability to quickly change manual settings. It also makes shooting with longer lenses easier and can help you get sharp, well-composed images.

Using a tripod also makes it easy to track surfers and the direction of the waves. This helps with your shot composition and creating movement in your images. You can also align your tripod with the horizon, which is key for getting great surf photos.

Lightweight tripods and monopods are an excellent choice for the beach or rocky terrain. You want to remain mobile, so being able to pack up and move without fuss should be considered. Don’t just stay in one spot!

Shot with a Canon EOS R6. 61mm, f/4.0, 1/125 s, ISO 250. Reed Naliboff (Unsplash)

6. Use Foreground Details to Elevate Shots

Sometimes, the action isn’t as dramatic as you may want. To give your shots depth and perspective, don’t neglect the foreground. Having interesting or striking objects in the foreground, like an exciting background, is vital.

Remember that shooting straight-on can be tedious. You can include extra details by shooting along a beach or at an angle from rocks. Using an interesting foreground can breathe life into your surf photos.

Experiment with trees, beachgoers, or surfers heading out into the water. You might even be lucky if wildlife enters the frame.

Shot with a Canon EOS R6. 26mm, f/7.1, 1/200 s, ISO 100. Reed Naliboff (Unsplash)

7. Take Surf Shots in the Water

While shooting from the shore can yield fantastic results, other options exist. With the right equipment, you can shoot from the water itself. Everyone loves the classic shot of a surfer riding inside the barrel of a wave.

To head into the water, buy reliable waterproof camera housing or an underwater camera. It’s also best to familiarize yourself with the basics of surfing. You should know where to position yourself and when to shoot.

Shooting from the water offers many opportunities for creativity. You can position water to the edges of your photo, and half-submerged subjects also create exciting dynamics. Shooting detailed images of the waves and water is easier when you’re right up close!

Shot with a Nikon D7200. 10.5mm, f/6.3 , 1/1,600 s, ISO 200. Drew Farwell (Unsplash)

8. Aim to Capture Epic Surf Action Shots

Catching a surfer getting airtime against the surf looks excellent. If you’re going for action shots, make them as dramatic as possible. Consider your composition to boost angles, heights, and impacts.

Remember to include the human element! People’s reactions and expressions can make your photo seem even more intense. Fast shutter speed and correct exposure are vital for capturing drama.

Shot with a Fujifilm X-T1. 400mm, f/7.1, 1/1,600 s, ISO 640. Mathieu Chirico (Unsplash)

9. Adapt Your Approach to the Natural Light Available

Consider the effects of natural light on surfing photos. Like many other types of photography, natural light is one of the best tools in surf photography. It can affect the mood, energy, and tone of your images. And you must adapt to the available light.

If you’re shooting around dusk, go for dramatic, striking compositions. Consider incorporating a storm into your angles and composition if it is on the horizon.

If you have intense, bright light, shooting back up through the water can be great. A breaking wave can look amazing if it’s captured with light behind it. Using a shutter speed that is fast enough, you can capture textures beautifully.

Low sun angles mean you can play with silhouettes and shadows if you shoot later in the day. You can take snapshots full of emotion, depth, and meaning. They can also look great with a soft reflection! Be sure to keep an eye on your exposure settings.

Shot with a Canon EOS Rebel T6i. 250mm, f/7.1, 1/400 s, ISO 100. Mark Vihtelic (Unsplash)

10. Plan Photoshoot Times and Angles to Avoid Reflections

Before you shoot, study the water. You get reflections depending on the time of day and the strength of the light. If you want a photo full of detail and contrast, try to find an angle that minimizes reflections.

Shooting in the evening or morning can increase or decrease reflections on the water. If you take the time to position yourself properly, you can get incredible detail and color in the water!

Shot with a Canon EOS R6. 61mm, f/7.1, 1/400 s, ISO 100. Reed Naliboff (Unsplash)

11. Use a Polarizing Filter to Minimize Reflections

Reflections are common when shooting surf photography on a bright, sunny day. As the bright sun hits the water, reflections appear on the surface and in the spray.

You can minimize this in your shots by using a polarizing filter. These filters manage the balance of light entering your lens. Just be sure to use the correct size filter for your lens.

With polarizers, you get great results with deep color and sharp, intense spray. Without a polarizing filter, your shots may look overly bright, and water loses clarity.

A polarizing filter is a valuable tool for many other situations in photography, so keep one in your bag! We recommend the

Shot with a Sony a6000. 50mm, f/5.6, 1/1,600 s, ISO 250. Knut Robinson (Unsplash)

12. Shoot at Dawn and Dusk for Best Color and Light

Shooting at dawn and dusk is perfect for getting dramatic, color-drenched photos. As the light changes, you get fantastic color palettes and patterns in the sky.

This can be a great time to experiment with silhouettes and shadows. You also get great backgrounds with clouds and the open ocean.

Great light effects are present in surf spray, and the water has beautiful golden and orange tints. If you’re shooting from the water, you can snap perfect shots of the light through a breaking wave. Shooting manually here can help you gather light and focus best.

There’s something magical about being on a beach at sunset or sunrise. Use the shifting colors and changing light to tell a story. Experiment with the hours before and after sunrise and sunset. You can get shots full of emotion and magic.

Shot with a Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II. 18.4mm, f/5.6, 1/400 s, ISO 125. Sacha Verheij

13. Capture Surf Photos Beyond the Action

While the main draw is the classic shot of a rider catching a wave, there’s more out there with surf photography. The locations alone offer the opportunity for excellent seascape shots. You also get fantastic color and dramatic skies if you’re shooting at dawn or dusk.

Surfing is also more than a sport—it’s a lifestyle. Expand your shot list to include life out of the water to add personality to your visual stories. Snap people relaxing or preparing to head out into the surf. You can even snap portraits of surfers.

A good surf photographer captures a surfer’s journey from the beach to the wave. Tell a surfer’s story, from preparation to paddling their surfboard and catching a wave.

Shot with a Nikon D7000. 105mm, f/8.0, 1/250 s, ISO 100. Kiros Amin (Unsplash)

14. Expand Your Surf Knowledge for Best Shots and Opportunities

While it’s not paramount, knowing a little about surfing helps you plan your surf photography. Different styles of surfing offer various opportunities.

With prior knowledge, you’ll find it easier to anticipate surf action and the direction of surfers. You’ll know what, when, and how to shoot. Surfing culture is also different around the world, so different approaches apply!

It also often pays to connect with your subjects to capture images of surf life on the beach. Opportunities open up when you show an interest and passion for surfing and photography.

Sony a7R II, 198mm, f/6.3, 1/1,600 s, ISO 200. Colin Watts (Unsplash)

15. Choose the Right Lens for Shot Types

You may be unsure what camera lens you should use for surf photography. It depends on your approach and the type of shot you want.

If you want close-up shots and intense action photos, super-telephoto lenses of 400mm and up are best. A long lens produces detail-heavy, sharp images, even from a distance.

Telephoto lenses like 70-200mm are perfect if you want pulled-back, less intimate shots. They can incorporate foreground and background and also capture more surrounding life.

More creative lenses like fisheye or wide-angle lenses work well if you shoot in the water.

Shot with a Sony a7 IV. 200mm, f/4.0, 1/60 s, ISO 400. Luke Miller (Unsplash)

16. Combine Techniques and Find the Best Surf Spots for Stand0ut Photos

Don’t limit yourself to the commonly seen surf shots. While these look great, your photos will stand out more if they’re unique.

Find a unique angle or combine techniques to get creative. Shooting from the water can yield impressive results. And the unpredictable nature of the sea offers fantastic opportunities.

While you can experiment with color, black-and-white surf photography looks fantastic. Also, don’t be afraid to travel to different surf locations. The best surf spots may not be within easy distance, but the best shots are likely there.

Shot with a Sony a7R III. 51mm, f/2.8, 1/30 s, ISO. 1,000 Jeremy Bishop (Unsplash)

17. Take Safety Precautions When Shooting Surf Photos

Last but not least, think of safety first! Don’t take risks, even if you’re on dry land. Rocks and coastlines can have slippery surfaces, and being in the water can expose you to currents and collisions.

Respecting the power of the waves and currents in the ocean environment is crucial for surf photography. Surf knowledge and situational awareness are crucial for taking epic in-the-water shots.

Proper protective gear is also important. Consider a safety helmet to protect your head and a wetsuit to stay warm in cold water.

Familiarize yourself with the basics of surfing. Know where to position yourself in the water and when it’s safe to shoot.
Also, stay aware of your surroundings. Currents, waves, and surfers around you pose potential hazards when in the ocean.

You could be harmed if you’re unaware of surfing’s dynamics and basic water safety. In this situation, a little knowledge is a must. Make sure you know how to photograph safely before you shoot the water!

Shot with a Canon EOS Rebel T8i. 250mm, f/5.6, 1/2,500 s, ISO 400. Live Kaiah (Unsplash)

Conclusion: Surf Photography

So, ultimately, how do you take good surf pictures? The answer is all the above, plus practice! As with all other types of sports photography, surf photography isn’t always easy.

You ease into it as you get more familiar with surfing, the lifestyle, and the action. Surf photography is all about telling stories. The beauty of this is that you control telling that story.

Try some of our tips and experiment with new techniques and locations. You’ll ride the waves of success in no time and become a better surf photographer!

If you’re looking for a camera for surf photography, read our articles on the best sports cameras, action ones, GoPros, or GoPro alternatives.

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20 Best Surf Photographers to Follow on Instagram in 2024

Nick Constant — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 19:18:21 +0000

Do you find your mind drifting off to sea? Can you feel the sea spray on your face? If so, you may be missing the beach and all the elements that come with it. Not to worry, today, we will look at the best surf photographers to follow on Instagram currently.

Most of us cannot live the beach lifestyle we want, so why not live vicariously through people who do! These photographers eat, sleep and breathe the beach, so who is there better to capture the essence of surfing. As a big extreme sports fan, my Instagram is full of surf accounts. Here is a selection of the best.

What Makes a Good Surfing Photo?

Surf photography is challenging to capture and harder to master. The main issue you will face is how to keep your camera dry. The quick answer for this is to buy a waterproof housing for your camera body and lens. Also, the setting of a beautiful beach does help, but most of the time, it will just be the sky, the sea and the surfer.

Surf photographers are usually found evoking the feeling of the viewer being in the water. The camera points toward a surfer poised on their board, hanging onto the wave. The money shot clearly shows the tunnel formed from the collapsing wave.

Apart from this, many surf photographers have a less extreme approach to their images. They take photographs of surfers enjoying the smaller waves, hanging ten and relaxing on their boards past the break.

Some surf photographers go further and use photography’s ability to freeze time to capture images of the waves in a sculptural way. We will look at a wide range of surf photographers in this list. By the end, you will have some wavy inspiration to last you till the summer!

Best Surf Photographers to Follow

1. Russel Ord

As one of the worlds leading surf photographers, Ord will have your Instagram timeline full of some of the beautiful places he comes across in his travels. When it comes to his surf photography, you can tell he has spent years in the water.

His composition tends to capture the pure might and power of the waves. He often portrays them as giant walls that seem threatening in contrast to the water matador who is taming them. Ord can also capture light in fantastic ways, often using the transparency of the waves to act as its own light.

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A post shared by Russell Ord (@russellordphoto)

2. Sarah Lee

Lee is a well-established surf photographer. You’ll find his work on huge platforms such as National Geographic and ESPN, as well as many surf magazines. From photographing in the sea since she was 15, Lee is a surf photographer who perfectly captures the beach vibe.

Her strengths lie in capturing a more relaxing and reflective approach to surfing. Where the waves don’t seem as threatening and you are faced with a person who is fully in tune with their environment.

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A post shared by sarah lee 🌊 water photographer (@hisarahlee)

3. Ted Grambeau

In a way, Ted Grambeau is the complete opposite of Sarah Lee. Grambeau is an expert at capturing big wave surfing. Here, he makes waves seem like one of nature’s scariest and most destructive forms. His compositions have you guessing whether the subject made it out of the scenes presented.

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A post shared by TED GRAMBEAU (@tedgrambeau)

4. Clark Little

Clark Little has made a name for himself through a unique aesthetic and subject that he calls ‘shorebreak’ photography. He creates otherworldly images through the split seconds where the wave crashes down on the shore.

These images are a little closer to water photography rather than a surf photographer. Although, Little is presenting the viewer with a similar view that a surfer would get riding through a barrel.

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A post shared by Clark Little (@clarklittle)

5. Ha’a Keaulana

Keaulana is from a long line of famous surfers in Hawaii. She would have been raised to be aware of all the intricacies of surfing. Leading her to study these observations of the sport that make her one of the top surf photographers!

Her strength lies in capturing surf culture rather than competitive surfing. Perfectly capturing beach scenes through the eyes of a born surfer.

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A post shared by Ha’a Keaulana (@haakeaulana)

6. Chris Burkard

Burkard is a surf photographer whose career has led him to shoot worldwide and even led him to do a TED talk about it! The content you will get from his Instagram goes beyond surf photography and will be perfect for the travel heads out there.

I am a big fan of the way he seems to be a landscape photographer, and the action in the images only take up a small part of the frame. This gives a great sense of location.

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A post shared by ChrisBurkard (@chrisburkard)

7. Morgan Maassen

Maassen is one of the surf photographers who has a natural ability to capture the dramatic. Whether it is through the subject or the photographic techniques he uses (slow shutter speeds to blur the image), his pictures are highly emotional.

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A post shared by Morgan Maassen (@morganmaassen)

8. Joni Sternbach

I always have time for surf photographers who use old photographic processes to capture their subjects. There is something so satisfying and fitting about tintype portraits of surfers.

Maybe it’s because the sport itself isn’t too different from its humble beginnings. Sternbach’s images truly capture the timelessness of this sport. Follow Joni’s Instagram if you are more interested in surf culture and considered photography.

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A post shared by Joni Sternbach (@jstersurf)

9. Ben Thouard

If you want to see an Instagram timeline that instantly relaxes you, head over to Thouard’s page. This is an excellent example of a perfectly executed curation of an Instagram page. Beyond this, the calming tone of the blue he presents us is almost like an instant breath of fresh air.

In his work, we face abstract forms created by the ocean. He provides us with new compositions of surf photography. He often places himself below the waves to deliver us a unique viewpoint.

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A post shared by Ben Thouard (@benthouard)

10. Luki O’Keefe

O’Keefe’s photographers are again the viewpoint of a person who has grown up around the sea. Her photographs capture every part of surf culture. And, perfectly reflect the beauty and grace associated with surfing.

Following her Instagram will give you an insight into a surfers lifestyle where fun and frolicking are forefront. If you are to explore her surf images further, you are faced with the same fun and lighthearted imagery that reflects the time off the board.

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A post shared by Luki O’Keefe (@_lucrecia_)

11. Todd Glaser

Glaser has been a SURFER staff photographer for over a decade and has his photographs published in many other magazines. I am a fan of how he can capture the intensity of surfers faces throughout the chaos.

Glaser has a great ability to mix this chaos with calm. This ability put him up there as one of the best surf photographers, as you can view the images in both ways, either relaxing or terrifying.

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A post shared by Todd Glaser (@toddglaser)

12. Maria Fernanda

Maria Fernanda is an excellent example of one of the surf photographers who upload many consistent images on Instagram. This makes her a great photographer to follow, as your timeline will have a healthy fix of surf content throughout.

On her website, her images are split up into places rather than categories. I like this as it feels like you are following her around the world on a great big surf trip!

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A post shared by Maria Fernanda Photography (@mariafernandaphoto)

13. Sachi Cunningham

Don’t be fooled by Cunningham’s Instagram page, where it seems she is a dedicated surf photographer! She is a fantastic documentary filmmaker and teaches as a professor at San Francisco State University.

After looking at her surf images, it makes complete sense. The way she can capture the emotions that go along with the sort is a unique ability. Sequencing is something that she plays with as well. She uses this effectively to show a surfer as if they were progressing through the wave.

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A post shared by Sachi Cunningham (@seasachi)

14. Ed Sloane

Ed Sloane’s vibrant blue is strong enough to wash away the greyest day. Throughout his Instagram, you will find this blue punching through your screen, giving you an instant calming feel. You will then notice the hugely dangerous situations presented, which may cause you to rethink the calmness.

Sloane has the remarkable ability to bring the viewer right into the scenes he depicts. This is done by the use of a long lens, transporting you right into the soul of the wave.

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A post shared by Ed Sloane Photography (@edsloanephoto)

15. Tahnei Roy

Born and raised on the North Shore of Hawaii, Roy quickly got her hands on waterproof housing and jumped into photographing surfing. I like her style of photography as it mixes this softer, elegant aesthetic with surfing. Roy is also excellent at capturing female surfers doing what they do best, making the waves seem easy.

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A post shared by Tahnei Roy (@tahneinei)

16. Lucia Griggi

Griggi’s career started out by photographing her passion for surfing but led her to be a Canon ambassador. Her Instagram is more commonly populated with wildlife and travel imagery. But, when it comes to her surf photography, you can see why she has made such a successful photography career.

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A post shared by Lucia Griggi Studio (@luciagriggi)

17. Stewart MacKellar

It may be hard to surf in the UK, but MacKellar makes British surf photography look as electrifying as it seems! It’s refreshing to see the different environments in which the sport occurs. The sublime nature of the waves matched with cliffs makes for some really dramatic imagery.

MacKellar’s Instagram is packed with these dramatic images. They feature a range of photographic techniques that capture how it feels to be by the sea. He currently has a calendar for 2022 for sale as well as photography sessions for surfers in the UK. If you need some action shots of yourself in the UK, you know where to go: www.stewartmackellar.co.uk/shop.

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A post shared by Stewart MacKellar (@stewmackellarphoto)

18. Ryan Craig

Craig is another surf photographer you’ll find along Hawaii’s North Shore. He is a permanent member of the SURFER magazine photography team and has rightfully earned his place there. Photographing a wide range of surf environments, Craig’s images show the wonderful surfing world in all its forms. Don’t forget the occasional sunsets that come along with this lifestyle!

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A post shared by ᴿʸᴬᴺ ᶜᴴᴬᶜᴴᴵ ᶜᴿᴬᴵᴳ ✌🏼 (@chachfiles)

19. Trent Mitchell

Trent Mitchell’s style of photography falls under water photography rather than surfing. He is totally in tune with the water and has managed to capture the various forms of water that you would come across in the sea; the walls of water, the ocean spray.

Mitchell looks at the water as a sculpture, a translucent surface that is constantly in motion. This allows him to capture unique types of light and some beautiful forms.

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A post shared by Trent Mitchell (@bytrentmitchell)

20. Christa Funk

Funk is a Hawaii resident who started out as a Coast Guard before transitioning into photography full time. Her surf images have taken her to get front cover images for numerous surf magazines. It’s not surprising that Funk does a great job balancing the scene between the surfer and the wave they are riding.

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A post shared by Christa Funk (@instaclamfunk)

Conclusion

After looking through this list, we hope you have found at least one surf photographer to follow on Instagram. Certain accounts offer better competitive surfing images or big wave surfing, but this list looks closer at the photographers who live to surf.

I can tell you now if you do end up following these people, you will need a holiday almost every time you look at your Instagram!

25 Most Influential Sports Photographers to Follow in 2024

Christopher Bryan-Smith — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 09:45:21 +0000

If you’re a sports fan, check out our list of the 25 most influential sports photographers. And if you’re looking for a career in sports photography, then there’s plenty here to inspire you.

Sports photography keeps us connected to the sports we love. If we miss the live-action, we can see the photos later. And we can follow our favorite athletes as they prepare or compete.

But sports photography takes a lot of skill. The photographer has to know where the players will be and what the fans want to see. They have to get the shot that signifies the whole event.

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What Makes a Great Sports Photographer?

Sports photographers need to master their photo equipment. They need a good telephoto or super-telephoto lens and a camera with a fast burst speed. Those players move fast!

But it’s not just about the technicalities. Sports photographers give us ring-side seats and backstage passes. They give amateurs at home a professional’s eye view. They fuel our interest and keep us involved.

Sports photography is about bridging the gap between the fans and the players. Even if we view images on our phones while we ride the bus, we want to hear the cheers and smell the sweat. Sports photography keeps passions burning and brings new fans into the flock.

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Canon EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS III USM

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Altura Professional Rain Cover

25 Most Influential Sports Photographers

Let’s dive into our list of the most influential sports photographers.

1. Zak Noyle

Zak Noyle is a master of surf photography. He has his timing nailed down and knows when the wave will break. His surf action shots are great, but his work is about much more than that.

Zak uses the sea to fill his photos with energy and movement. The aquatic blues and greens are a pleasure to the eye. The sea is as much his subject as the surfers.

He gives you access to the life of a surfer. With his photos, you’re either on the beach or in the sea. You can smell the salt and feel the waves. If you look at his portfolio long enough, you might even get a tan! Zak reminds you that surfing isn’t only a sport but a lifestyle.

2. Atiba Jefferson

Atiba Jefferson is a photographer centered in the skateboarding arena. As with surfing, skateboarding is as much about lifestyle as it’s a sport. Atiba is fully aware of this, and it shows in his work.

His shots are full of action. And his collection from the Tokyo Olympics is inspiring. He captures the best riders and tricks, immersing you in professional skateboarding.

3. Maria Svarbova

Maria Svarbova‘s work is concentrated on swimming and other in-pool sports. But her photography isn’t about races and competitions. Instead, she uses the pool as the center of her fine art photography.

Her work is stylized and curated. She uses the lines of the pool and the tile work and plays with geometric shapes. Swimmers add more natural shapes, and their costumes add splashes of color.

The shapes are sharp, and her composition is bold. The colors are bright but muted. Maria is a fine art photographer working in the world of sports.

4. Cameron Look

Cameron Look is the hottest young photographer on the basketball scene. His photography gives you a court-side seat to catch the action.

Cameron’s work isn’t just about slam dunks and three-pointers. He gives you an insight into the wider world of basketball. His work features some of the biggest names in basketball. And you get to see them in more candid environments.

His images capture the atmosphere inside the area. They’re fast-paced and electric, like the game itself. Cameron is a great promoter for one of America’s most popular sports.

5. Lucas Murnaghan

The photography of Lucas Murnaghan is centered in and around the swimming pool. But it’s not all galas and events. He’s another fine art photographer who uses the pool as his studio.

Lucas is a master of underwater photography. He creates another atmosphere beneath the surface of the water. As well as having beautiful compositions, his shots are atmospheric and dream-like.

He uses male models, but it’s almost as if water is his subject. He uses it to manipulate light and create texture.

6. Claudio Villa

Claudio Villa is an Italian football photographer. He collaborates with the Serie A team Inter Milan. He was the official photographer for the Italian national side during their victorious campaign in Euro 2020.

He does have some stunning images from the pitch. But his work isn’t just about the game of football. He understands the personalities within the game. His portraits and vivid shots bring the viewer closer to the players and managers.

An international soccer tournament is a journey. Naturally, fans want to take that journey with their team. And this is what Claudio’s sports photography does.

7. Grant Brittain

Grant Brittain is a photographer who lives and breathes skateboarding. He’s been documenting the sport for over 40 years. And his work still looks fresh and exciting.

His sports photography is candid and energetic. He gets close to the skateboarders and creates a fish-eye effect using super-wide-angle lenses. Even his portraits seem lively and spontaneous.

He’s an integrated member of the skateboarding community, and his sports photography allows you entry, too. Skateboarding is a well-established sport, but Grant maintains a feeling of rebelliousness. As a result, the true ethos of skateboarding is alive in his portfolio.

8. Brad Mangin

Brad Mangin is a sports photographer with a passion for baseball. He has a deep respect for this great American pastime.

He has plenty of stunning shots from the diamond. Yet, his photography is more personal and affectionate than the standard photos in Sports Illustrated. His photography captures the personalities of the game. And he provides context and history.

His style of sports photography isn’t just about the sport. Instead, it’s an intimate look at the community of professional baseball.

9. Russell Ord

Russell Ord has a deep affection for the sea. And a strong respect for surfers. You can sense it in his sports photography collection.

He’s immersed in the world of surfing. But his work focuses as much on the sea as on the surfers. His photography shows that surfers work with the sea, not against it. You can feel the power of the waves as they break before the shore.

His surf collection is moody, with a sense of danger. His composition is stunning, and the colors are deep and cold.

10. Patrick Koenig

Saying Patrick Koenig has an interest in golf would be an understatement. He’s a golf photographer, blogger, and all-around enthusiast.

His photography is fun and expresses his love of golf. The enthusiasm is infectious and calls you out onto the course. And the courses take center stage in his photography work.

Much of his collection is of stunning landscapes as he documents golf courses all over the globe. The colors are rich greens and blues. And he knows how to exploit the golden hour sunlight. So, even if you’re not a golf fan, you’ll find yourself surveying the green.

11. Kirill Umrikhin

Kirill Umrikhin is more than just a sports photographer. He’s a Russian thrill-seeker. His photography is about adventure just as much as it is about sports. He does not focus on a single sport. So Kirill will be there whether you’re surfing the ocean or boarding down a mountain.

His photography is full of action and drama, and he has a broad skill set. His underwater photography is incredible, and his landscapes are stunning. You’ll even be impressed by his wildlife photography.

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you will get a thrill from Kirill’s photography. It’s fast and intense. It will quicken your pulse even if you’re sitting on your sofa.

12. Brian Bielmann

Brian Bielmann is another sports photographer with a love of the ocean. His surf photography is bold and epic. The waves are huge, and the action is intense. And yet, Brian maintains an air of tranquillity in his work.

Brian’s photography isn’t just about the surf. His work is a testament to the surfer lifestyle. It’s not about competitions or medals. It’s about the sea, sun, and sand. If you spend too long in Brian’s portfolio, you might quit your job and head to Hawaii to catch the surf!

13. Savannah Cummins

Professional climbing is a rising sport, and Savannah Cummins‘s photography is helping to grow its popularity. Her photography is jaw-dropping, with stunning landscapes and mountains.

But the climbing pictures will surely raise your pulse. You might get dizzy if you don’t have a head for heights.

And it’s not just the thrill of climbing. She documents the nomadic lifestyle that goes with it. She’s a sports photographer, but travel plays a big part, too. It’s a window into a world of adventure.

14. Philip Edsel

Philip Edsel‘s photography is less about sport and more about the athletes. He shoots fashion and commercial photography, working with the world’s greatest athletes.

His commercial photography is stylish and trendy. His images are curated and considered. But the athletes appear energetic and candid. There’s nothing stale about his photography. He can change from a studio setting with harsh artificial lighting to soft natural locations.

Philip is a photographer to watch if you’re into sports and commercial photography. He’s worked with top athletes and brands.

15. Donald Miralle

When it comes to sports photography, Donald Miralle is the ultimate all-rounder. He’s a lover of all sports, and his focus is broad.
The Tokyo Olympics was the perfect place for Donald to demonstrate his abilities with a camera.

His collection is filled with sharp and dynamic shots on the track or in the pool. His composition is excellent, and you get a real sense of the occasion. Donald understands the inspirational side of sports. He embraces it and shares it in his sports photography.

16. Pelle Cass

Pelle Cass is a fine art photographer who uses sport as a subject matter. He uses camera skills and trickery to make vibrant and humorous images. Pelle uses a lot of time-lapse and multi-layering to craft his images.

Sports photography is usually full of movement and energy. But Pelle takes it to an extreme. His images are overloaded with movement—they seem to vibrate. And even though Pelle is an art photographer, he maintains a sense of fun.

17. Patrick Smith

Patrick Smith is a sports photographer in the classic sense. He loves all sporting events and gets great shots no matter the area.

Patrick is all about capturing the action of the day. It’s about the excitement of the fans and the special occasions. You’d expect to see his images in magazines and on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

His portfolio is an advert for sports. He makes you want to get involved even if you’re not sporty. Whether it’s on the pitch or the racetrack, you want to be there.

18. Tom Pennington

Tom Pennington is another all-around sports photographer. He has shot different sporting events around the world. There’s a wide variety, but he does have his favorites.

Photographing swimming is one of his main sporting interests. Some of his iconic images from the pool at the Tokyo Olympics are from that event. Tom is also passionate about skiing and boxing. His work in those areas is worth checking out.

Tom is based in Dallas, Texas. And much of his work involved the sports teams from that state. It’s a fascinating window into American sports if you’re not from the USA.

19. Michael Willson

If you’re not from Australia, you might not be familiar with Aussie rules football. But down under, it’s their biggest sporting passion. And Michael Willson covers this corner of the market.

Michael is the biggest photographer in the field of Aussie Rules. His photography work is excellent. His images are fast-moving and hard-hitting, like the sport itself. He’s an ambassador for Australian Rules football at home and abroad.

20. Tristan Shu

Tristan Shu is a French sports photographer with a sense of adventure. He travels around the globe, shooting the sports he loves. And they’re not your average Sunday league sports—they are adventure sports.

He photographs motocross, mountain biking, and paragliding, to name just a few. His website encourages you to go off-piste. You’ll be inspired to go off-road in search of a new thrill. You’ll get muddy, you could even get hurt, but that’s all part of the fun.

His photography skills are excellent, too. He’s also done commercial photography for major brands like Adidas and Honda.

21. Sterling Lorence

Sterling Lorence is an action sports photographer based in Vancouver who travels the world shooting sports. His niche is mountain biking. And it takes him to some of the world’s most beautiful regions.

Thankfully, he has the skill to capture stunning images that immerse you in the locations. His action shots are fantastic, but it’s his abilities as a landscape photographer that stand out.

22. Teddy Morellec

Teddy Morellec is another sports photographer who can’t sit still. He travels around the world shooting different types of sports. His real passion is action sports, like biking and snowboarding.

Teddy is unlike many other sports photographers. His work seems informal as if he’s shooting a group of friends. Everyone is having fun, and you feel involved. Teddy will inspire you to book that trip you’ve never committed to. It’s all about enjoying the moment.

23. David Bergman

David Bergman is a sports photographer who has captured the action for over 30 years. His images have graced Sports Illustrated’s covers.

In recent years, David has moved into concert photography. But when it comes to sports, he is still a master with the camera. He can shoot live sporting events, making you feel like you’re there.

But he’s great in the studio, too. He’s done promotional shoots for many top athletes and brands.

24. Wilson Fox

MMA is a sport on the rise. And Wilson Fox is a sports photographer that understands what it’s all about. It’s a brutal sport. And even though Will’s photography isn’t violent, his imagery is stark and hard.

He shows you it’s not just about what happens in the ring. The hard hours of training and the isolation go with it. MMA might be too violent for some, but Will’s work has depth and soul.

25. Al Bello

He’ll probably be by the pool if you need to find Al Bello. He’s a specialist in water sports. Whether it’s diving, synchronized swimming, or water polo, Al will capture it.

He’s not limited to water sports, either. He’s a great all-rounder and a safe pair of hands for any major sporting event. Some of his most powerful work comes from shooting individual athletes. Al has a talent for capturing intimate moments of athletes’ training.

Conclusion: Most Influential Sports Photographers

Sports photographers need to have excellent technical skills. The action is fast, and you must capture the shot, or it will be lost forever.

But sports photographers do more than shoot the action on the pitch or in the ring. They keep us connected to the sports we love and inspire us to try something new.

We hope our list of the 25 most influential photographers has inspired you to pick up your camera, dust off your cleats, and get active! Check out our Quick Capture Cheat Sheets if you need help capturing action shots!

Cheat Sheets

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Efficiently covers 52 topics for quick learning and mastery.
Designed for clarity with beautiful illustrations and layouts.
Accessible anytime, anywhere—downloadable or printable for convenience.

10 Best Lightroom Sports Presets in 2024 (Updated)

ExpertPhotography — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 06:56:12 +0000

Bulk editing in Adobe Lightroom is a great choice if you’re a sports or event photographer. And Lightroom sports presets are a great way to edit your action shot quickly. They let you share photos straight after a sports event.

We’ve collected some free and paid presets for sports photographers. Read on to find the best Lightroom presets for sports photography and learn how to use them.

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What Are Lightroom Sports Presets?

Lightroom sports presets are a way to change an image or a batch of images with a single click in Adobe Lightroom. If you download a preset, these adjustments were made by other Lightroom users and are available for you to use.

Lightroom is an excellent editing software program that lets you tweak your digital shots. You can raise and lower the exposure, play with the colors, and even change the perspective. But presets can help save you some of that time and effort!

Some presets might only increase an image’s sharpness. The majority act as a filter over your scenes, letting you edit them quickly and efficiently. These “filters” adjust different details. They change everything from highlights and shadows to clarity, color, and saturation.

Having your own preset can help define your unique style. Luckily, Lightroom also lets you create your own!

Installing, Using, and Creating Presets

Installing Adobe Lightroom presets is easy and requires only a few steps. There are also several ways to do this. We have a step-by-step tutorial for installing Adobe Lightroom presets you can check out. This tells you how to add presets you download to Lightroom.

Read our article about adding your own Lightroom presets to learn how to use or create them. We also have a post about selling presets!

10 Best Lightroom Sports Presets

Sports photography is a broad field encompassing team sports like soccer, basketball, and baseball. It also includes events involving fast-moving vehicles like airplanes.

It might be difficult to find presets that cover different types of sports. Each one concentrates on different details in a photo.

You want to look at what connects all the images you will likely take. For example, most might need a boost in contrast and clarity. This can help separate the many parts of your scene.

Many sports make use of distinct colors. So perhaps you want to find a preset that tweaks this to strengthen your images. The presets you need depend on the aesthetic you want. You can even use your favorite preset to help define the look of your social media account!

Let’s look at the best sports photography presets out there. There are ones for Lightroom (CC), Lightroom Classic, and Lightroom Mobile.

1. Workout Lightroom Presets

This workout package by 123Presets contains 11 Lightroom desktop presets. These presets make your photos appealing by creating a clear and airy atmosphere. They also soften your subjects’ skin and separate them from the background.

This makes it easier to focus on the people in your images. And it’s why it’s great for capturing workouts, where the focus is on the people, not their environment. There is even a mobile version of the Workout Lightroom Presets.

2. Canon Sports Photography Presets

These Canon Lightroom presets by sports photographer Ben Lumley are for Lightroom, Lightroom Classic, and Lightroom Mobile.

This FilterGrade package contains Lightroom presets for black-and-white and color images. And they improve your images without making them look too artificial.

Turning a color image into a black-and-white photo is not easy. Color images focus on how colors work together. But black-and-white ones focus on contrast and texture. This set of Lightroom presets can help you play around with both.

3. Ten Sports Model Presets for Lightroom

Eldamar Studio’s Lightroom presets are cheap and great for many types of images. This Adobe Exchange package includes 10 presets.

This variety lets you try several and decide which preset is best for your image. These presets are suitable for action photography and sports models.

4. Vibrant Colors HDR Lightroom Preset

The Vibrant Colors Lightroom preset is a free one by Preset Kingdom. It is best used for water sports, like swimming. It’s also perfect for any sport near water or under a blue sky. This is because it enhances blues while reducing highlights and reflections.

By adding +100 to the Shadows setting, they become darker, adding more contrast between them and lighter areas. Whites and blacks are reduced to add detail and remove the chance of highlights being blown out.

The added vibrancy and saturation make the colors pop. And the clarity separates the subject from the background.

5. Black & White Lightroom Presets

This elegant set of Lightroom presets by Luxe Lens is not specifically for sports shots. Still, they can be great for sports photography.

Changing photos to black and white can enhance motion because all the distracting colors have been removed. These presets help images look more dramatic. It can also be easier to freeze motion without colors. And you will also create a more timeless image.

6. Sport (Preset Love)

There are a lot of adjustments in this free Lightroom sports preset by Preset Love compared to others on our list. They increase the quality and “punchiness” of the scene and subject.

First, the color temperature and tint changes add a touch of blue and green. This preset’s cinematic feel benefits most sports, indoors or outdoors.

The raised contrast and blacks give the subject more presence. The whites are pushed up while the highlights fall, giving a little more light without overdoing it.

7. Sport Preset (Photonify)

The Photonify Sport Preset can be used for different kinds of sports. This free Lightroom preset doesn’t change the exposure value. It sharpens your images and strengthens clarity, vibrance, and saturation.

It nicely emphasizes the orange parts, which look especially nice on running tracks. It also separates people from the background. So it’s great for enhancing motion.

It makes your sports photos grungy and gives them a dramatic effect. We recommend it for advertising or a smaller photo collection. It takes away from natural colors, so it’s not the best option for documenting a sports event.

8. Skate Lightroom Presets

These are custom-developed Lightroom skateboarding presets from action photographer Forest Dempsy. This FilterGrade pack has 10 different Lightroom presets. So you’ll likely find one that fits your sports image.

These are great for brightening your images and increasing their clarity. Lightening the background draws the viewers’ attention directly to your subject. They work for skateboard photography and more!

9. Light and Bright

As you may have guessed, the Light and Bright Lightroom preset adds light to your scene! This free preset by Exposure Empire pulls more detail from the darker areas. It lowers the strength of the blacks and shadows.

The reduced contrast helps to set the subject in the scene. Raising the saturation and lowering the vibrance keep hints of color without going over the top.

10. Grungy Sports

This Grungy Sports Lightroom preset by Nuugraphics is short and sweet. There are only four adjustments. But they make all the difference to a wonderful sports shot.

The added contrast punches up the subjects, and its high clarity separates them from their stage. But the lack of color is what makes this preset special. Use this free preset for cinematic sports shots where teams or sides don’t need to be clearly defined.

Conclusion: Best Lightroom Sports Presets

Lightroom presets can be used in almost any field of photography. After you select one or multiple images, editing them only takes a few clicks, speeding up your workflow.

You might need to test several Adobe Lightroom presets for your sports photography. Sports are played in many different locations and lighting conditions. So, there is no such thing as one ultimate Lightroom sports preset. But we have given you some top ones!

Many of these Lightroom presets are free, but even the paid ones are affordable and worth the investment. And if you’re a sports photographer who uses Lightroom professionally, you can create your own presets!

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Skateboard Photography (10 Awesome Shooting Techniques)

Dora Jokkel — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 18:00:44 +0000

Skateboard photography is for you if you find skateboarding amazing and watch skateboarders for hours. It’s even better if you want to capture their fun tricks and freeze them in motion! Read on to find out how to become an excellent skateboard photographer.

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10 Skateboard Photography Techniques

Here are 10 tips to help you get authentic skateboarding images and become a successful skateboard photographer.

1. Find the Best Shooting Spot

Scouting for the ideal shooting spot is paramount in skateboard photography. Rather than settling for the obvious, explore your surroundings for unique vantage points. Climb to a spot or crouch down for dynamic shots that capture the skater’s energy.

To truly immerse viewers in the skateboarding experience, consider shooting from the skater’s point of view. This perspective offers an authentic glimpse into the action, showcasing the thrill and intensity of the sport.

Be prepared to get up close and personal with the action. Anticipating and capturing the perfect moment requires courage, agility, and quick reflexes. This can help evoke the raw excitement of the skateboarding culture.

Shot with a Leica M10. 3.4mm, 1/1,000 s, ISO 3,200. Frankie Cordoba (Unsplash)

2. Find the Right Angle for Dynamic Photos

Skateboard photography is all about finding the right camera angles. Forget the one-fits-all approach. Every trick and every skateboard park looks good from a different angle.

Take images of skateboarders from the ground. Low angles work very well for skateboard photography. This perspective adds excitement and increases the height.

Now, try to shoot from above. Photograph while standing on benches or from around the curves. Getting the skater’s front-facing side in the frame is always a good idea.

Watch the skaters doing the trick and snap a few test shots. This will help you learn what angle works well for certain tricks.

Try to avoid using traditional camera perspectives. Skaters are moving around and doing fast tricks, bending their bodies in surreal positions. Your skateboarding photos should convey the same impression.

Shot with a Fujifilm GFX 50R. 50mm, f/3.5, 1/250 s, ISO 100. 和国谢 (Unsplash)

3. Shoot in Shutter Priority Mode to Capture Motion

Like any other action shot, skate photos need a fast shutter speed. This way, you can freeze the skater’s motion and capture the perfect moment.

Shoot in shutter speed priority, so you don’t have to worry about the right aperture. Your camera will adjust according to the chosen shutter speed.

Sometimes, you might want to capture motion blur. For this, you need a slower shutter speed. Experiment with your camera settings and see what results you prefer.

Shot with a Sony a7C II. 158mm, f/2.8, 1/1,600 s, ISO 100. Andrew Lum (Unsplash)

4. Master Manual Focus for Razor-Sharp Skate Photos

In the dynamic world of skate photography, relying solely on autofocus may result in missed opportunities. Instead, use manual focus to ensure precision and clarity in your shots.

Anticipate the skater’s trajectory and pre-focus on a fixed point along their path. It could be a rail or the lip of a ramp. By aligning your focus with the skater’s anticipated movement, you can capture them in sharp detail as they execute their tricks.

Practice your timing and focus adjustments to achieve optimal results. With patience and persistence, manual focus will elevate the quality of your skate photography. It will let you freeze the action with stunning clarity and precision.

Shot with a Sony a7 III. 70mm, f/2.8, 1/1,600 s, ISO 100. Landsmann (Unsplash)

5. Choose a Background That Enhances Your Composition

Think about the background as part of your photography composition. You can keep it clean and tidy and include only the sky, contrasting the sky with your subject.

Separating your subject from the background is always a good idea in skateboarding photography. But it isn’t easy because buildings, colorful graffiti, and poles often surround skate ramps.

You don’t have to exclude all these details to get stunning skate photos. Use them to your advantage. Incorporate interesting props or architectural elements into the frame for depth and context.

Apply composition rules like the rule of thirds and leading lines. Always make sure you draw the viewer’s attention to your subject. It’s tricky to freeze the skaters’ motion while paying attention to photography composition. But with experience, you will get there.

Shot with a Sony a7R V. 24mm, f/4.0, 1/800 s, ISO 200. Anthony Adu (Unsplash)

6. Shoot With a Fisheye Lens for Unique and Wide Scenes

You don’t need a specific camera or gear to capture fantastic skate photos. But a few lens types can improve your images even more.

Try shooting with a fisheye lens. The extreme-wide angle lets you get closer to your subject and still includes a fair amount of the surroundings. The fisheye lens also highlights the curves and shapes of the ramp.

Besides a fisheye lens, you can also use a normal wide-angle or a telephoto. The latter helps you emphasize the skater and separate them from the background.

Shot with a Canon EOS 60D. 10mm, f/10, 1/250 s, ISO 400. Joakim Honkasalo (Unsplash)

7. Get to Know and Work With Skateboarders

Getting to know the skaters is one of the most important jobs of a skateboard photographer. Introduce yourself and ask if it’s okay to photograph them while they’re skating.

Some people can feel put off by a camera. And you don’t want anyone to get injured because of your presence. Ask the skaters about their tricks and where they are heading.

With skateboard photography, you have the advantage of being able to talk to your subjects. Discuss the angle you’ll shoot from so you won’t be in their way.

Also, getting to know the skate park’s community is good. This lets you take more personal photos and tell visual stories.

If you are serious about skateboard photography, you should be an active community member. This could help you land photography gigs at local skateboard competitions or practices.

Shot with a Sony a7. 50mm, f/1.8, 1/640 s, ISO 100. Hector Reyes (Unsplash)

8. Focus on Skateboarding Details to Tell a Story

You often hear not to cut off your subjects’ heads or limbs, which is sound advice. Full-body skater photos are best. But it’s also good if you don’t ignore capturing other details in the skateboard culture.

First, focus on the skateboards. They often have a unique design. You can also snap photos of the skater’s apparel and accessories. (Our Macro Magic course offers great tips on shooting amazing close-ups.)

Take photos of the skateboard park and the ramp. Capture the surroundings to convey the atmosphere and the vibe of the spot. Also, photograph the skaters’ relationships with each other. They are often more than good friends and usually consider each other family.

Focusing on details like this lets you tell a story with your photos. You can even create a photo or documentary series with your skateboarding photography. Photo projects like this are great to submit to magazines.

Shot with a Sony a7 IV. 35mm, f/1.4 , 1/4,000 s, ISO 100. Bailey Burton (Unsplash)

9. Be Creative and Experiment for Unique Results

Skateboarding is about breaking the rules of gravity. And photographing skaters is not about sticking to conventional rules.

Be creative. Try new compositions, angles, or depths of field. Experiment with lenses, camera settings, or even external flashes. Try shooting in different lighting conditions.

Don’t settle once you’re comfortable with certain shooting conditions. Skateboarding is always evolving, and so should your skateboard photography.

Shot with colorful powder and a Canon 70D. 50.0mm, ƒ/2.2, 1/8,000s, ISO 100. Pfüder (Pexels)

10. Read Skater Blogs and Follow Skaters for Inspiration

You need sources of new ideas and inspiration to keep improving your skateboard photography. Read skater magazines and blogs to stay up-to-date about new tricks and apparel.

Follow skaters and skateboarding-related accounts on Instagram or other social media. Get inspired by the photos and videos.

This is a great way to find new concepts for your images. It’s also an excellent opportunity to learn and better understand skateboarding culture. To begin with, look at the work of the best sports photographers for inspiration.

Shot with a Sony a7 II. 111mm, f/11, 1/250 s, ISO 100. Tommaso Poletti

Conclusion: Skateboard Photography

Skateboarding photography is part of the sports photography genre. But it’s so diverse that you can specialize in capturing skaters and even make a living!

Our most important advice is to learn and understand the skateboarding culture. Learn the tricks skaters perform, how they dress, and how they see the world. Get to know the skaters and communicate with them during a photoshoot.

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8 High-Speed Photography Tips for Cool Trick & Action Photos

Chris Corradino — Mon, 04 May 2020 14:09:27 +0000

If you’re looking to add a bit of excitement to your photography, then high-speed photography may be just what you need. Our article discusses eight tips for taking great high-speed photos. So, if you want to learn more about high-speed photography, keep reading!

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8 High-Speed Photography Tips

We start with an example you can try at home. We then move on to high-speed photography tips you can use with sports, pets, and any other action photography you may encounter.

1. Practice High-Speed Photography at Home

Start with the basics at home before shooting fast-moving animals, motorbikes, or motorsports. Practice splashing objects or popping balloons. These are the best ways to understand high-speed photography.

You only need a few things to get started:

A digital camera

A tripod or two very stable hands

A subject like a glass full of water or a balloon filled with paint

At least one wireless external flash, like the Godox V860III

A black backdrop, like a black cardboard sheet or anything that won’t reflect light

Colored gels and a camera remote (both optional)

It’s best to have something that creates the action, like fruit dropping into the water or a needle popping the balloon. Having a helper can be useful for these high-speed photography sessions.

The good news is that most modern digital cameras are suitable for high-speed photography. To capture a fast-moving subject, you have two basic options. You can shorten the shutter speed time or use a flash that minimally illuminates the subject.

Remember to have enough light as you increase your shutter speed. Always think about the exposure triangle. If you change one of the variables, you must balance the other two.

The speed and direction of your subject also influence the settings. So, how should you start?

Shot with a Fujifilm GXS100S. 200mm, f/6.4., 1/800 s, ISO 1,600. Engin Akyurt (Unsplash)

How to Take High-Speed Photos at Home

You must shoot in a dark room with a narrow aperture and Bulb mode for high-speed photos with fruit or balloons. You don’t want any extra light to influence your photograph.

Set your subject in front of a black backdrop and position your camera. Set up your external flash to point towards the subject’s side. Keep the flash out of your viewfinder.

Put your camera in a manual mode. This way, you can control the aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. Use the lowest ISO possible. Start with 100 and only increase it if your flash doesn’t provide enough light.

You want to use a small aperture for the largest depth of field. Set the power of your external flash to the lowest. The reason for that is simple—the less power your flash uses, the shorter the flash duration.

This is the key to high-speed photography indoors. The less power you use, the more you can freeze your scene. Shutter speed is not even critical here because your flash is making the exposure.

First, take a shot without the flashes. You should get a completely black image. If not, change the ISO or the aperture until you get a black photo.

Then turn on your flashes and start taking some test shots. You can still adjust the flash duration. Set your camera on Burst mode to get more chances for a good photo.

Remember, you need a bit of luck for high-speed photography. It takes a while until you get your first perfect shot. Keep trying until you feel comfortable with the settings at home, and then take it to the next level.

Shot with a Nikon D7200. 105mm, f/18., 1/250 s. Ralph Mayhew (Unsplash)

2. Choose the Right Lens

High-speed photography outdoors means preparing for lots of action. A sporting event is the most common example. You can’t get very close to the moving subjects most of the time, so using the right lens is very important.

Even from the bleachers, it’s possible to capture frame-filling action shots. The most helpful photography equipment for sports photography is a longer lens. You can cover the entire field from your seat with a telephoto zoom between 70 and 300mm.

This lets you photograph subjects that are further away. It also means you won’t have to jockey for a place in the front row. You may even want to stand higher from the playing surface to get a different perspective.

For the best options, read our full article on the best lenses for action photography. We also have posts recommending the best Canon, Nikon, and Sony Lenses for sports photography.

You are often prohibited from using flash because it can disturb the participants’ attention. If you’re not using a flash, adjust the exposure triangle.

Shot with a Canon EOS 5D Mark III. 100mm, f/6.7, 1/2,000 s, ISO 400. Jim Weatherford (Unsplash)

3. Use a Fast Shutter Speed to Avoid Blur

You must set the shutter speed very fast when photographing any high-action scenarios. I took many of my favorite action sports shots at 1/500 s. It’s quick enough to freeze an athlete sprinting down a field without showing any motion blur.

It’s essential to understand how a fast shutter speed affects your exposure. Since the shutter is only briefly open, it does not let much light reach the sensor. A raised ISO, along with a wider aperture like f/4.0, helps to compensate.

A lightning-fast shutter speed like 1/1000 s lets us pause life. Thanks to advanced camera technology, we capture instances that the human eye can’t catch. I use this setting for the heart-pounding action at air shows or extreme sports.

To get a sense of how fast this is, a 1/1000 s shutter speed freezes the spinning blades of an industrial-strength room fan. It also stops an F-22 jet as it zooms past at 500 miles per hour.

Shot with a Sony a7 IV. 400mm, f/6.3., 1/3,200 s, ISO 320. Isaac (Unsplash)

4. Use a Wide Aperture for a Shallow Depth of Field

Have you ever flipped through the pages of any sports magazine? You’ll notice that the players are in sharp focus, but sports fans in the back are out of focus. As such, it’s possible to freeze the action.

If you are serious about sports or high-speed photography, a lens that opens to f/2.8 is worth the investment. You may even hear people refer to them as “fast lenses.” This describes the speed at which the wide aperture lets light into the camera.

Set your lens to the widest possible aperture. Depending on your specific lens, this is likely between f/2.8 and f/5.6. This throws the background out of focus, bringing full attention to the players.

You don’t want details in the distance to distract from the action. Besides creating a shallow depth of field, a wide aperture lets in a great deal of light. This helps to achieve proper exposure even in areas with poor light.

Shot with a Sony a7 II. 85mm, f/1.8., 1/2,000 s, ISO 2,000. Jonathan Chng (Unsplash)

5. Use the ISO to Your Advantage

You may be surprised to learn that a high ISO can even be helpful on a bright, sunny day. If you photograph sports, the shutter speed can be no slower than 1/500 s to prevent subject motion. As noted before, you’ll also use a wide aperture around f/2.8.

After making these two decisions, you may take your photo only to find it too dark. This is where ISO comes to the rescue. Double the ISO number and watch as the photo gets brighter. Do you still need more light? Double the ISO again.

This way, you incorporate ISO control into your image-making process. The exposure is no longer limited only to aperture and shutter speed. Using this new technical knowledge also increases your photo opportunities.

With the ability to shoot anywhere, the possibilities are almost endless. Use the ISO to your advantage, and you’ll see a definitive improvement in your craft. Problematic scenes that were once too dark are now well within your reach.

Shot with a Canon EOS R. 45mm, f/6.3, 1/3,200 s, ISO 400. Greg Rosenke (Unsplash)

6. Keep Focus With Continous Focusing Modes

Most digital cameras feature continuous focusing. This is also known as AI Servo with Canon cameras or Continuous AF with Nikon. These autofocus modes let you track moving subjects.

Keep your center focusing point on the subject with your shutter held halfway down. You can follow the object through your viewfinder, and the camera will adjust focus automatically.

When you are ready to make an image, press the shutter all the way down. As mentioned, you can even change the burst mode from “single shot” to the continuous high-speed option. This offers more frames per second to capture even the fastest action.

Try to anticipate the action for snapping the best photo possible. Be ready to shoot one second earlier than the actual action.

Shot with a Sony a7 IV. 136mm, f/5.0, 1/2,000 s, ISO 500. Wolfgang Hasselmann (Unsplash)

7. Choose the Best Photo File Format

Shoot in RAW format whenever possible for the best control and photo quality. If you are short on memory cards, you may want to consider shooting in the Large or Fine JPEG format. This lets you fit more images on the card than RAW.

There are some fast-paced situations in which shooting RAW is not possible. For sports photography, I prefer the JPEG Large or Fine setting. This affords a bigger buffer size, making it possible to shoot more frames before filling it up.

For example, a modern DSLR can shoot 31 RAW shots consecutively but a whopping 1090 in JPEG. This is a huge advantage for those who never want to miss a moment. By starting with a JPEG file, you also cut the extra step of RAW photo processing when you get home.

With all this fast-paced action, you need many memory cards. I used to bring a portable hard drive and download the card’s contents while continuing to shoot. This is no longer necessary, as large-capacity cards of 128 GB (and higher) are now reasonably priced.

Shot with a Nikon D7100. 135mm, f/4.8., 1/2,000 s, ISO 400. Christopher Puma (Unsplash)

8. Try the Rule of Thirds for Better Composition

When you look through your camera’s viewfinder, you see a faint outline showing the center of the frame. This is how people learn to compose their pictures. They aim, center their subject, and capture a photo.

Many composition rules work. But you can definitely produce artistic photo results using the rule of thirds.

The balance is off in the picture below, but it’s still striking. The key to making this work is the direction the quarterback is looking. Having his head facing the open space, we witness the play unfolding.

The surroundings outside the frame are a mystery, leaving us to wonder what happens next. Had the player been centered, none of this drama would exist, and the image would be much more static.

Shot with a Canon EOS Rebel T6i. 50mm, f/2.8., 1/4,000 s, ISO 100. João Victor Xavier (Unsplash)

Conclusion: High-Speed Photography

High-speed photography is about finding the ideal settings and capturing the right second. The tips above can help you start practicing and improving your skills.

High-speed photography is one of the topics we cover in our creative photography course, Wow Factor Photography. Below are some of the photos taken by our students. If you’d like to learn more, check out the course here.

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Wow Factor Photography

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Learn to create stunning images with simple, affordable gear.
Gain access to 30 unique, creative photography projects.
Benefit from detailed behind-the-scenes setup and execution training.