water ski/tubing lens question

HelvegrHelvegr Registered Users Posts: 246 Major grins
edited June 19, 2013 in Sports
Hi all -

Going to be taking some casual pictures at the lake with people skiing or tubing behind a speedboat. Its been a long time since I've done it myself, so was wondering about the distance. Would a 70-200 be reasonable for some nice shots? What if maybe I added a 1.4x teleconverter? Part of me would love to rent and try a 200-400, but that is unlikely to happen.

Just thought you guys might give me some idea of how long a lens I'd really need. There is probably going to be a fair about of kids, so I'd like to get some good face details and expressions.

thanks!
Camera: Nikon D4
Lenses: Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VR II | Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 | Nikon 50mm f/1.4
Lighting: SB-910 | SU-800

Comments

  • jmphotocraftjmphotocraft Registered Users Posts: 2,987 Major grins
    edited June 12, 2013
    200mm on a 5D2, not cropped very much:

    IMG_9465-X2.jpg

    I wouldn't bother with the TC as the boat moves around quite a bit - you'll want more margin for error than usual to keep the subject in the frame. Shoot first, crop later!
    -Jack

    An "accurate" reproduction of a scene and a good photograph are often two different things.
  • HelvegrHelvegr Registered Users Posts: 246 Major grins
    edited June 15, 2013
    Perfect, thanks for the advice and the example. I'll just stick the the 70-200, sounds like it should get me exactly what I need.
    Camera: Nikon D4
    Lenses: Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VR II | Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 | Nikon 50mm f/1.4
    Lighting: SB-910 | SU-800
  • ian408ian408 Administrators Posts: 21,939 moderator
    edited June 17, 2013
    Helvegr wrote: »
    Perfect, thanks for the advice and the example. I'll just stick the the 70-200, sounds like it should get me exactly what I need.

    That will be perfect.
    Moderator Journeys/Sports/Big Picture :: Need some help with dgrin?
  • MitchellMitchell Registered Users Posts: 3,503 Major grins
    edited June 19, 2013
    It depends on the length of your rope, but in general, the 70-200mm on your D4 will work well. I use this lens routinely on an FX body for water skiing and tubing photos with good results. Some cropping is needed for most decent skiers, but my 300mm is just a bit too long and heavy to use on a fast moving boat.

    Here's one from last week.

    61513-7-L.jpg
    Mitch
    http://clearwaterphotography.smugmug.com/
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