We’re back at the 2012 Austin Rodeo again today. I shot quite a few tightly-cropped shots of the bull riders last year using a rented 300mm f/2.8 lens. Looking back, I’m not sure whether I would rent this lens again, though, since the focal length isn’t long enough to get really tight on the riders’ faces but is too long to get the rider and the bull or horse most of the time.
With the lighting in the arena being so poor, fast glass is absolutely required here. Maybe if I have money to spare, I’ll look into trying a 400mm f/2.8 this year or perhaps I’ll stick with the trusty 70-200mm f/2.8 instead. I have about three or four weeks to think about this before this year’s rodeo opens!
Edit Later: Duh! Looking at the EXIF, I see I shot this with the 70-200mm after all. Oh well, I guess I should have used the 300mm to get in tighter after all
Dave,
That is a pretty cool picture of the bullrider. I have been shooting rodeos, barrels, and outdoor action sports for about 20 years now. I would suggest going back to the 70-200/2.8L and staying away from the 400/2.8. I find it very easy (and affordable) to just throw a 2x teleconverter on my 70-200 if I want to get any closer and by shooting the 70-200 I am also able to compose my pics quicker and be more flexible when shooting rodeos. Feel free to look over my work (www.ronhavard.zenfolio.com) and if you woul dlike to talk shop one day feel free to reach me at anytime. (I am just south of you in Cibolo/Schertz, TX.)
Have a great season
Ron Havard
678-457-3911
Ron,
Thanks for your comment. For outdoor rodeo, I do exactly what you suggest – the 2x teleconverter does a great job. In the arena in Austin, however, the light levels are so low that this won’t work. I can’t get a high enough shutter speed at f/2.8 and ISO6400 so losing another 2 stops with the teleconverter just wouldn’t be an option unless all I wanted to capture were lots if motion-blurred images. This year, I stuck with the 70-200 and the results were fine so I think I’ll stay with that for now (but look for some local rodeos with better lighting!).
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