The Application of Ultra-Telephoto Lenses In Sports Photography

Ultra-telephoto lenses usually refer to lenses with a focal length of more than 300mm, with unique optical characteristics and long-distance capture capabilities. They are the “best partner” of sports photographers and can help photographers highlight the details and tension of high-speed motion without interfering with sports competitions.

1.Advantages of ultra-telephoto lenses in sports photography

In sports photography, ultra-telephoto lenses have advantages that cannot be ignored:

Has high-speed freezing capability

The ultra-telephoto lens, combined with a large aperture and high shutter speed (≥1/2000 seconds), can solidify the athlete’s muscle lines, splashing and other moments. For example, in a swimming competition, the 800mm lens can capture the details of water droplets that splash when the player touches the wall.

Can compress space and highlight the body

Ultra-telephoto lenses can create space compression effects, blur the messy background, allowing athletes to stand out from the crowd. For example, when shooting marathon runners with a 400mm lens, the background audience can turn into color blocks, enhancing the narrative sense of running alone.

Able to cross distance limits

In some large-scale competition venues, photographers cannot get close to athletes, and using ultra-telephoto lenses (such as 400mm) can pull the subject closer to capture the moments of shooting or scrambling in the penalty area. For example, in the World Cup, sideline photographers often use 600mm and f/4 lenses to shoot saves in front of the goal.

Advantages of ultra-telephoto lenses in sports photography

2.Common application scenarios of ultra-telephoto lenses in sports photography

In sports photography, ultra-telephoto lenses mainly have the following application scenarios:

Track and field shooting

The flexibility of the ultra-telephoto lens makes it suitable for a variety of motion scenarios. For example, in sports events such as football and basketball, ultra-telephoto lenses can help photographers take the players’ delicate movements and expressions from outside the field, while avoiding the safety risks of entering the competition venue. For example, when shooting skiing, using an ultra-telephoto lens can compress the background of snow mountain to capture the silhouette of the athlete flipped in the air.

Ball sports shooting

The ultra-telephoto lens can bring the distance to the sports scene, allowing the photographer to clearly capture the movements and expressions of athletes on the distance competition field.

For example, in football games, a 400mm lens can be used to capture athletes’ headers in the penalty area, and a 600mm lens can be used to capture the goalkeeper’s expressions and gestures when saving. In baseball, the ultra-telephone aims at the moment of the match between the pitcher and the batsman, which can capture the deformation of the ball when it is hit (the shutter takes more than 1/4000 seconds).

Ultra-telephoto lenses are often used to shoot ball movements

Racing and motorcycle racing shooting

Ultra-telephoto lenses are usually equipped with high-speed automatic focus systems that can lock targets and capture dynamic moments in a short time, and maintain clear images during high-speed motion. For example, in motorsports, a 600mm lens can be used to capture the spark of tire deformation and friction between the ground when the car turns.

Water sports shooting

The space compression function of the ultra-telephoto lens is also very suitable for shooting water sports. For example, use a 600mm lens to capture the splash of water when a swimmer turns and stomp on the wall, or the moment a surfer passes through the wave tube. During rowing competitions, shooting the formation changes of the fleet racing from the shore can compress the water surface and highlight the competitive tension.

Ultra-telephoto lenses are also suitable for shooting water sports

Air sports shooting

Ultra-telephoto lenses are also suitable for shooting air movements and locking in three-dimensional space. For example, using a focal length above 400mm to photograph an aerial formation can avoid wide angles causing too small subjects. Using ultra-telephoto tracking of high-speed flying drones can demonstrate their precise control of crossing obstacles.

Fighting and fighting shooting

In sports photography, ultra-telephoto lenses not only capture the athlete’s overall movements, but also highlight their facial expressions and subtle movements by pulling closer to the perspective. Ultra-telephoto lenses capture fighting and fighting sports, emphasizing the showdown of power.

For example, using a 300mm lens can capture muscle tension and sweat splashes when boxers swing their punches, and using a 600mm lens can highlight the athlete’s face when exercising.

In short, ultra-telephoto lenses are widely used in sports photography. Whether professional photographers or amateurs, they can record the most exciting moments in sports scenes through ultra-telephoto lenses. Of course, photographers also need to master relevant technology and choose suitable equipment to deal with different shooting scenes.