I've been asked to take some photos at a local MMA event. I've never done anything like this before. Flash or no flash? What about lens selection?
Any and all advice and recommendations will be appreciated.
My fastest lens is a 24-70 f/2.8.
Thanks
No flash, it's not permitted. My main lens octagonside is a 70-200f2.8, although I also have a second body with a 24-70 on it as well...the 24-70 shows too much cage, presuming if it's in a cage, if it's not, then you will be fine with the 24-70...
You can see examples of mma shots HERE on my site if you wish...
I've shot a few events myself. The dynamic from shooting a "big event" vs a smaller regional show is a night and day proposition. If you're working in lighting akin to the dungeons I frequent, a zoom won't cut it.
I'm curious about this too, but at more of a fan level. I have tickets to go to a UFC event and I was curious what their policy was to bringing in DSLR cameras, and with non ringside floor seats what type of lens I should be bringing with me.
You'll find yourself back at your car dropping off equipment if you try a stunt like that. Rule of thumb- if it has a detachable lens, it's "professional equipment" and won't be allowed in. And even if you made it past security, you wouldn't take any worthwhile shots justifying the risk from the distance you're talking about.
I had no intention of bringing it if it was against policy, but since the tickets just went on sale there is nothing posted about camera policy. I'm on the floor in row C, so I'm not super far back, but I didn't intend to spend all night trying to take pictures and miss the event either... maybe I will just pick up a powershot g10/g11 or a lumix lx3.
Actually it depends on the arena and teams/leagues policy. I routinely see slr's in the stands when covering NHL games some with 70-200's on them, as well as at MLB games. I don't see them quite as much at NFL games. I see them all the time at fight's.
I will say UFC is very strict on their photo policies, you may get one in to the weigh-in, but they may be stricter at the fight. Check the arena's website as a starting point...
If you are shooting a local MMA event, you should check with the promoter of the event about the flash. I shoot for a group that does not mind. I typically don't use it very much since I like shooting ambient sports unless I am strobing with my AB's.
Shoot wide open and get right against the fence...
I shoot with a 24-70 2.8L as well as a 70-200 2.8L for the shots across the ring. A 50mm 1.8 is a good lens also.
I never, EVER shoot with a flash, nor do I shoot with the 24-70, the 70-200, or even the "nifty-fifty". I like to think I do ok though, whether it's boxing, kickboxing, MMA or BJJ.
rprouty,
Your 24-70 will work well if you have your lens right up on the fence like said in the above replys, just try and get your lens in the center of the fence opening the best you can, if you use the 70-200 you won't have to work as hard keeping the fence invisible. Try and keep your shutter speed 400 or better of course that will depended what kind of light you have and how high your camera will go with ISO and clean files.
If you have no fence life will be a whole lot easier in getting shots, in club matches you can get away with a flash if they allow it, bad thing about a flash is the recycle time on flash before your next shot, The most important thing have fun at it and don't stress it will come to you as your shooting. I added a couple photos with a 24-70 and my first time shooting MMA
Realistically you'll be looking at shooting at iso 1600 or even higher. And a final word about flash- it's distracting and potentially dangerous to the fighters. This isn't little kids rolling on a mat, this is grown men fighting with small gloves. If it's so dark that you can't shoot without it, it's time to move to a bright prime.
Jason. I see that you think a 70-200mm isn't acceptable? Or the 20-70? So....what do you shoot with? I do agree with you about the flash above but with alot of practice you can achieve alot.
Feel free to check out the "school" portion of my site to learn a little more on what I do.
As far as a 70-200, sure that's a fine lens... if you're shooting in a very bright venue from the outside of a catwalk. Likewise with a 24-70; if you're close enough and it's bright enough, sure. Other factors to take in consideration is what size sensor you're shooting with, the highest acceptable ISO your camera has, your position in proximity to the action.
There are a lot of factors to consider here. Size of the cage, lighting, your position and crop factor of your camera. With enough light, right up to the cage and using a 1.6 crop (40d, 50d etc.) you can do well with the 24-70 2.8. I did my last fight with that. If it's a big cage, like ufc size, or you are back a bit, you can do a 70-200 2.8.
Now if you are in the bat cave shooting, like some smaller venues, 2.8 may not cut it even with iso 3200. Try and get a heads up on the lighting and positioning ahead of time and see what you will need.
