Ideal lens for taking pics of runners ?

[BR00KSIE]

Hi all.

Just wondering what would be the ideal lens to use for taking pics of runners? (Am relatively new to DSLR's and am really the only person who cares about pics of my athletics club)

I'm currently using a Nikon D90 with the AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105mm F/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens which came with the camera.

Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks.

[OldBoy]

That depends on how close you are to the runners. If at the side of the track then the lens you have should be able to do what you want. Make sure you select a shutter speed of 1/500 second or 1/1000 to freeze the action. If you are taking the pictures in low light, and you are close to the track then a Nikon 50mm F1.8 at about £114 will serve you well. Practice panning with the camera, that is focus on one of the runners before they reach your position, and keeping the focus point on the runner as he moves towards you and press the shutter to take the shot, but still keep the focus point on the runner as he moves past you. It takes a bit of practice but you will soon pick it up.

If you are further from the track then consider the Nikon 70-300mm Lens at £424.

[jinky]

It really depends on the shots you want. I do some pictures for BUPA Great Runs and always use my 70-200 2.8 lens for that but the request there is for full body or chest head shots that clearly show numbers on chests for print orders. I usually find I am shooting at 1/250th to 1/500th second in F4 for dof but they are coming at me. As OldBoy says if you are wanting to be more creative nothing beats a bit of panning and up closer the 50mm gives you great shots and variety optins with its depth of field potential.

[BR00KSIE]

Thank you for the advice.
Much appreciated.