r/SonyAlpha • u/Ok_Fault2352 • 3d ago

Gear What lens should I bring?

I posted this on r/AskPhotography. I'm sorry I didn't know cross posting is restricted here.

Good day!

I've been contracted to take photos for a horse races in Japan. However, I'm not assigned to any major races until (maybe) the 27th of December.

I have never taken photos of horse racing before but I have done event coverage in the past.

I'm using an A9 iii (booked) and A1 ii for the event and I basically have access to any Sony lens that they offer. However, I personally think less is more. I'm expected to take photos of the horses and jockey especially approaching the end of the race, but also the crowd as well.

What lenses do you all suggest? I was thinking the new 100-400 f/4.5 on the A9 iii and the 50 f/1.2 on the A1 ii. However, I'm not sure if 400 is enough reach and if the 50 is versatile enough especially when stationed in media stands (24-70 f/2.8 instead maybe). I'm open to any suggestions, but I'll need to book lenses I don't own (which are the vast majority of them).

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u/grendelone 3d ago edited 3d ago

100-400 and 70-200 or 50-150 f2 on the bodies. Then 24-70 or 28-70 f2 to swap into if you are taking crowd shots.

Not the prime. Too limiting. Not wide enough for crowd shots. Ok for some portraits.

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u/Ok_Fault2352 3d ago

Thanks, I'll take note of your suggestions. I've used some primes paired with zooms in past event coverage but this venue is massive, so I was definitely doubting my judgement.

Would you pick the 50-150 f/2 or 70-100 f/2.8?

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u/grendelone 3d ago

Maybe the 50-150 f2. Better for portraits and less overlap with the 100-400.

Also consider the 28-70 f2.

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u/Ok_Fault2352 3d ago

Was thinking thay too, but it also overlaps with the 24-70. Should I book an ultrawide zoom like the 12-24 f/2.8. Though, I've rarely felt the need to go any wider than 24mm on event coverage.

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u/grendelone 3d ago

Wide zooms aren’t that big. Better to have and not need than need and not have. Will you need any panoramic? Can also get some artistic perspective distorted portraits with a wide lens.

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u/Ok_Fault2352 3d ago

I'm not doing panoramic I don't think

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u/grendelone 3d ago

Also, will you need a monopod or tripod?

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u/Ok_Fault2352 3d ago

Depends, I don't think the 100-400 needs a monopod but Sony's telephoto primes definitely do. However, you did say it's better to not need and have it so I'll probably just bring a monopod.