Best lens for tennis + tips?

[Chris102]

Has anyone here ever done tennis matches before? I'll be doing a high school match in a few days and have no experience photographing this sport before.

I have the 70-200 f/2.8 and 70-300 f/4-5.6L IS, but I'm not sure which to use. The 70-2 always seems much sharper and its product always looks far superior to that of the 70-3, but I'm thinking I'll need that extra 100mm. I'm assuming the IS (or lack thereof) isn't going to help much as I'll be at high shutter speeds. I'll have my wide angle on my backup body and I don't feel like taking my whole arsenal along. Any suggestions on this?

I've never done tennis before, but I've heard it's one of the most difficult sports to shoot. I've ordered a book on tennis photography and am hoping it arrives soon!

[megatop412]

Eric got some really nice stuff at the US Open last year, hopefully he'll chime in

[megatop412]

http://nycaviation.com/forum/threads/44075-US-Open-2012

[eric8669]

Hey Chris,

Yes I shoot a lot of US Open Tennis and mostly use my 70-200 2.8 but from time to time use my 100-400. keep your shutter speeds high and shoot wide open.
http://southpawcaptures.com/sports/tennis/

I also shoot a lot of H.S sports these days and tennis is hard because I'm not allowed to shoot the actual matches only warmups and practice. I'm close enough though that the 70-200 is plenty.

PM me any questions you may have.

Eric

[Chris102]

Hey Eric,

Thanks for your reply. You have some great shots of the US Open! I'll send you a PM to chat.