Rugby set up

gibtheo

gibtheo

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Steven
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Just wondering what would be people's recommended camera and lens set up to cover rugby?

I'm currently just using a 7D2 and 70-200 2.8, generally if I sit just a few metres to the side of the posts I can get a decent shot of a try being scored on either side. Some of the guys around here 'chase the game', though with rugby league I guess it's a bit more predictable, you know after a turn over that the team is probably going to at least get through a few tackles, so a quick sprint down the side line will mean you get something. I don't really bother though I normally just stay still.

If I had 2 bodies on the go (crop as well), what lens would you ideally stick on the other one? 300mm? 400mm?

Cheers.
 
When i shot Rugby League i used a D4 with a Nikon 400mm f/2.8 VR with a 1.4x attached regardless of it being day or night under lights and the second body was a D3S with 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII with a 1.4x during the day and bare under lights, 3rd body was a D800 with either a 16-35mm f/4 VR or a 28-75mm f/2.8, positining similar to blue marlin above depending on how many togs there, i dont hame many RL galleries online anymore but some here

http://gcphotography9757.zenfolio.com/p905141336

http://gcphotography9757.zenfolio.com/p505862736

http://gcphotography9757.zenfolio.com/p473311127

http://gcphotography9757.zenfolio.com/p16731032

http://gcphotography9757.zenfolio.com/p962875804

http://gcphotography9757.zenfolio.com/p153932268
 
Not in the same league kit wise, as some of the guys. I've been using a D7200 and a Tamron F2.8 70-200 & a
D7000 and a Tamron 150-600, and sit half way between corner flag & post
 
Thanks guys. Nice galleries Gary, you always nail your white balance, that is something I need to improve on.

Those who use a 400 or longer lens are you using that to get try's at the further side of the try line? Or sticking to the 70-200 to cover all of the try line? I would have thought swapping bodies if they cut inside would mean missing a few shots with the speed they are at in those areas?

I really want to get a longer lens to get more out of rugby (and football), but I'm not in a position to buy a 400 at the mo, I'm just trying to think of other options whilst I save! I get pretty good coverage with a 70-200 (IMO!) but I'd like to improve and I think a longer lens would help.

Also, does anyone know if it is the done thing to chase the game in the UK? I did a bit of work with an agency here in Aus and due to only having a 70-200 they stuck me in one spot and told me not move, whilst a couple of the other guys ran around like lunatics up and down the line, through the interchange bench area, wherever the hell they liked! When I was collecting stock at the start of the season I did a bit of running around but now I don't bother so much, unless one team is getting hammered then I'll move. Restrictions on moving around seem a lot looser at RL compared to football.
 
Yea sure! It's winter here, 21 degrees, there are people walking the streets with coats, hats and scarves on!! Seriously though, looks a beastly lens but is it only useable in the sun?
 
I wouldn't use it on any pro sports, more keep sakes for the lower league clubs for bar talk :-)
 
I used to shoot sunday morning rugby for a club, so that makes it easier. You choose the side your team is attacking to get the players faces, didn't care about the other team. When I was shooting events and needed all player shots then I stayed the same sides and moved around the lower third. Always found it fun to get a before match team shot and another after the match, especially if muddy, but if you get it agreed before hand and get in quick after the handshakes, the expressions of winners and losers are obvious.

Between the posts and the corner flag is a good position , so the players are running towards you. For this my 100-400 was perfect, switching to a second body with 24-105 for the close stuff.
From this position you can walk around the corner flag along the touchline about a third of the pitch. From here you can shoot the players with the parents/supporters in the background, always good getting their expressions, shouting etc. If shooting from the touchline I used a 70-200 at f2.8 if I wanted to isolate players, or a greater depth of field if they were on the other touchline near the crowd.

Hope this helps
 
Don't bother chasing the game. You will get knackered and not achieve a lot.
 
Only ever met 2 guys who chase the game, Maurice Jones who sadly passed away a couple of years age, the most gentle of gentlemen ive probably ever met in my life, Maurice was affectionatley known as the runner, the other im sure most RL togs will know from the following description, a genuine numpty, often running the width of the field behind the try line with his Canon and 70-200mm set up which he had zero idea how to use properly. watching him try to get his pics edited and uploaded was also a real treat, no idea how to use photoshop or a laptop,was and probably still is the biggest pain ever to be given accreditation as he usually gave his stuff away, mind you, nobody in their right mind would have paid for the total dross he produced.
 
3 bodies - 24-70 or 16-35 on one in case the celebrate right in front of you, and then a 70-200 and a 400 both 2.8. As Gary, I commonly added a 1.4x to the 400 especially if at Twickenham where there are deep try zones. If only 2 bodies, then 70-200 and 400.

I'd normally be near the corner flag behind the try line.

I'd shoot a try in the other corner with the long lens - usually not as successfully as those who were in that corner obviously.

Oddly, some of my best shots have come from the touchline on the 22. Not many people lurk around there so it's possible to get some unique pictures as opposed to fighting everyone else in the corners.

I have run up & down the touchline following the play, but it's knackering and normally you're behind the play unless you know absolutely what you are doing. Dave Rogers of Getty is an excellent example of how to do this.
 
Gary Coyle said:
Only ever met 2 guys who chase the game, Maurice Jones who sadly passed away a couple of years age, the most gentle of gentlemen ive probably ever met in my life, Maurice was affectionatley known as the runner, the other im sure most RL togs will know from the following description, a genuine numpty, often running the width of the field behind the try line with his Canon and 70-200mm set up which he had zero idea how to use properly. watching him try to get his pics edited and uploaded was also a real treat, no idea how to use photoshop or a laptop,was and probably still is the biggest pain ever to be given accreditation as he usually gave his stuff away, mind you, nobody in their right mind would have paid for the total dross he produced.
Click to expand...

a very good decription
 
You know we're going to watching out for the numpty on Sky now!!
At least I am ;)
 
Lardyc7 said:
You know we're going to watching out for the numpty on Sky now!!
At least I am ;)
Click to expand...

can't name name's but sometimes he has a small "table" for his laptop & an umbrella if it's wet........!! ;)

Sorry gonna edit this cos though he is as Gary & Blue Merlin describe he does genuanly love Rugby League :snaphappy:, & does offer some entertainment to a game?, unlike she who must not be named!! :muted: :schtum:.
 
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I would like to see this table/umbrella setup.
 
Gary im going to bill you for my laptop as ive just nearly spat tea all over it!!!! :)
 
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