Shooting sports pictures calls for single focal length lenses like the four IS USM super telephotos, right? Yes and No. Ever since Canon introduced both the EF 35-350mm f/3.5-5.6L USM and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM zoom lenses, including the popular EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM, which is capable of utilizing both the EF 1.4x and EF 2x extenders, shooting sporting events can be accomplished with this optics without resorting to the L-series super telephoto types. The annual Proton 300 KM Endurance race is one such event where I didn't even have to use any single focal length lens to capture the action. The photos below were all taken with the EF 100-400mm IS USM zoom lens. One of the cars in action (400mm) This one veered off course earlier (400mm)     One of the leading cars (400mm) Overall view of the competing cars (100mm) Despite being the first ever EF lens to offer the IS feature, the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM can still be used for shooting sporting events, particularly motorsports, although it lacks the Mode 2 function that is designed for capturing moving subjects via panning techniques. Nevertheless, it can still be used by switching off the IS feature when panning shots are needed. Its 300mm focal length is adequate, especially at certain corners of the racetrack where the action is much closer to the photographers. Formula Asia car in action (300mm) Another one (300mm)     At the pits (200mm)) Umbrella Girls (300mm)) Using zoom lenses is also very effective when shooting candid and other subject matters in and around the circuit and Pitlane areas. Close-up of the two Formula Asia cars is one such example, the group of umbrella girls is another. For both the Proton Endurance and the Formula Asia races, I only need to carry one or two zoom lenses and plenty of film, all nicely stored in the photo vest I was wearing, making it easier to walk around the track without the burden of extra weight. If I had been using single focal length lenses, like one of the four IS USM super telephoto lenses, it was bound to slow me down, like it did when covering the 500 GP bikes and Japan GT Festival. A 300mm or 400mm focal length is adequate for capturing car racing but for GP bikes, nothing less than a 500mm is required as they are smaller in size even when shooting from the same corner as you would say, Formula Asia, Japan GT or Formula One autoracing. << Back to Main . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 .