Keep Your Gear Safe
So far, we have discussed what the best settings are for taking photos of high-speed action, what gear you can use, and how the best photo editors for Mac and Windows help you create amazing photos. What we haven’t mentioned, however, is that you also need to protect your gear while you’re taking such photos.
Motorsports = Chances of Damage
A sporting event where even the spectators can sometimes get hurt is not good news for delicate camera equipment. If you’re just taking photos from faraway stands with a telephoto lens, then great. But if you’re nearer to the action and have an expensive camera with an expensive lens on it, you need to take precautions to keep your stuff safe from damage. If nothing else, the dust particles flying around at light speeds can cause havoc to the front glass of your precious lens.
So, what are some ways to make sure your gear stays safe?
- Use a UV Filter
Using a UV filter on the front of your lens will ensure that even if something hits the lens, the glass doesn’t get damaged. It’s like adding a glass screen protector on your phone. In case of a fall, the protector will break, sure, but your screen will remain pristine and scratchless most of the time.
- Use a Telephoto Lens
As previously mentioned, using a telephoto lens means that you don’t have to be too close to the action in the first place. You can stand at a safe distance and use a fast telephoto lens to take great shots without putting your stuff in danger.
- Use a Lens Hood
If the UV filter is a glass screen protector, the lens hood is kind of the protective case for your lens. Other than providing shade from the sun and mitigating glare in your photos, a lens hood also offers a sort of protective layer for the front lens element in case something comes flying at your camera from a weird angle that you can’t see.
So, with these simple three techniques, you can add a layer of safety to your gear instead of putting it directly in the line of fire while taking photos of a motorsport event.