Master Autofocus Settings

Switch to continuous autofocus (AF-C) to track moving subjects effectively. Sports often involve unpredictable movements, and this setting ensures your subject stays in focus. Many modern cameras have advanced autofocus modes that track specific players or objects. Learn to use zone-focusing or subject-tracking options to enhance your accuracy.

For even better results, use back-button focusing, which allows you to separate focusing from the shutter release. This technique prevents unnecessary refocusing between shots and gives you greater control when tracking fast-moving athletes.

Another essential tool is customisable autofocus sensitivity settings. Some sports require the autofocus to respond instantly (such as basketball or boxing), while others, like long-distance running, may allow a slightly slower response to prevent jittery focusing. Experimenting with different AF sensitivity settings can make a big difference in achieving consistently sharp images.

Understanding how autofocus points work is also crucial. Many modern cameras have multiple focus points, but choosing the right mode (single point, zone, or wide area) depends on the sport. For example, tracking a single runner might work best with dynamic single-point AF, while capturing a group of cyclists could benefit from wide-area AF.

A great example of how crucial autofocus settings are is my experience as an official photographer at the British Flyball Championships, one of the fastest dog sports to photograph. With dogs sprinting at high speeds, making split-second turns, and leaping over hurdles, achieving sharp images was a challenge. 90% of shots would have been out of focus without the correct autofocus settings. By using continuous autofocus with high-speed tracking and adjusting the AF sensitivity to respond instantly to changes in movement, I was able to capture crisp, in-focus images of dogs in full flight. Events like this reinforce the importance of knowing your camera’s autofocus capabilities and fine-tuning settings for the best results.

Practice with different autofocus settings in various sports environments to build confidence in selecting the most effective mode for each situation. The more familiar you become with your camera’s autofocus capabilities, the better you’ll be at capturing crisp, in-focus action shots.

Take Advantage of Natural Light

Whenever possible, use natural light to highlight the action. If shooting indoors or under low-light conditions, adjust ISO settings and use fast lenses to maintain quality. Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers soft lighting that enhances outdoor shots. For indoor sports, fast prime lenses with wide apertures can make a significant difference.

Choosing the Right Gear

Using the right equipment is essential for capturing fast-paced action in sports photography. I rely on the Sony A9-II, a specialist sports camera capable of shooting up to 20 frames per second and refocusing 60 times per second. This advanced autofocus system ensures I never miss a crucial moment, even in the most unpredictable conditions.

Pairing the A9-II with Sony’s professional G-Master lenses enhances precision and clarity. These lenses provide fast autofocus, excellent sharpness, and wide apertures (e.g., f/2.8), making them ideal for capturing sports in varying lighting conditions. A wide aperture also helps create a shallow depth of field, isolating athletes from distracting backgrounds and emphasizing the action.

Beyond the camera and lenses, accessories like a monopod improve stability while maintaining mobility, which is crucial when following high-speed sports. Having multiple memory cards and extra batteries ensures I’m always prepared, no matter how long the event lasts.