Is a 400mm Fixed Lens the Best Play for High School Football?

The Challenge of Capturing Fast Action with a 400mm Lens

Ever lug a giant lens onto a football field, fully convinced it’s going to be your MVP? That was me last Friday, sideline-side at an Allen High School football game, clutching a rented 400mm fixed lens with both excitement and a little bit of stage fright. (Let’s be honest—these long lenses are a workout all on their own.)

The game was buzzing—energy in the stands, stadium lights throwing dramatic shadows, and the players basically flying across the field. I snagged a hero shot of number 11 barreling straight at me, his helmet gleaming, every muscle in motion. The 400mm worked its magic, getting right up in his face even from clear across the field. That’s the beauty of these big primes—you’re right in the moment, seeing every bead of sweat and every ounce of determination.

Here’s the Rub: Is a Longer Lens Always Better?

While I loved getting close to the action and capturing those intense expressions even from the end zones, there’s a catch. Football doesn’t wait for your gear. The players move toward you fast—like, heartbeat-skippingly fast. Sometimes, by the time you raise your camera and focus, those wide open shots are suddenly tight closeups and you’re missing the full glory of the play. More than once, I found myself thinking, “Man, where’s my zoom when I need it?”

There were a few moments I totally missed, especially when my chosen athlete would break away and suddenly be right there—close enough to fill the frame (and then some) before I could even think about swapping to a wider lens. You just can’t switch lenses quick enough in the middle of a runaway touchdown!

So What’s a Photographer to Do?

Honestly? Sometimes there just isn’t a perfect answer. If you’re like me and want both those far-away facial expressions and the sprawling, wild action, you need to get creative. At this game, I realized my best bet might be hauling two cameras—one with the long prime, another with a wider zoom—so I can drop one and grab the other in a flash (well, as quickly as I can without looking like I’m in a three-legged race).

If you’re coming out to shoot football (or any fast-moving sport), here’s my advice:

• Know your gear. Practice switching between cameras or lenses so you’re not fidgeting in the moment. I can’t imagine having time to switch a lens during a play, but maybe it’s possible…
• Scout your spot. If you can, find a spot where your chosen lens gives you good coverage. Sometimes higher up in the stands with a 400mm is perfect; other times you will need (or want) to be on the field.
• Prioritize your shots. Decide what’s most important to you—close-up drama or sweeping plays—and build your setup around that.
• Give yourself grace. Even with the fanciest gear, you’ll miss shots. It’s part of the game—and sometimes the surprises are the best part.

Final Thoughts (and an Open Invitation)

That rented 400mm? Worth every penny for those once-in-a-lifetime close-ups, like the hero shot of number 11 charging into the end zone. But if you see me on the field next time, you can bet I’ll have a backup camera hanging at my side or in my backpack—just in case. But I won’t be lugging that 400mm lens. Why you ask? Well for one thing, it’s really expensive, and until sports photography pays more, that lens is just a dream. And another reason, my back was done after 2 hours of lugging that thing up and down the field. Now if I had an assistant to pass it off to – yes…I’d for sure add that to my arsenal. For now, I’ll stick with my trusty 100-300 and my 70-200 and just hope that I’m in the right place at the right time to capture some amazing shots!

Got football players in the family or want to capture your own sports memories? As always, you can schedule a session or get more information on my website at Paula Mason Photography. Or email me at [email protected]. I love talking gear, game day, and how to get the best shots no matter what you’re working with.

Reach out anytime if you’ve got questions, need some help wrangling camera choices, or want to schedule your own session. Let’s make some action-packed memories together!

Look forward to hearing from you.

Until next time…