Amongst the action: Wide angle lens, underneath the rider. one of the many possible shots and angles from the mesa

The moment you step onto the Rampage site in Virgin, Utah, you realize that no photo can truly capture its scale. The towering red cliffs and steep ridges dwarf everything in sight. But as a photographer at the 2024 event, that was exactly my challenge – to capture the raw intensity and massive scale of this iconic competition. This was my first time photographing Rampage, and choosing the right gear was crucial. I opted for my trusted Sony A7IV as my main body, paired with three specific lenses that would give me the versatility I needed throughout the event.

Getting Started in the Desert

My day started well before sunrise. The desert mornings are cold, but the early light creates incredible opportunities for photography. My first challenge was finding the right spots to set up. Veterans of the event had warned me about the importance of location scouting, and they weren't wrong. The venue is massive, with multiple lines coming down the mountain face, and being in the wrong spot means missing the shot entirely. The dust was my constant companion. Despite being careful, I found myself cleaning my lenses more times than I can count. The Sony A7IV handled the harsh conditions admirably, though, and I quickly learned to minimize lens changes when the wind picked up.

My Lens Choices:

The SIGMA 150-600mm f5/6-6 became my most-used lens of the event. From my position near the bottom of the course, this reach was essential for capturing riders as they dropped in from the ridge. The lens's versatility allowed me to track riders through their entire runs, from their initial drops to their final features. The autofocus performed surprisingly well, even when tracking riders through complex sequences.

For wider shots that captured the scale of the venue, I switched to the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8. This lens proved invaluable for showing just how massive the features were. Standing at the bottom of the course, looking up at riders perched on the starting platform, this wide angle helped convey the sheer magnitude of what these athletes were about to attempt.

The Tamron 35-150mm f2-2.8 became my go-to lens for mid-range action and behind-the-scenes moments. Its versatile focal range meant I could quickly adapt to changing situations without switching lenses. During practice sessions, this flexibility was particularly valuable as riders tested different lines and features.

The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Art proved to be a surprising asset at Rampage. While not typically associated with action sports photography, this lens delivered stunning detail shots that added another dimension to my coverage. Its macro capabilities allowed me to capture intricate details of bikes between runs - the texture of the rock, the subtle wear marks of practice runs and detailed trail building features. What really impressed me was its performance as a short telephoto for action. The lens's bright f/2.8 aperture and excellent sharpness made it perfect for capturing mid-range action with beautiful background separation.

Long range, Mid range, Close range. and super detailed! All covered with the selection of the 4 lenses I took to Rampage

Learning on the Fly

Nothing quite prepares you for shooting Rampage. The combination of harsh desert conditions, rapidly changing light, and the need to track fast-moving subjects through complex sequences creates a unique challenge. I quickly learned to trust my instincts and the camera's autofocus system, which proved remarkably reliable even in challenging conditions.

One of my biggest lessons was about positioning. While it's tempting to try and cover every angle, I found that carefully choosing specific locations and really working those angles produced better results than constantly running around the venue. The desert terrain is unforgiving, and carrying heavy camera gear up and down the slopes quickly saps your energy. It’s a massive venue and it pays to plan accordingly, less is more.

The Challenge of Changing Light

The desert light changes dramatically throughout the day. Early morning brings shade under the mesa until the sun appears late morning producing long shadows and harsh contrast, while midday light can be brutally bright. The Sony A7IV's dynamic range handled these conditions well, though I still had to be strategic about my exposure settings.

I found myself constantly adjusting my approach based on the light. Early morning shots required careful attention to shadow detail, while midday shooting meant managing harsh highlights. The camera's EVF proved invaluable, giving me a real-time preview of my exposure as conditions changed.

Contacted mornings, Bright midday light, and Silhouetted evenings. The shooting changed drastically through the day and was a welcome challenge to produce the best images, adapting to the environment

Technical Adaptations

The event demanded constant technical adjustments. For tracking shots with the 150-600mm, I generally kept my shutter speed above 1/2000th to freeze the action, fortunately the in Lens stabilization performed fantastically and this was truly the first time I had tested it. The lens's variable aperture meant I had to be comfortable pushing the ISO higher as the day progressed, but the A7IV handled this well, producing clean images even at higher sensitivities.

The 17-28mm required a different approach. With this lens, I often found myself shooting at slightly slower shutter speeds, around 1/1000th, to maintain lower ISO values while still capturing the action. The lens's f/2.8 aperture gave me more flexibility in challenging light conditions.

Lessons Learned

Looking back, my lens selection proved ideal for the event. Each lens served its purpose perfectly, though if I were to do it again, I might consider bringing a second body to reduce lens changes in dusty conditions. The Sony A7IV performed flawlessly throughout the event, handling the dust, heat, and constant use without issues.

The experience taught me valuable lessons about shooting in extreme conditions. The importance of protecting gear from dust, staying hydrated in the desert heat, and being strategic about positioning can't be overstated. But most importantly, I learned that capturing Rampage isn't just about having the right gear – it's about understanding the sport, reading the riders, and being ready for moments that happen in the blink of an eye.

#RedBullRampage #MTBPhotography #SonyA7IV #ActionPhotography #MountainBiking #BehindTheScenes #PhotoGear #UtahPhotography #TamronLenses #SigmaLenses

Red Bull Rampage 2024 Photography Guide: Sony A7IV Setup, Best Lenses, and Pro Tips from the Field