25 May Capturing the Thrill of the Summer Blast 7.5Km Marathon | Photography by Asad Snapper

My First Sports Photography Experience with the Canon M50 at a Marathon

As someone who’s definitely not a morning person, getting up at the crack of dawn for a marathon was the last thing I’d choose. But when my younger brother, a total running nerd and marathon enthusiast, invited me to photograph his marathon event, I couldn’t say no. I’d given my word, so I took on the challenge of sports photography with my trusty Canon M50, Canon 5D Mark II, and a couple of lenses. Here’s how it went down on AsadSnapper.com.

Gearing Up for the Early Morning Challenge

The marathon was set to start at 6 AM—crazy early for me! I packed my Canon M50, Canon 5D Mark II, a 70-300mm zoom lens for those long-distance shots, and a 16-35mm f/2.8L lens for wide-angle captures. Knowing I’d need to keep up with the runners, I also brought my bike to move quickly along the course. Despite the early start, I was excited to test my gear and skills in a new genre: sports photography.

Capturing the Marathon Action

As the runners took off, I started snapping with my Canon M50. Its compact size and fast autofocus were perfect for capturing candid moments, like runners’ expressions and the crowd’s energy. I switched to the 5D Mark II with the 70-300mm lens for zoomed-in shots of runners in stride, while the 16-35mm f/2.8L on the M50 helped me capture sweeping views of the starting line and scenic backgrounds.

Riding my bike alongside the runners was a game-changer. It let me keep pace, dodge crowds, and get dynamic angles without missing a beat. The experience was chaotic but thrilling—I loved every second of it. The Canon M50’s flip-out screen was a lifesaver for low-angle shots, and its lightweight build made it easy to carry while cycling.

The Joy of the Finish Line

By the end of the day, I was exhausted but buzzing with excitement. The photos turned out better than I’d hoped—sharp, vibrant, and full of emotion. My brother and his running crew were thrilled with the results, which made all the early-morning grogginess worth it. Seeing their smiles and knowing I’d captured their hard-earned moments felt incredibly rewarding.

This experience made me realize I should dive into sports photography more often. The fast-paced action and the challenge of anticipating shots pushed my skills to a new level.

Why the Canon M50 is Great for Sports Photography

The Canon M50 proved itself as a fantastic tool for sports photography, especially for beginners. Its portability, reliable autofocus, and compatibility with EF lenses (via an adapter) make it versatile for fast-moving events like marathons. Paired with the 5D Mark II for more professional-grade shots, my gear setup covered every angle. If you’re considering sports photography, the M50 is a budget-friendly yet powerful choice.

Sharing the Experience on AsadSnapper.com

You can check out some of the marathon photos on my website, AsadSnapper.com, and follow my journey on social media at @AsadSnapper. My YouTube channels, TourBee and AsadSnapper, also feature behind-the-scenes clips and tips from this shoot. This marathon was a wake-up call (literally!) to explore more action-packed photography opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Stepping out of my comfort zone for this marathon shoot was one of the best decisions I’ve made. The Canon M50 and 5D Mark II delivered stunning results, and the experience ignited a new passion for sports photography. If you’re hesitant to try a new genre, take the leap—you might be surprised at how much you love it. Visit AsadSnapper.com for more photography tips, and follow me on @AsadSnapper for updates. Have you tried sports photography? Share your thoughts below!