Warren Little's essential kit for shooting sporting events around the globe

Of course, Warren wants to be sure his optics are up to the task, which is why he relies on Canon L-series lenses to complement the three EOS-1D X Mark II bodies he always carries with him.

"As the cameras have now achieved true full-frame capability, sports photographers are able to work effectively with longer lenses, such as 400mm and 600mm," he says. "Those lenses on a cropped sensor could mean the view on a subject was too tight. But full-frame combined with longer lenses means the whole process of taking images is much better on the eye."

Here Warren talks us through the kit he uses to create his stunning action shots.

"The gist of what happens on the pitch is fairly straightforward, but it’s the defining moments when you need the speed and accuracy of focus and release. That’s when using a high-end system like Canon comes into its own and improves my capturing of the moment," says Warren. "The great thing about the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II is that its button placement makes the camera so functional. I can easily adjust the ISO or the AF sensor, keep my eye on the action and not lose a shot because I'm busy fumbling with buttons."

The ergonomic design means the camera is comfortable to hold, so Warren can concentrate on picking the right spot to shoot from, and then make the most of the manual exposure function and the camera's autofocus.

"All I need to worry about is getting my exposure right and ensuring the images are good enough quality, which, considering the camera's 20.2MP capability, isn't a problem," he says.

When he's captured that moment of sporting drama, he needs to get his images across to his editor.

In the action-packed world of sports photography, Warren needs a set of lenses that are fast and capable of producing sharp images in a variety of situations. He frequently turns to the ultra-high-performance Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM telephoto lens, which ensures that, even from the sidelines, he can achieve intimate shots that capture all the action.

"If you're running along the sideline or even just sat by the try line, the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM is a great lens to use," says Warren. "The f/2.8 aperture is ideal for achieving the perfect shallow depth of field, which blurs the background and separates the action from the crowd."

Despite its size, the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM is lightweight. The body is made of magnesium alloy and titanium so you won't exhaust yourself lifting it back and forth.

For versatility, says Warren, the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x is second to none. The built-in 1.4x extender boosts the focal length to 280-560mm and retains sharp and intuitive autofocus throughout the focal range.

"The EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x is a great lens for rugby," says Warren. "It's phenomenal. The autofocus is quick enough to ensure I never lose a high-speed shot because of a loss of focus. I also do a great deal of golf work, and I often use this lens for that. In fact, a lot of photographers who shoot golf use this lens."

As well as being fast and capable of delivering edge-to-edge sharpness, the lens is weather-sealed to protect it from the elements. In addition, the Image Stabilization enables the use of shutter speeds up to four stops longer than usual without camera shake.

While Warren often uses long lenses, he also makes sure he always has a wide optic on him – just in case. The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is a professional-quality standard zoom that offers serious image quality and a fast f/2.8 aperture throughout its range.

"The wide nature of the EF 11-24mm f/4L USM is great but I'm absolutely in love with the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM," says Warren. "It's not too heavy and it's incredibly versatile.

"Its range is particularly useful if I need to get a little closer to the action, which is often the case when I'm shooting press conferences, end-of-match reactions and celebrations. There can sometimes be a sudden rush to capture scenes at the end of a match. If you can use a wider lens to get in closer to the celebrations then you're on to a winner."

As with the other lenses Warren uses, one of the most crucial features of the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is its wide aperture, which is maintained throughout its zoom range. The nine-bladed diaphragm produces a circular aperture that achieves perfectly blurred backgrounds, which helps Warren ensure that the viewer's attention is concentrated solely on the action in the frame.

"I use Speedlites mainly when I'm shooting press conferences and trophy presentations," says Warren. "When you have the ideal backdrop, you can create images that feature truly dramatic light. Overcompensating the flash and underexposing the background elevates those moments and makes them stand out from the norm. Every time Canon releases a new Speedlite, the evolution just gets better and better. You can't beat them."

The Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT (now replaced by the Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT) can be used both on and off camera, and its built-in radio triggering offers remote lighting control at distances up to 30 metres. Crucially, the Speedlite's E-TTL II flash metering will guarantee accurate exposures every time.

This high-speed wireless file transmitter for the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II means that Warren is able to transfer copious files quickly and securely.

"Rather than uploading to an FTP site, Getty tends to use the file hosting service Dropbox, and the Canon WFT-E8B transmitter carries that functionality," says Warren. "The EOS-1D X Mark II is linked to a 4G device that I either keep in my backpack or about my person, which means I'm connected, wherever I am in the world. I can either transfer to the transmitter using Wi-Fi or connect the two using a cable that will increase the speed of transfer, although the file transfer is already incredibly quick. For example, a 50MB image can be sent off in around a second. This is particularly important if you're covering major events – you can transfer your images to the editors in real time and not waste time sending files from the venue's media centre.

"The real payoff is that you can get your shots into the world before anyone else. You never have to stop working, though you do also have the option to review your images. The WFT-E8B transmitters are an absolute game-changer for sports photography."