Backstop focus problems

[rrpruett]

I am starting to shoot my sons Fall Baseball team and I am having problems with getting some of the backstop or sideline fences in the picture. I am using the 70-200 2.8 and I still seem to get some of the fence in the picture. I stood right up next to the fence on Sunday and still got fence in the shot. What am I doing wrong? Do I need to go to a 300mm or 400mm lens to get the backstop out of the picture? And if I did have a long lens I would have to stand so far back in order to get the batter and catcher in the frame it might not be possible.

BTW I am standing or sitting behind the backstop to shoot the pitcher and the side fence to shoot toward first base and right up next to the fence. I tried both settings on the lens for focus lock length it did not seem to mater. If I am zoomed all the way in it is not as bad obviously but still seems to catch some of the fence. If I want to get more of the player or swing I have to use a focus length of about 100mm on the 200 lens and if I do that I really get the fence blur. Here is an example taken at a focus length of 105mm.

Any help would be appreciated.

[Cadwell]

Shooting through fences is a pain. In order to do it and not pick up blur from the fence you need all of

a) A long focal length (300mm or more)
b) Large aperture (low f/stop)
c) To get your lens as close to the fence as possible on your side

That will of course, seriously limit how you can frame your subject. Its annoying but to quote the late lamented Mr. Scott “Ye cannae change the laws of physics”.

Your other option is to remove the fence blur in post processing using the clone tool; a laborious process.

[DigitalMDX]

Any chance you could use a 3 step-ladder or step stool to get you over the fence just to the left or right of the full backstop? If that isn't an option, how about standing on the upper tier of the bleachers/benches?
How far were you from the backstop when you shot that picture? If you weren't right on it, what about getting right up to the back stop and shooting through the diamond opening then cropping afterwards (somehow I feel you were right at the backstop for this shot). Looking forward to other opinions...

[Cadwell]

Oh… and if you’re not above a bit of vandalism, I’ve been told that using a spray can to paint the wires black helps… Not that I would advise such shocking behaviour of course.

[Croasdail]

I'll second what Glenn stated, I've done it plenty of times to get shots of my niece playing Tennis. You need to get the lense right up to fence, touching it if necessary. You'll look a little silly, but once people see the shots, they will understand why the effort. Cheers.

[DavidEB]

I shoot baseball from the sides, just out from the dugouts. I shoot over the baseline fence (either 3rd or 1st, depending). You get the pitcher from the side (best from 3rd base for right-hander, 1st for southpaws), and you get excellent shots of home, second, and the 1st/3rd base opposite you.

in a few parks the sideline fence is too high for me, so I bring a couple of wood boxes to stand on and prop the monopod.

[QUASIPHOTO]

Just a thought, but have you ever tried asking the umpires if you can shoot from inside the fence? I shoot my daughters softball team from the inside all the time. I usually find the home plate umpire (since he's in charge) and simply ask....would it be o.k. to take some photos of the team today? They usually see that big white lens and say yeah.....just stay up against the fence, out of the way and dont get hit. So I usually stay over by her teams dugout (friendly area) and shoot away. The closest I ever get to home plate is the closest side of the dugout to home. Even at Big National tournaments they haven't said no. And even if they did, that would be fine.......just never hurts to ask. As long as you stay out of the way and aren't obnoxious, they'd probably be o.k. with it. Just something that I've done. Would elminate shooting trough the fence problem.

[rrpruett]

Thanks all. I will try all of these options. Getting above the fence from behind the backstop is not an option but on the sidelines, it is possible. I can get inside the fence for side shots but i just wanted to get some from directly behind the catcher.

Once again thanks. This is a great fourm!!