Villanova Soccer my 1st attempt C&C appreciated

[John Nicholas]

My first attempt shooting soccer this weekend. I just got a 30D and 70-200 2.8 IS. Shot in AF servo mode. Overall I was disappointed with what seemed to be the camera’s inability to follow and keep the action in focus. I used the camera’s center focusing spot with IS turned off. I’d appreciate any & all C&C.


http://freemoneymarketing.com/_MG_1545.jpg

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[nicmo]

I think for the most part your action capture is pretty good. The biggest thing that sticks out at me is to watch your horizons as they are a bit off. Not bad for a first shoot though.

[John Nicholas]

Thanks Nicmo

I really hadn't noticed the horizons. I was so concerned with how many shots were out of focus and how short 200mm is on a big field although I did try to wait for the action to get closer. I did have alot of fun though can wait to do it again.

Thanks again for the CC

[johnstoy]

Soccer is fast and has some very fast moments...you'll want to shoot several hundred PICS at one 90 minute game..pick out the better ones later....

the only one I like is the portion of PIC#3 of Villanova's Player # 2, running (just starting to open up her stride) for the ball... the other action is just average for a University game...

John

Mine Equip. (all Canon): 30D Body, 50mm 1.4 USM, 50mm 1.8, 18-55mm 3.5-5.6 kit stock-not USM, 28-135mm 3.5-5.6 IS USM Wide Angle Telezoom, 75-300mm III 4.0-5.6 Telezoom, RS-80N3, several CF SanDisk Ultra II 1.0GB cards, several tripods, mono pod, no flash yet, dozens of filters/close up lenses.

[John Nicholas]

Thanks John

Your absolutely right John it sure is fast. I did manage to fill up my card about 250 pics altogether. Lots of fun going thru them all except I was disappointed with the focus on most of them.
Since this was my first time with my new rig I really didn’t know what to expect especially in regards to AF servo as this was the first time I actually used it. I remember at one point during the game actually seeing the player in the viewfinder going out of focus. Back focus or what seems to be no focus primarily. I actually opened it up to f8 at one point hoping to increase DOF for more keepers.
Anyway I have a lot to learn and hope to get some more practice in tomorrow at the High School.
Thanks again for the CC

[johnstoy]

John, that's a great outlook for the games, there will only be so many home games to see in reasonable weather...rain/snow games are a mess but make great subjects....

Consider finding out who the fastest player on the (either) team is...who the best skills player on the field is...work on them....Goalies have got to be fun...plus they are stuck in their zone...
Keep posting...this has gotta be a lot of fun.

John

[Croasdail]

Hey - great start. It can be a challenge getting images with only 200 mm. You just got to be patient and wait for the images to come to you. It can be frustrating at times seeing something really good going on outside your range...but it is what it is. Also - the layout of the 30d's focus points isn't really ideal for sports - ah well. It's all fun. Keep at it. Cheers.

[John Nicholas]

Thanks Mark
I figured I’d be safe going with the center focusing spot. It seems to me as though it’s really my only option. But I remember looking though the viewfinder when the action got close and the player was totally out of focus. Started jumping on the shutter release after that trying to focus when I was ready to shoot which still really didn’t seem to work as well as I would have hoped. But I did have a lot of fun I thinking I may try AI focus although from what I’ve read Servo should be better suited.

Thanks again