Soccer - new to the 40d

[rjg5]

Hi All -

I just got my 40d last night. I have 2 of my kids soccer games tomorrow that I'd like to shoot. I am going thru the manual and have read a bunch of the different threads but, what suggestions would you offer? They are 8 and 10. I will be using a 70-200L 2.8 maybe a 1.4x along with. Forecast is sunny!

Thanks - Steve

[nicmo]

Steve, you may want to check this thread out as there is lot of good stuff in it about shooting soccer: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=129659

[corythosaurus]

Shoot in AV priority @ f2.8, AF Servo center point, ISO 100 depending on available light, adjust ISO to keep Shutter Speeds above 1/500 (faster the better).

Keep the sun behind you, lense should be long enough to reach most action on one half of the field. Wait for the action to come to you. Shoot from a low perspective at the corners or around the end-line, on knees or sitting on the ground. Snap, snap, snap away.

Have Fun! and Good Luck.

[namasste]

Shoot in AV priority @ f2.8, AF Servo center point, ISO 100 depending on available light, adjust ISO to keep Shutter Speeds above 1/500 (faster the better).

Keep the sun behind you, lense should be long enough to reach most action on one half of the field. Wait for the action to come to you. Shoot from a low perspective at the corners or around the end-line, on knees or sitting on the ground. Snap, snap, snap away.

Have Fun! and Good Luck.

I know it's widely accepted but I just don't understand the use of Av mode for this. In really low light, maybe but personally, I'd rather have some darker shots that aren't blurry since I can PP them later. A well exposed but blurry shot due to slow shutter speed just can't be fixed. Just my opinion but I prefer manual or Tv for sports and adjust ISO as opposed to Av. No offense, just a counter point.

[Dan-o]

I know it's widely accepted but I just don't understand the use of Av mode for this. In really low light, maybe but personally, I'd rather have some darker shots that aren't blurry since I can PP them later. A well exposed but blurry shot due to slow shutter speed just can't be fixed. Just my opinion but I prefer manual or Tv for sports and adjust ISO as opposed to Av. No offense, just a counter point.

Like he said keep speed above 500. Why would he have blurred photos at that speed? The OP said it would be sunny so the shutters will most likely be in the 1000s anyway.

[jsanz11]

I would shoot in AV priority @ f4, AF Servo center point, ISO 100 depending on available light, adjust ISO to keep Shutter Speeds above 1/500 should be plenty fast. If it's a real sunny day you shuld be getting a very high shutter at ISO 100 and F/4. Heck use the 1.4 tely and u are automatically at f/4 and still get great shtos and great reach. Just try and keep that shutter abut 400 or 500
-joey

[rjg5]

Thanks - just the type of info I was looking for!

[Mike R]

I use M 1/400, f/4.0 with the TC, f/2.8 without. I adjust my ISO dependent on the light and as it starts to get darker I will raise it. You may need to experiment based on the lighhting and if any part of the field is in the shade.

[Little Fish]

I know it kids soccer, but I'd go for at least 1/1000 of a second on my shutter speed. I shoot 1/400 of a second on volleyball due to lack of light and the volleyball is usually blurred--a kicked soccer ball would do the same.

Also, since this will be the first time out with a new camera, I wouldn't be surprised if there is some additional camera shake due to getting use to the feel of the camera. My suggestion, would be to set the ISO at 400, set the shutter priority at 1/1000, and on a sunny day you should have a decent f-stop. I know a lot of people would vote for the 2.8 setting to blur out the background, but I get back to this being the first time out. If you have a higher f-stop then you have a better chance of getting the kids in focus. As you become more comfortable with the whole setup, then go with all the suggested variations and see what works best for you.

That's just one person's opinion.

[Hughey]

These ideas are VERY helpful. What great insights. I am going to try some of the different settings at a game on Monday so I can compare the outcomes.

[Sauk]

I have tried the ai servo function and I must say I am very happy with it. When using it I did not use center point and it did very well. I used all 9 points for AF.

I would suggest trying servo and using all AF points.

[jsanz11]

I shoot almost everything with the center focus point.