Who tried a 70-200mm f/4 in a gym?

[adblink]

just wondering if the 70-200mm f/4 is even usable in a gym to shoot basketball? I would be trying to shoot highschool girls basketball and wondered if its even worth trying with this lens, like even bumping it up to 800 or even 1600ISO

[metalman1010]

One word...strobes.

Ross

[adblink]

well all I have in my arsenal right now is whats in my sig, not sure a 430ex will be able to help me much will it?

[gymdad]

adblink,

I don't think the f/4 is going to be fast enough in most high school gyms, even if you bump up the iso. I've got the 70-200/2.8, and can rarely use it indoors w/o flash. The 85/1.8 seems to be a pretty reasonably priced option.

[n1as]

Short answer is probably no.

In my local HS gym, there's enough light to shoot 1/320 f2.0 ISO 1600. Let's see, f/4.0 is 2 stops so you'll be at 1/60 sec.

- Keith -

[TheChemist]

Probably no. Try it out though - I can get away with it in my gym, f/4 ISO 1600 1/400-1/500. Keep in mind though that since the walls are close to the players you are going to run into trouble killing backgrounds.

[liza]

No. Get yourself an 85mm f/1.8 prime lens.

[adblink]

Damn :(

this is a one time deal, so I dont know if I will have much use for a 85mm 1.8 after this game :(

[liza]

Then use that 50mm prime. It's slow, but I use mine all the time for under the basket shots.

[MT]

the f4 is likely too slow. Like Liza says, "then use the 50..."

[TheChemist]

Bring them both. Try them both!

[adblink]

Then use that 50mm prime. It's slow, but I use mine all the time for under the basket shots.

the 50mm 1.8 is too slow? eek lol im in real trouble then if thats the case

[liza]

It doesn't have USM, so the autofocusing mechanism is slow. Just work on your timing, and you'll be fine. I've gotten some great shots with it.

[adblink]

aaah ok, so its the autofocusing that is too slow...

not sure how close to the action I will need to be with only 50mm. I dont wanna go there with all this gear and end up taking piss poor shots because of the lack of speed in my lenses

[liza]

Crouch at the baseline near the basket. When you shoot low, it makes the players appear larger.

[montanafan]

adblink, the 50mm will get you close enough for good shots. I don't have my basketball shots from last year with me right now, but here's a volleyball photo I took recently in a badly lit gym with the 50mm:

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d112/montanafan/IMG_1052a.jpg

I was standing on the sideline and as you can see, she was over half the court away from me. You can position yourself around the court to get as close a shot as you'd want.

The only problem with the 50mm is the slow autofocusing as has been said, but if you'll pick your shots carefully and shoot a lot, you can get plenty of keepers. The most difficult shot is when the player is running full steam right at you, the 50mm just has a hard time keeping up.

You could use the 430EX with your longer lens if you wanted and it would work, but I don't think you'd like the results as much as the ones with the 50mm without flash.

Good luck.

[KirkHMB]

I've tried my 70-200 f2.8 in the gym, and it was painful. Shot at ISO 3200, lucky to get 1/500 f2.8. Not pretty. When I had some natural light it was OK, but as soon as the sun quit hitting the skylights, I was hosed.

I even tried a 100-400 f5.6, for non action shots, 1/160, dark sportraits from across the gym.

[hawk911]

Damn :(

this is a one time deal, so I dont know if I will have much use for a 85mm 1.8 after this game :(

Try to rent one then.

[ItsMike]

Just use the 70-200 F4 and throw up the ISO all the way up..

[hawk911]

I don't think it's ever as easy as just throwing the ISO up. Hasn't worked well for me when I do that.

[Hurricane_777]

Just use the 70-200 F4 and throw up the ISO all the way up..

I shoot mostly in what I would consider a "well lit" HS gym and the best I could get at F4 ISO 3200 was 1/320. Still too slow for my needs.

In short, it's going to be tough. :)

[adblink]

ya my 400D only goes up to 1600 so that wouldnt work

time for new glass...............again............. lol

[DDCSD]

You could always buy a used 85 on here and then sell it when you don't need it anymore. You more than likely would get what you payed for it, and only be out shipping.

[PhotosGuy]

I tried it. Results were not so hot, but your gym might have better light: Some Volley Ball Tournament Tests **56K Warning!** (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=394723)

[adblink]

thanks very much for posting that link, that is exactly what I needed to see!

[izatt82]

what about if you try to use the custom white balance in the gym before you shoot and be at 1600 iso and try about 1\125 i am a newbie but thats about the lowest shutter you want to go for action shots isn't? the only reason i say that is just the other day anouther guy was shooting our colleges Vball with about that setting and i dont think the lens was a F2.8 it could of been didn't get a good look at it.

[PhotosGuy]

what about if you try to use the custom white balance in the gym before you shoot... I did, and you can see it in the link above, but what is that question relevant to? If you don't quote something... and try about 1\125 Too slow IMO.

[izatt82]

sorry newbie, i thought it might be to slow whats the min. you guys go on sports as far as shutter speed?

[PhotosGuy]

whats the min. you guys go on sports as far as shutter speed? Sports Shooting Tutorials and Advice (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=135417)

[izatt82]

thanks photosguy