Indoor Futsal/ soft pics w 85mm 1.8

[brokenbones67]

Any ideas on how to get sharper pics for indoor sports? The first pic was @ 1/500 the second @ 1/640, both @ ISO 1250, 2.2 with the 85mm 1.8.

I'm just getting started. The only post processing software I have is what came with my 30D. Would better software result in better images?

Hope my pics post better this time...

Thanks
Doug

[Bollan]

Your setting looks about right but what AF mode are you using? You should use AI Servo for that kind of shhoting. They do look soft. You should get razor sharp shots with that lens.

[brokenbones67]

Thanks for the reply.. Should I be using the center focus point or all nine of them?

Doug

[Bollan]

Thanks for the reply.. Should I be using the center focus point or all nine of them?

Doug

Stick with center focus point and AI Servo mode and you should be fine.

[dschach]

At f2.2 the depth of field is pretty small. Add the high iso and it's hard to get really sharp photos.

[rklepper]

That is an excellent lens, but it does take a bit of practice to get the focus down with that narrow of DOF.

[03gtmustang]

Besides the narrow DOF with the 85, you are also shooting in tough conditions. Just gotta keep trying and take these guys advice.

[khall]

I find for this type of shot, the lower centre focus point is good, as trying to keep the centre point on a player all the time is hard, with the lower point being at foot level its much more consistent.

[RonnieA]

I find for this type of shot, the lower centre focus point is good, as trying to keep the centre point on a player all the time is hard, with the lower point being at foot level its much more consistent.

Really? Seems like it would be more difficult. Do you actually focus on the feet or on the floor in plane with the player?

I use the center point and while tracking the player, pulse the * button so the red indicator in the viewfinder lights up, which lets me know where I am aiming. When the action heats up, I hold down the * button and shoot in short bursts.

[khall]

When taking pictures of smaller children playing football and rugby I use the lower spot all the time. On the two posted pictures it would OK on the second, not sure about the first due to the way it has been cropped. If you are taking shots of adults playing with the different body size could well then be a far different story.
But we all shoot in different ways, and the best is?.....

[brokenbones67]

Would better post processing software help any? All I have is the software that came with the camera.
Also, I've been messing around with the custom functions. If I understood the many posts regarding C.Fn, I should be using C.Fn-04-3. Is that correct?

Doug

[jmpsmash]

your technique might be fine. what can be the problem is that the 30D AF system is not able to keep up with the fast moving children running around with a soccer ball.