HS Soccer with the 400 f/5.6L and 20D

[Big Hands]

This is a campanion post to "Shorty Does HS Soccer" as these were taken at the same match. I like to occasionally break out the 400, but I get so many shots either obscured by other players (when the action is far enough away to get it all in frame) or I amputate limbs and cranial domes, that I can't count on it for my primary lens. Just the same I enjoy the variety it can provide at times.

These shots are all taken with the 20D and 400 f/5.6L. C & C always welcome.
1)
http://photos.imageevent.com/johansen01/westranchsoccer0708/wrhsvsparaclete/IMG_0048a.jpg

2)
http://photos.imageevent.com/johansen01/westranchsoccer0708/wrhsvsparaclete/IMG_0025a.jpg

3)
http://photos.imageevent.com/johansen01/westranchsoccer0708/wrhsvsparaclete/IMG_0117a.jpg

4)
http://photos.imageevent.com/johansen01/westranchsoccer0708/wrhsvsparaclete/IMG_0053a.jpg

5)
http://photos.imageevent.com/johansen01/westranchsoccer0708/wrhsvsparaclete/IMG_0120a.jpg

6)
http://photos.imageevent.com/johansen01/westranchsoccer0708/wrhsvsparaclete/IMG_0243a.jpg

7)
http://photos.imageevent.com/johansen01/westranchsoccer0708/wrhsvsparaclete/IMG_0221a.jpg

Thanks for looking.

Regards,
Jeff

[ggcam]

Some clear, sharp shots there. So you're saying you think 400 is a little long for soccer? Seems like your 70-200 is a bit short though? Maybe that gives you an excuse to go for a 300 2.8. :)

[Big Hands]

Some clear, sharp shots there. So you're saying you think 400 is a little long for soccer? Seems like your 70-200 is a bit short though? Maybe that gives you an excuse to go for a 300 2.8. :)

On the 20D, the 400 is a bit long to be my primary lens to shoot HS soccer and believe it or not, I can get up over 1,000 shots in a typical high school match with the 70-200. No single lens will do it perfectly (cover the whole pitch from behind a goal line where I like to shoot from), so if I have to choose, I'll take the 70-200 to use with the 20D.

If I were shooting a 1D series, the 70-200 may start getting too short, but I still say that on a 1.6x body, the 70-200 will get you as many quality keepers as any lens with the possible exception of the Sigma 120-300 f/2.8 (which I have not shot soccer with).

If I am near midfield to get the sun behind me, I can cover the whole pitch fairly well with the 70-200, but I don't prefer that compared to shooting from behind the goal line. JMHO.

A 300 f/2.8L would likely do a pretty good job too and I'd certainly like to try one.

Regards,
Jeff

[nicmo]

Jeff, very nice series! The only thing I can comment on is #5 is a bit too tight and #6 there is no face, but great timing.

[Ender2309]

number 3 seems slightly dull in places, particularly in the unshadowed areas of the red jerseys, but other than that they all seem pretty good, except for the lack of face in 6.

[asysin2leads]

I used the 70-200 2.8 for soccer this year. Some told me to not even think about putting my 2x extender on it. I had better shots w/ the extender than without. I think that the 400 is a bit long for soccer, but that's my opinion.

[khall]

You've got some good pictures. Whats the ideal lens...???....:).....???.....:)

[Big Hands]

You've got some good pictures. Whats the ideal lens...???...:lol:...???...:lol:.....

khall: Well, let me say this about that: Some dogs have long hair and some dogs have short hair and furthermore.... :lol:

Kevin, I think the reason you've had such success with the 2x TC on the 70-200 f/2.8L may be that you're shooting very young players and they don't move nearly as fast as players in a high school age match, but it is true that it's working for you. Well done.

Thanks all for the comments.

Regards,
Jeff

[JSJR4]

Great shots. Love #1

[asysin2leads]

Kevin, I think the reason you've had such success with the 2x TC on the 70-200 f/2.8L may be that you're shooting very young players and they don't move nearly as fast as players in a high school age match, but it is true that it's working for you. Well done.

Jeff, that is a very valid point. I'm going to be shooting a few high schools next year thanks to my contacts with Athletic Directors. I'm going to be investing in better gear by then, but can't wait to try the 70-200 w/ the 2x.

[pttenn]

I can't see your exif data as I don't have that program, but can you tell me if you have the camera set on the auto "Sport" setting, or AI, or what??
Karen