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britt777
29th of August 2008 (Fri), 10:26
Hi all, I am trying to get some input on using a 400 5.6 for nightime football. I know that in the past with ISO only going to about1600-3200 it was no good.
But now that we have low noise on the higher end of ISO(6400) What are the thoughts and or is anyone using or used a 400mm 5.6 for shooting nightime high school football.

I am thinking of using this lens with the Mark III. Yes/No?

Suggestions please
Madweasel
29th of August 2008 (Fri), 10:29
Since you have the wherewithal, why don't you try it? AF in low light at f/5.6 may be the limiting factor.
britt777
29th of August 2008 (Fri), 10:35
I am looking for feedback from anyone who has ever tried this. I don't want to waste a game shooting this way all to find out photos turn out awful. Chimping is not the answer. I get so many images that look good on LCD and the I put them on the computer and they look aweful.
egordon99
29th of August 2008 (Fri), 11:18
Look at some shots you took at a simarly lit game with your 70-200mm f/2.8. Say you were able to get 1/500s @f/2.8, ISO1600. With the 400mm f/5.6 you would have to drop down to 1/125s at the same ISO.

I have the 100-400 and once the light drops, that f/5.6 really bites you in the a*s :(
britt777
29th of August 2008 (Fri), 11:34
thats when the flash comes in, I know its not alway great and not everyone likes the flash look, but if it gets you closer with sharp images, thats better than dark, blurry little mini football players
S.Horton
29th of August 2008 (Fri), 11:44
I am looking for feedback from anyone who has ever tried this. I don't want to waste a game shooting this way all to find out photos turn out awful. Chimping is not the answer. I get so many images that look good on LCD and the I put them on the computer and they look aweful.

f/5.6 just isn't fast enough, even with a MKIII set to ISO H. (On the fields I've shot on, up through H.S.)

I think you'll need min f/4, with f/2.8 strongly preferred.
bigjon0107
29th of August 2008 (Fri), 11:52
You are going to need at least f/4. The AF is going to be questionable if you go any smaller than that.

I would much rather use your 70-200 with a 1.4 TC.
britt777
29th of August 2008 (Fri), 11:56
Sounds good. Thanks for the tips