Limited lenses and 1st indoor volleyball shoot help.

[mike62]

I recently upgraded to an XSI from the point and shoot crowd and I am throughly loving it and learning with each shot. I have a chance to photograph a visting college team which has the daughter of a old friend playing.

My question is I don't have much equipment yet. I have the standard stock lens and I have purchased the Canon 55-250 IS. No other lenses, tripods, or flashes yet.

I have not had a chance to scout the gym but assume its typical gym lighting (it is college level). I don't have time or resources to improve my equipment this week.

I would like to use the 55-250 is at all possible. Any suggestions, settings, etc. It will be a learning experience but I would like something.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[manutd101]

Possible - yeah. The shots won't be great though. 5.6 vs. 2.8 is a huge difference.

[Big K]

Shoot in Av mode. Set the zoom at 55mm. Aperture to f/4.0 and ISO to 1600 and cross your fingers. I don't use or know much about the XSI but if it is capable of producing an acceptable image at a higher ISO than 1600, go with it. Others here with more experience with this camera/lens can offer input on the ISO limits.

Even with good lighting, at f/4 volleyball is going to be tough. I would venture to say it would be almost impossible at f/5.6. You might even consider taping your zoom control dial so you don't get tempted to change it. You will have to leave it at 55mm (Or the maximum focal length that is still at f/4) to have any chance to capture an action shot. If you just want to take a good shot of her on the court but not in action, zoom away. The slow shutter speed at f/5.6 should still be OK.

I would also suggest turning the IS function off while shooting. The less mechanical things the camera/lens are doing, the more time they have to be as good as possible with auto focus speed and accuracy. If your shutter speed is so slow that the IS is beneficial, you will have almost no chance of getting a good volleyball shot anyway and might as well put away the camera and enjoy the game.

Good luck.

[manutd101]

Shoot in Av mode. Set the zoom at 55mm. Aperture to f/4.0 and ISO to 1600 and cross your fingers. I don't use or know much about the XSI but if it is capable of producing an acceptable image at a higher ISO than 1600, go with it. Others here with more experience with this camera/lens can offer input on the ISO limits.

Even with good lighting, at f/4 volleyball is going to be tough. I would venture to say it would be almost impossible at f/5.6. You might even consider taping your zoom control dial so you don't get tempted to change it. You will have to leave it at 55mm (Or the maximum focal length that is still at f/4) to have any chance to capture an action shot. If you just want to take a good shot of her on the court but not in action, zoom away. The slow shutter speed at f/5.6 should still be OK.

I would also suggest turning the IS function off while shooting. The less mechanical things the camera/lens are doing, the more time they have to be as good as possible with auto focus speed and accuracy. If your shutter speed is so slow that the IS is beneficial, you will have almost no chance of getting a good volleyball shot anyway and might as well put away the camera and enjoy the game.

Good luck.
The XSi can only go to 1600.

[Dmab]

Shoot in Av mode. Set the zoom at 55mm. Aperture to f/4.0 and ISO to 1600 and cross your fingers. I don't use or know much about the XSI but if it is capable of producing an acceptable image at a higher ISO than 1600, go with it. Others here with more experience with this camera/lens can offer input on the ISO limits.

Even with good lighting, at f/4 volleyball is going to be tough. I would venture to say it would be almost impossible at f/5.6. You might even consider taping your zoom control dial so you don't get tempted to change it. You will have to leave it at 55mm (Or the maximum focal length that is still at f/4) to have any chance to capture an action shot. If you just want to take a good shot of her on the court but not in action, zoom away. The slow shutter speed at f/5.6 should still be OK.

I would also suggest turning the IS function off while shooting. The less mechanical things the camera/lens are doing, the more time they have to be as good as possible with auto focus speed and accuracy. If your shutter speed is so slow that the IS is beneficial, you will have almost no chance of getting a good volleyball shot anyway and might as well put away the camera and enjoy the game.

Good luck.

Beautiful suggestions here. Not much to add, but once you shoot and get the experience down (and if you venture to do it again), it's always been suggested to get a fast prime (85 1.8 is frequently mentioned).

[PhotosGuy]

at f/4 volleyball is going to be tough. True. See my post here:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=565345