My new 50d and basketball

[constablebob]

I'll be using the 50d for the first time in the gym for my granddaughter's basketball game. I'm going to try out a rented 135 F2; I have a lot of room to move around...lighting is a little better than average. I've never shot manual; mostly AV inside for volleyball. etc. I guess I'm not to bright, but continuous focus still confuses me. I often find myself trying to anticipate where the player will move into and then fire away. In continuous should I be shooting while panning and trying to hold on the subject? By the way, I'm in the habit of using the burst mode, and I use a monopod or tripod. Your thoughts? Thanks in advance. Bob

50d, 28-135IS, 50mm F1.4

[eigga]

Considering you have so many questions and are still learning I would stay with AV. M will just add to your list for now. AV wont be as consistent but it will work.

Sounds like you need practice tracking with your camera. The ability to keep the focus point on the desired subject as things change is difficult. So, yes keep the focus point on your subject while you are shooting.

Do you shoot vertical? Doyou keep both eyes open? Both of those will help some.

[constablebob]

Thanks for the advice. I do plan on shooting vertical. Practice, practice, I suppose.

[Zivnuska]

Eigga's advice is good. You are looking for shutter speeds of about 1/640. 1/400 will be slightly 'soft' but minimally tolerable if necessary. Basketball is typically shot hand held and definately not with a tripod. After you've shot for a while in a venue, you will know what settings work best. Then you can change to manual since most basketball courts have consistent lighting.

F/2.0 gives a pretty shallow dof. F/2.8 gives you more slack.

To get used to servo focus, try to track the player bringing the ball up court and keep her in focus continually.

Read up on 'custom white balance' and 'back button focus' if you are not already familiar. The following podcasts were very helpful for me:

http://web.mac.com/dmwierz1/Site/Podcast/Podcast.html

[constablebob]

Thanks for the input and the link. The reason I mentioned using a monopod or tripod is that, at age 70, I'm not as steady as I used to be. Bob

[kcassens@hvc.rr.com]

Hello. I am new here too. I have been reading a lot on the forums, thanks to all those who contribute, it has been very helpful. I keep reading that shooting vertical is recommended, especially for basketball. Is there a technical reason for that? Thanks in advance
Kathy

[eigga]

shooting vertical is recommended, especially for basketball. Is there a technical reason for that

The players are vertical and its a very "vertical" game

[kcassens@hvc.rr.com]

Oh, I was expecting a much less obvious and much more technical reason... but makes sense!! thanks!