low light basketball game

[MisterBryan]

I want to shoot some pictures at my friends basketball game. The problem is that its most likely going to be really dim and I don't want to run around with a nifty fifty. Also I'm not planning to use a flash. I want the picture to look crispy, sharp and bright if possible.

So during that game I'm probably going to have a 18-55, nifty fifty and a 55-250 on me.
What iso, aperature and shutter speed should I put my 40d to? I know its not going to be exact and I would need to mess around with the settings there.

Thanks for the help

[Lori Putman]

If you can't get your aperture down to at least 2, then I don't think you'll be very successful; however, I am speaking based upon a XTi which doesn't go as high as a 40D in the ISO department. I shoot mine at ISO 1600 with either the 50 1.8 or now, an 85 1.8. Preferable shutter speed of at least 500 for me.

[40Dude6aedyk]

Did you see all the recent threads on your subject? Here's one: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=629790

Basically, ISO 3200, SS 1/400th or faster, and f/1.8 or better. You will need noise reduction software and alot of luck.

[TopGear1Ds]

Ditto to what Lori and 40Dude said. You might not want to, but with your current kit you're going to have to use your 50 f/1.8.

Shoot manual at the lowest iso that will allow for f/1.8 and 1/500s

[MisterBryan]

ah thank you.

oh well i guess ima just mess with my settings/lenses for the 1st half and see what i get.

[pantherphotos]

I use my nifty fifty and shoot 2.0, iso 1600 and 1/500 and that overexposes by about a third in my gym. I have very little problem with noise at those settings. I shoot with an XSi. The ONLY problem I have is the slow AF of the nifty fifty. But I think I get some pretty good pop and some good colors. Based on what is in your kit, I would use the nifty fifty.

[MisterBryan]

^thanks panther

[Mike R]

I shoot in a cave but use my 85 f/1.8 and use these settings: F/2.2, 1/400, ISO 1600. I have the 50mm but chose the 85mm because the focus is faster. It means that I have to move a little farther back for some shots that would be easier to frame with the
50mm. I really think that you will be unsuccessful with the other lenses that you have. Get to the game early and try them before the game. That way you'll be ready when it starts.