Fist basketball :-(

[Mike414]

First try and wow...I didnt think its was going to be this hard :)
Shots were taken with:
40D
ISO 3200
17-55
f/2.8
1/400

The only thing I did to the pictures was resized and used the CS3 "reduce noice"
Im thinking about using my 50mm f1.8 next to maybe get away from the high ISO :confused:

Please C&C to improve my pics.

http://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo289/CanonDigitals/a-1.jpg

http://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo289/CanonDigitals/b.jpg

http://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo289/CanonDigitals/c-1.jpg

[Mike R]

The more you do it, the eaiser it becomes. You will see improvements game to game and season to season. . Just wait until HS when the action is faster.:lol:
Although except for the noise, these are not bad shots

When using the 50 1.8 just remember that it's a bit slow on focusing, Always shoot using AI servo (with any lens)

[Mike414]

....Always shoot using AI servo (with any lens)

Thanks !
I used Center Focus point & One shot.

Mike.

[Mike R]

Thanks !
I used Center Focus point & One shot.

Mike.
AI servo will make a difference.

[TopGear1Ds]

AI servo will make a difference.
..a HUGE difference..

I'm impressed you got any reasonably focused shots, in one shot mode

[Mike414]

.......here is another one shot with same settings

http://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo289/CanonDigitals/55-1.jpg



Mike

[Lonnie]

I think the level of noise is acceptable in these, and the images are sharp. I don't think you'd be too happy with the 50/1.8 results but you can give it a shot.

[johndevane]

+1 for what LH ^^ said. Moving to f1.8 will cause as much trouble as it's supposed to fix. Sure you'll be able to drop a little ISO, but you'll also squeeze your DOF. It's tough to nail focus at 1.8. Besides, if any of these shots were printed, you wouldn't see noise.

I'd be inclined to go the other way with your gear. Move to the 70-200 f4 and put on your flash. You're doing well with ambient, so add anther option to your arsenal by learning flash. But that's just me, I like flash. Your choice.

[4Bucks]

They look pretty good to me. From what I have read folks are pretty high on the 85mm 1.8 that you have in your bag for indoor/no flash photography. But what you have looks good to me.

[superdiver]

FWIW, I only use the 85 1.8, and as a rule in most gyms you will still be at ISO 1600 and 3200... welcome to indoor sports...

You are off to a great start... also the 50 1.8 is a great lens, just not when you need to focus fast like in bb, maybe at the age lvl you were shooting, but I doubt it would be satisfactory even then... spend less then $400 at amazon and get a new 85 1.8, you wont be disappointing!

[Mike414]

Thanks for all the input !!
I havent ordered any prints but the plan is to make some 4x6 prints....I gues they should be ok if I dont print anything much bigger.


Mike.

[superdiver]

Here is a link to what I did this weekend with the 85 1.8

Not the greatest shots, but not bad for an amature... check em out...

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=7237884#post7237884

[Mike414]

Here is a link to what I did this weekend with the 85 1.8

Not the greatest shots, but not bad for an amature... check em out...

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=7237884#post7237884

Very nice !
I wonder if my 17-55 / 2.8 would do better if all the lights were working inside the gym :) .....on the first picture you can see a couple of ligths "out of order".


Mike.

[superdiver]

I doubt if it would make much of a difference.. sad to say, thats a great lens, just not best for this application...

[cstewart]

I doubt if it would make much of a difference.. sad to say, thats a great lens, just not best for this application...

I recently used my 17-552.8 for Bball with great results (some images with this lens in THREAD HERE (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=629719)) although the light was really good in the gym I was in (shooting at 1600 ISO). I found it to be a swell lens for bball.

Definitely you want to be in AI Servo Mode for your auto focus as opposed to one shot. Also, if you have not done so, move the AF to the * on the back of the camera to separate it from the shutter button (search for threads here on Custom Fn IV or * and you can read up on benefits). It takes a bit to get used to but vastly improves AF for action sports.

As to printing, for my Bball shots I have printed up to 8x10 with great results so you may not have to limit yourself to only 4 x 6.

Cheers!

Chris

[Mike414]

I recently used my 17-552.8 for Bball with great results (some images with this lens in THREAD HERE (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=629719))

Very nice pictures @ ISO/1600; it is well lit gym too.


Mike.