50D settings help

[satcheltn]

I am going down to spring training in Florida next week. I have rented a canon 50d with a 70-200 2.8L ISwith a 1.4 extender. My experience is with a canon rebel XT. So I won't have that much time to play around and test with the camera before I leave. Any suggestions on what settings I should definately use when shooting the games. I will be shooting the 1-4pm games during the day. thanks in advance.

[tmalone893]

I am going down to spring training in Florida next week. I have rented a canon 50d with a 70-200 2.8L ISwith a 1.4 extender. My experience is with a canon rebel XT. So I won't have that much time to play around and test with the camera before I leave. Any suggestions on what settings I should definately use when shooting the games. I will be shooting the 1-4pm games during the day. thanks in advance.

Well, that is kind of a hard question to answer. I try to shoot in M mode most of the time but if the conditions are changing all day I will switch to AV.
1. If you are using the 1.4x, your f stop will be f4. I wouldn't want to go any different than that unless you are shooting a group shot.
2. Start out in AV mode. If you see that the weather/sun is consistent, switch to M mode with a possible SS1000, f4, ISO 200-400(adjust per your histo)
3. Center focus with spot metering.
4. Try to keep the sun to your back if all possible.
5. Turn the IS off on the lens.

[DDCSD]

4. Try to keep the sun to your back if all possible.


I'll have to disagree with that for early-mid afternoon games. If you keep the sun to your back you're going to end up with completely black faces due to shadows. If you keep the sun in front of you you'll have blown out skies, but at least you'll be able to see the player's faces.

[satcheltn]

Very helpful advice. I wiil probably try both sides of the sun then.