Football remote shooting

[dinny66]

Hi
Wanted to ask for some tips.
I'd like to have a go at setting up a remote shooting rig for a football (soccer) match. Got to put it behind the goal to avoid it getting cloutted by a stray football. I bought a Phottix Plato which seems pretty groovy as a start. Going to use a 50D. Assuming my 17-55 on quite a wide setting.
Any good suggestions on clamps or fixing rigs? Or just go with a tripod (just worried it'll get in the way of people. There is a low perimeter fence (say 3ft/1m high) railing type ting I can attach t with a suitable arrangement.

Also focus - MF on a prearranged spot with narrow aperture for big DOF, or position to 'see' through net and leave in AF?

Any other tips much appreciated.

Thanks
Mike

[jamesb84]

Hi
Wanted to ask for some tips.
I'd like to have a go at setting up a remote shooting rig for a football (soccer) match. Got to put it behind the goal to avoid it getting cloutted by a stray football. I bought a Phottix Plato which seems pretty groovy as a start. Going to use a 50D. Assuming my 17-55 on quite a wide setting.
Any good suggestions on clamps or fixing rigs? Or just go with a tripod (just worried it'll get in the way of people. There is a low perimeter fence (say 3ft/1m high) railing type ting I can attach t with a suitable arrangement.

Also focus - MF on a prearranged spot with narrow aperture for big DOF, or position to 'see' through net and leave in AF?

Any other tips much appreciated.

Thanks
Mike

Mike,

I've not used the Phottix Plato but...I would ensure that it has the range to actually trigger the camera! There's nothing worse than getting to a ground, setting everything up, and then sitting snapping away and realising at HT/FT that nothing has been taken.

I got myself a cheap little "pocket" tripod from Jessops to use, it supports my 350D and Sigma kit lens just fine. Place that on the ground (good spots are in the corner of the goal, pointing the whole way across it and trying to get as much in as possible. I set it for Manual exposure, and MF (with the spot just on the goal line being the best...try and get it when a goalkeeper is practising in the warm-up). I then tape over the focus ring, AF/MF switch, zoom ring, and exposure settings before testing the trigger up close, then progressively moving away. Also, unless you have a "pre-release cable" you will need to turn off any auto camera power saving you have on.

In all "pro" games (and i'm including non-league) the linesmen will go and check the goal net is free of any obstructions before kick-off, and they'll come and move your camera if its in the way!

Hope that helps.
James.

[dinny66]

Thanks James, useful tips there. Like the taping idea!
I gonna need a bigger bag!

The Plato is a new gen 2.4ghz wireless trigger supposedly good for 100m/320ft! Worked ok as a quick test this morning. Hoping to get a full test on it tomorrow.

Cheers

Mike

[jamesb84]

Thanks James, useful tips there. Like the taping idea!
I gonna need a bigger bag!

The Plato is a new gen 2.4ghz wireless trigger supposedly good for 100m/320ft! Worked ok as a quick test this morning. Hoping to get a full test on it tomorrow.

Cheers

Mike

So the Plato is newer than the Cleon i take it?! I was crushed the first time i used a set of poverty wizards and realised that the range wasnt even good for goal to corner flag!!! Especially as i thought i had a great shot of a goal!

I might have to look into the Plato. My only other piece of advice is BE CAREFUL when there are adverts behind a goal, a wayward shot hitting those often sends the ball ricocheting into the camera behind the goal...dont use a lens or camera that you love more than your children!

James.

[dinny66]

So the Plato is newer than the Cleon i take it?!
James.

Yes I think so. Came across it on another thread on here somewhere.

Got it on ebay £32.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Plato-Wireless-Remote-C8-for-Canon-20D-30D-40D-50D-5D_W0QQitemZ200321854053QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Came rasPhoto_CameraAccessories_CameraCablesConnectors? hash=item200321854053&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1690%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318

There's a chart in the ad explaining the differences. chose that one as it uses AAA batteries, which of course i can get recharegeables for!

Take your other point about something getting broken though. Maybe have to put it in a box or something.

Mike