Sports Shoot

[jd_D60]

I was looking for some general advice, Saturday I have managed to get a press pass to a Rugby fixture (just need to assure them I won't be selling the pictures on), the forecast is a few showers, anyone give some advice for the shoot

A few questions;

(1) Anyone worried about taking the D60 out in the rain.

(2) Given overcast weather whats the highest ISO I should attempt

(3) Without going OTT will the 100-400mm IS lens cope with everything I should need.

(4) Would flash be any use (550EX)

(5) Finally I shoot purely in High/Fine JPEG - I read some comments here just wondered if I should consider RAW to get the best from the shoot or stick with JPEG.

John
D60, 15-30, 28-135 IS, 50, 70-210, 100-400, 100 Macro

[thunt]

Never had to priviledge of getting that close to the action. My question is, how did you get a press pass?

[jd_D60]

The art of pursuasion - oh and assuring them I won't be ripping off their normal Pro who obviously contributes to their revenue - In return I offered them a set of the best 10-20 images for free to do with what they want ( I figured I had nothing to loose)

[GenEOS]

Hmmm, rain does not sound like a very good mix for the D60. I have shot my film bodies in the rain by using a plastic parka, one of those cheap thin ones, thats really big.
I tape it to the lens hood and drape the rest over the camera. You can get under the parka and stay dry or you can reach under and work the camera and look through the clear parka. If the park is not clear, cut a square in it at the eye piece and top and tape over with clear tape.
Sounds strange and it may look even stranger, but it works.

I can tell you this, you get your D60 wet and it dies, you will look even stranger, crying in the middle of the field....

I am sure someone makes a super expensive hood for the camera but a $2 parka works ok.....

Stay dry and enjoy....

[gsrossano]

I shoot sports indoors, so my opinion should be taken with a grain of salt.

Yes, I would worry about water. I don't think the d60 is sealed all that well. I would take what precations I could, even if no more than cutting a hole in a platic bag and taping it up around the lens and body. Make sure the lens has a UV filter on front. Don't changes lenses out in the rain/mist.

Choose your ISO so that the histogram display doesn't saturate and the mid-tones are correct. That's what it's there for. I would guess to get a decent shutter speed to stop the action you should start at 400, if it is just moderately overcast. If you have or can borrow a monopole use it. You will need it at a focal length of 400mm. You will probably need a shutter speed in the range 1/250-1/500 if you shoot on a pole and 1/500-1/1000 if you hand hold.

Whether the 100-400 meets your needs depends on where they put you. From the sidelines it should be a decent choice. If you are up in the stands even 400 mm may not be long enough.

Flash will be of little/no use to use, and some places don't permit their use anyway.

If you have to turn the images around fast or are limited by storage space large-fine is preferable. If you have plenty of time to post process the images, have lots of storage space and are a stickler for the absolutely best image quality then go RAW.

Plan your work flow carefully before you go.

[Dans_D60]

The sun is always bright in San Diego so no experience in the rain! Amateur shots using the following: Surf – D60, 100-400 L IS; Pro Football (American football!) – D60, 100-400 L IS; Marathon Run - D60, 70-200 2.8 L. Most of the marathon images I had the D60 set to AV full open at 2.8 and auto adjust from 1/3200 to 1/500 depending on lighting conditions. ISO set at 400.
Dan

http://www.dpcg.com/surf
http://www.pettusphoto.com/sports
http://www.dpcg.com/nct

[GenEOS]

Great football shots Dan.
Where were they taken from, seats or did you score a pass?

Here is a link to some of my old film shots at a Texas A & M game...

http://www.tunstall.cc/mcneese_football.htm

My site needs a lot of help, I have not had time to update it with any digital work at all, with the exception of a few G1 shots...

[Dans_D60]

GenEOS wrote:
Great football shots Dan.
Where were they taken from, seats or did you score a pass?

Here is a link to some of my old film shots at a Texas A & M game...

http://www.tunstall.cc/mcneese_football.htm

My site needs a lot of help, I have not had time to update it with any digital work at all, with the exception of a few G1 shots...

GenEOS
Taken from my seat about 40 yards back … I like that IS on the 100-400L….Dan

[Mr. Fogle]

I shoot sports around the Tiverton area. A pass has never been asked for, I just walk up to the gate like I know what I am doing and do it. You will not be that far away. Set up on the pitch near one end so you can get them coming at you. When they get close move around to the end to catch a goal coming straight in your face. My MHO is the 100 is a little long and the light never good so I use the 70-200 2.8. With a 60 you can shoot med fine,for close in, large fine for further out and if your 200 doesn't get there then crop,you will have plenty of little pixys. Michael.

[jd_D60]

Thanks for all the advice, heres one of the shots http://www.pbase.com/image/11527959/large

John

[Morden]

Thanks for all the advice, heres one of the shots http://www.pbase.com/image/11527959/large

A great shot! And it would make for a good 'spot the ball' game. :)

[GenEOS]

I won't embarrass myself with posting my night soccer shots..