Settings for Basketball/50D/70-200 2.8

[KeithA21]

Gonna be shooting my 9 year olds basketball games. I have a 50D and Canon 70-200 2.8 and very new at it.

What settings should I use (depending on the lighting).

Thanks!

[clarence]

Av mode set to f/2.8

AI Servo

Set ISO high enough to maintain shutter speeds between 1/500" - 1/1000"... in good HS gyms this will be ISO 3200. In older, dimmer gyms you will probably need to go to H1 (6400). And if it's a real cave you might need to use H2 (12800). 6400 and 12800 will probably need Noise Reduction... I prefer to do NR in post-processing using NoiseWare, NeatImage, or NoiseNinja... not in-camera. Capturing RAW (or RAW+JPG will also give you more to work with in PP).

Center-point focus

back-button focus

Custom WB

[KeithA21]

Thanks for your reply!

I'll give it a shot.

[Mike R]

Another option would be for you to shoot in M f/2.8 and 1/400-500 for a SS. 1/400 should be fast enough for that age. Then adjust your ISO. Use AI Servo with center point. When shooting portrait, switch your focus point so that it falls on the face. I don't know if your body has this option but some you can program to auto switch the focus point depending on how you hold the camera.

If you find that you need too high an ISO, consider an 85 f/1.8 for basketball. The gyms are caves where I shoot and this lens has been a life saver. I shoot at f/2.2 and an ISO of 1600-3200.

Enjoy the games

[Gatorboy]

It depends on the available light in the gym. It's like asking, how far is it to the store? You need more information.

[patwill]

..... If you find that you need too high an ISO, consider an 85 f/1.8 for basketball. The gyms are caves where I shoot and this lens has been a life saver. I shoot at f/2.2 and an ISO of 1600-3200 .....

Plus one. EOS EF 85mm f1.8 is THE lens for youth and HS basketball.

[KeithA21]

Thanks for the replies. I just need a starting point on the settings and then I'll experiment with them.

We only have about 8 games, so I probably won't be buying a lense just for basketball unless he gets really good at it.

I have the Canon 2.8 70-200 and a 28-135.

Thanks again!!

[Mike R]

Thanks for the replies. I just need a starting point on the settings and then I'll experiment with them.

We only have about 8 games, so I probably won't be buying a lense just for basketball unless he gets really good at it.

I have the Canon 2.8 70-200 and a 28-135.

Thanks again!!

He is GOOD, after all he made the team. :lol:

Enjoy the games ,don't spend the entire time looking through the viewfinder.

[rhurwitz]

Thanks for the replies. I just need a starting point on the settings and then I'll experiment with them.

We only have about 8 games, so I probably won't be buying a lense just for basketball unless he gets really good at it.

I have the Canon 2.8 70-200 and a 28-135.

Thanks again!!

I understand you not wanting to buy a special lens just for basketball, but I have found the Canon 85mm F/1.8 to be a great general purpose lens. Not only is it good for indoor sports (indoor anything actually), it also makes a very nice portrait lens, and with a little "foot zoom", a nice walkaround lens. Being a well-made prime, the IQ is very high. :)

Roger

[Tim S]

I understand you not wanting to buy a special lens just for basketball, but I have found the Canon 85mm F/1.8 to be a great general purpose lens. Not only is it good for indoor sports (indoor anything actually), it also makes a very nice portrait lens, and with a little "foot zoom", a nice walkaround lens. Being a well-made prime, the IQ is very high. :)

Roger
+1 on the 85 f/1.8, I use mine for sports and portraits.