Dude, are you testing your lens, or shooting agility?

[DDCSD]

Originally Posted by tracknut

No, I keep the center point off to the side of the poles, where the dog pops out, and track with the dog. The camera is quick enough to lock on the dog as he comes through. Usually. If the dog isn't black. Or brown. And if there's enough light.

Dave

Wow, I would have figured pre-focus. Glad someone asked.

Awesome shots, very cool perspective.

[tracknut]

Originally Posted by DDCSD

Wow, I would have figured pre-focus. Glad someone asked.

Awesome shots, very cool perspective.

I've never quite figured out the pre-focus method. Maybe I'm doing it wrong.

With a dog running 10mph (...and I often shoot them going much faster), if I've done my math right, the dog moves one inch in 0.006 seconds. And with my setup (MkIIN, 300/2.8, which is by far what I shoot the most), the DOF is about 2" in the sweet spot. So I'd have to prefocus somewhere, and then be able to hit the shutter in the correct 0.012 second window. I'm not even close to getting that one timed right.

I should also correct my statement above a bit. I said "the camera is quick enough to lock on to the dog...". In actuality the idea is to have the servo track slow enough so it doesn't get confused as the poles come in front of the dog. Cf-20 on the MkII.

Dave

[DDCSD]

Originally Posted by tracknut

I've never quite figured out the pre-focus method. Maybe I'm doing it wrong.

With a dog running 10mph (...and I often shoot them going much faster), if I've done my math right, the dog moves one inch in 0.006 seconds. And with my setup (MkIIN, 300/2.8, which is by far what I shoot the most), the DOF is about 2" in the sweet spot. So I'd have to prefocus somewhere, and then be able to hit the shutter in the correct 0.012 second window. I'm not even close to getting that one timed right.

I should also correct my statement above a bit. I said "the camera is quick enough to lock on to the dog...". In actuality the idea is to have the servo track slow enough so it doesn't get confused as the poles come in front of the dog. Cf-20 on the MkII.

Dave

Thinking about it, I guess the dogs aren't moving quite as fast as I have it in my head for this. I've never shot anything at all like this, so I can't really picture it in my head. Hopefully I'll be able to find some to shoot around here next year.


Fabulous work on your website, I've been a big fan of your posts here!

[The Moose]

Originally Posted by tracknut

Here you go:

Nice shots! I just can't help looking at the Border Collie photo. On the two nearest poles, it looks like you've gone into Photoshop and edited with layers and left something there?? I'm not sure. Still a nice shot though.

My uncle used to be a dog trainer around where I am and it'd be great to have gone with him now that I've got my gear but he's moved away. Might ask him about it soon though, I'm sure he's still friends with a lot of people from the club.

[tracknut]

Originally Posted by The Moose

Nice shots! I just can't help looking at the Border Collie photo. On the two nearest poles, it looks like you've gone into Photoshop and edited with layers and left something there?? I'm not sure. Still a nice shot though.

No photoshop on it... I think you're seeing some alignment issues with the vertical lines of the poles and also the vertical lines of the silver building behind. I agree, there's a bit of an odd look there.

Dave

[tracknut]

Originally Posted by DDCSD

Thinking about it, I guess the dogs aren't moving quite as fast as I have it in my head for this. I've never shot anything at all like this, so I can't really picture it in my head. Hopefully I'll be able to find some to shoot around here next year.

Fabulous work on your website, I've been a big fan of your posts here!

Thanks much, Derek, I'm glad you enjoy the pics. I'm not sure at all on the speed. When I shoot dog racing, speeds are around 30-35mph, but that's all out in a straight line. Through the poles, I dunno, I just guessed 10.

Dave

[kerrance]

wow, fantastic!!!

[Ramrod]

Great shot.

[blkdogak]

Superb shot love those weave poles!!!!