my 70-200 F?4 L , how should I set my lens for indoor basketball ?

[Siriusmuzik]

I know these are not the IS version so but, I'd still like to try to get the most out of them. What would you recommend for settings on M mode? Thanks

sorry, I'm such a nub

[cy88]

When you are shooting basketball, you want to be able to freeze the motion. There's no "recommend settings" as no one knows what environment you will be in. However, rule of thumb is to keep the shutter 1/focal length x crop factor. In your case, let's say you are shooting at 70mm, you need 1/120 at least to avoid movement blur.

Having that said, this is a very useful guide is learning the numbers if you are not familiar with it already: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=249006

Last but not least, congrats on your 70-200 purchase. Don't worry if it's not the IS version as it's definitely as sharp as the rest of the 70-200 line up if used correctly!

Cheers.

[Siriusmuzik]

thanks for you advice. any more would be appreciated.

[fotodan]

I would use AV mode set at f4... Moving from place to place in a gym, your light readings will change. AV f4, let camera pick shutter speed..

[kalle_karlsson]

when I come to such situation I use AV mode and then pick the the right ISO to get the shutterspeed I need. Often I will use ISO 1600 and even 3200. I think noise isn't so important for me when it comes to indoor sport pics

[JeffreyG]

I know these are not the IS version so but, I'd still like to try to get the most out of them. What would you recommend for settings on M mode? Thanks

sorry, I'm such a nub

#1, I'd probably just leave the 70-200 f/4 at home. This lens is not fast enough for most basketball....only outdoor or professional courts where the lighting is good. If you are shooting in a H.S. gym f/4 is a waste of time.

So mount the 50mm prime and head on down to the sidelines....preferably under the basket that your team is shooting at.

I do like M mode. Set the camera to f/2.2, ISO 1600 and set the shutter speed so that the meter needle is pointed at the center. Take a few shots and look at the histogram. Slow down the shutter as needed until the histogram is crowding the right side. Check that you are no getting blown highlights on the players....blown highlights of the lighting or windows is OK. You will be bringing the exposure down a touch in post processing and this will reduce noise from the high ISO.

Now so long as you are still above 1/250 shutter speed I'd shoot the game like that. If not, kick the ISO to 3200 or open the lens up all the way.

Use servo focus and high speed burst setting.

Do not underexpose or the noise will be bad.

Do not use a shutter speed below 1/250 or the players will be blurry. 1/500 is better. 1/1000 would be great. This is why your f/4 telezoom won't work. Most HS gyms are EV 6 to 7 at best. This is f/4, ISO 1600 and 1/60 - 1/125 for proper exposure.

[flute4peace]

Originally Posted by JeffreyG

#1, I'd probably just leave the 70-200 f/4 at home. This lens is not fast enough for most basketball....only outdoor or professional courts where the lighting is good. If you are shooting in a H.S. gym f/4 is a waste of time.

So mount the 50mm prime and head on down to the sidelines....preferably under the basket that your team is shooting at.

I do like M mode. Set the camera to f/2.2, ISO 1600 and set the shutter speed so that the meter needle is pointed at the center. Take a few shots and look at the histogram. Slow down the shutter as needed until the histogram is crowding the right side. Check that you are no getting blown highlights on the players....blown highlights of the lighting or windows is OK. You will be bringing the exposure down a touch in post processing and this will reduce noise from the high ISO.

Now so long as you are still above 1/250 shutter speed I'd shoot the game like that. If not, kick the ISO to 3200 or open the lens up all the way.

Use servo focus and high speed burst setting.

Do not underexpose or the noise will be bad.

Do not use a shutter speed below 1/250 or the players will be blurry. 1/500 is better. 1/1000 would be great. This is why your f/4 telezoom won't work. Most HS gyms are EV 6 to 7 at best. This is f/4, ISO 1600 and 1/60 - 1/125 for proper exposure.

Wow I feel like I should send you a tuition payment for that. Gonna print it out and keep it in my bag. Thanks!

[elader]

Jeff spelled it out pretty well. I tried shooting with an 85 f/1.8 but its too long on the crop sensor for bball. 50mm is about right. Hopefully the crappy plastic lens can keep up.

[Siriusmuzik]

Originally Posted by JeffreyG

#1, I'd probably just leave the 70-200 f/4 at home. This lens is not fast enough for most basketball....only outdoor or professional courts where the lighting is good. If you are shooting in a H.S. gym f/4 is a waste of time.

So mount the 50mm prime and head on down to the sidelines....preferably under the basket that your team is shooting at.

I do like M mode. Set the camera to f/2.2, ISO 1600 and set the shutter speed so that the meter needle is pointed at the center. Take a few shots and look at the histogram. Slow down the shutter as needed until the histogram is crowding the right side. Check that you are no getting blown highlights on the players....blown highlights of the lighting or windows is OK. You will be bringing the exposure down a touch in post processing and this will reduce noise from the high ISO.

Now so long as you are still above 1/250 shutter speed I'd shoot the game like that. If not, kick the ISO to 3200 or open the lens up all the way.

Use servo focus and high speed burst setting.

Do not underexpose or the noise will be bad.

Do not use a shutter speed below 1/250 or the players will be blurry. 1/500 is better. 1/1000 would be great. This is why your f/4 telezoom won't work. Most HS gyms are EV 6 to 7 at best. This is f/4, ISO 1600 and 1/60 - 1/125 for proper exposure.

Wow, thanks a bunch for this advice!

[JeffreyG]

Hopefully the crappy plastic lens can keep up.

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Yes, the 50 f/1.8 might struggle with players driving the lane and the 50 f/1.4 would be a lot better.

The OP just bought the 70-200 and already has a 50 f/1.8 so I figured better to just try that instead of leaning on the wallet again so soon.

The 70-200 f/4 is a nice outdoor telezoom at about $540, but I think the lens is recommended far to often without the caveat that it is not suitable for indoor sport.

I've seen them in the crowd at student gymnastic meets....same problem as basketball if not worse. I bought my 135L specifically for gymnastics.