need advice

[Telrac]

i need some advice on setting up camera when shooting bikes ,went to n.w.200 and my photos were out of focus , i could just not get it right .advice please on shutter speeds, f no,s,modes i should use.my camera is canon 400d lens efs 55x250, thanks ,this is all new to me,and i feel like a dummie

[Eaton Photos]

what type of bikes? Dirt or road? Are we referring to motorized or pedals? Are you looking to freeze in place or capture a panning effect?

Answer those questions first, then can provide more input.

[DC Fan]

This kind of bike?



70-300mm IS.
Focal Length: 180.0mm
CCD Width: 4.58mm
Exposure Time: 0.0031 s (1/320)
Aperture: f/5.0
ISO equiv: 1600
White Balance: Manual
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: shutter priority (semi-auto)

Manual white balance for indoor lighting. Shutter priority to stop motion. High ISO to get the shutter speed up.

This kind of bike?



Same 70-300 IS lens.
Focal Length: 240.0mm
CCD Width: 4.30mm
Exposure Time: 0.017 s (1/60)
Aperture: f/22.0
ISO equiv: 100
White Balance: Auto
Exposure: shutter priority (semi-auto)

Low ISO on a bright day. Slow shutter speed for motion blur.

AI Servo focus mode for each image for continuous autofocus tracking. All autofocus points selected.

The faster the shutter speed, the better the chance of a sharp shot. If the light allows, try 1/500-1/640 shutter priority or ISO 400 with Program AE.

[Telrac]

Thanks very much for that - it's the second type! NW 200 is road racing. Am going to IOM TT races in couple weeks so will give it a try - watch this space!

[TMCCaptured]

HOLY CRAP! the second pickie is almost perfect.....WOW great shot

[crawford]

Hi Telrac

Might see you on the island, i'll be over for both weeks.
Choosing where to go on the mountain circuit is difficult. If you can get there I'd recommend Keppel Gate (ok so you get locked in at 9am and let out about 5pm if you're lucky but you can get some good shots such as:-




Or The Gooseneck:-


Ok, there are many great vantage points, some just a bit busier than others.
Enjoy the racing.

Alan

[Telrac]

Thanks Alan, not sure where I'll end up! May go to Quarterbridge (where the bikes are a bit slower and I may catch one!!) Or possibly Ginger Hall. Thanks again, Terry

[mikey_mac]

Hey Telrac,
I was at the NW200 as well, shot a lot and also dumped a lot of them. I dont normally shoot bikes and found it difficult to get to grips with. I was at 3-4 different locations but had the best results at the Mill Road Roundabout. Other straight sections were very fast and difficult to get decent results. Why not post some of your shots on here and some of the more experienced guys will be able to give you positive advice. Might be worth going to some of the short circuit events to get some practice in. As i say not really a big bike fan but i am sure they have track events at Kirkistown, and possibly Nutts Corner and Bishopscourt. I'm sure some of the local bike fans will be able to confirm this. Good luck anyhow and hope you enjoy the TT action on the IOM.