HS soccer without my 300 f2.8...

First game of the year for me and first sports I've shot in I have no idea how long. This was also the first time I've shot HS level soccer without my trusty 300 f2.8 and monopod. This time its was the 1D3 paired with a 70-200 MkII and 1.4x TC (MkII), no photo stick needed. All in all, I was very happy with how the combo worked (especially once I turned the IS off).

I was clearly rusty but here's a few samples from the match to show how the gear combo worked. Our side won 3-0, btw, nice start to the season boys. All images at f4, obviously but exif should be included on each shot if you care to see.

1.

and yes, I already know that I amputated some toes in #4 and that the horizon is off a touch. After adjusting, it was the best I could do and still have a usable shot. Like I said, VERY rusty!!!

Shots are way too sharp.

Scott, I like #2 and #6 the best. We start our season tonight. I can't wait to get out and shoot some soccer.

awesome lens, i am SURE your abilities had little to do with the picture quality...just kidding of course!

Theron, Dave...thanks guys. Forgot how much I love shooting sports (especially soccer) and really wasn't sure I would now that the 300 was sold. I can't tell you how pleased I was with how the 70-200/TC combo worked. Being able to handhold (no monopod) really freed me up to move around too which was nice. I'm not saying its the perfect substitute but for someone on a budget or who wanted a more all around lens, I would definitely recommend giving this setup a shot.

Dave, definitely the glass, not me man!!! lol!

To me they all look oversharpened.
Paul

Nice.

I like 2,6 the best, another almost to equal those two, but the foot is cut, but it's still ok.

canon rookie wrote in post #12980021
To me they all look oversharpened.
Paul

They are all sharpened for print Paul. These generally are purchased by parents over the course of the season and I do not typically run separate steps to sharpen for web and print. Call me lazy but with four kids, I simply don't have the time in my workflow. Agreed that they'd look better with less on the web.

wombatHorror wrote in post #12980023
Nice.

but the foot is cut.

thanks much, that's what happens when you haven't been pushing the shutter button much!!

If that's "rusty" shooting then I'm all for it. Those are some really nice shots and the sweat flying after the header is just awesome.

Nice series of shots and thanks for probably making up my mind on getting a 1.4x TC (MkII) for my 70-200 IS II

Thanks again guys. Dwane, that was part of the reason I posted these. Nothing beats seeing how gear performs before you plunk down the cash. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

looks great makes me want to go the 70-200 2.8 +1.4X road rather than dropping serious cash on a 400 2.8 or something like that

Thanks Brian. Obviously, the combo doesn't cover the pitch as well as a long tele, but if you are a patient shooter and allow the action to develop in your frame rather than chasing it all over, its plenty adequate.

Strong set. I really like these, crops and horizons are all on target.