Just picked up my 5D 3, have a barrel race to shoot today, HELP!

Well I have been up working hurricane Sandy & my 5D3 arrived. Just got back because I had booked a benefit barrel race today. Weather is going to be nice, outdoor shoot. Taking the 70-200 2.8 II & the 5D3. I know I want to shoot as wide open as I can & keep the SS up around 1250 to stop the action. I have not had much time to play with the 5D3, so what settings do you recommend? Since I am moving from my 5D2 I'm new to the AF settings. I will have time to practice as they have a fun practice session before the competition begins.

Thanks for your suggestions!

jeff

Why don't you use the features of the camera to handle this for you. The shutter could be set to 1/1250 (Tv mode) then play with the ISO until you get a suitable f-stop. If you use the sunny 16 rule that ISO might be around 100. "Weather is going to be nice, outdoor shoot" so I assume you are in bright sun. Go back to your sunny 16 rule and work from there. The sunny 16 rule basically states that the exposure for bright sun (distinct shadows) is 1/ISO shutter speed at f16.

Say you start with an ISO = 100. In bright sun the exposure would be 1/100 sec at f16 for proper exposure. If I go to 1/200 sec you would need to open one stop (to f11) to get the same amount of light. Continuing, 1/400 sec and f8 are equivalent; then 1/800 sec and f5.6, then 1/1600 and f4. So probably right around 1/1600 at f4 and an ISO of 100 would be a good starting point. If that 1/1600 is a bit too short, then use the 1/1250 sec and go to about f5.6.

Forget Tv mode for sports unless panning cars. Av mode, wide open at f2.8. Start ISO 200 or even higher. AI servo mode, default case 1. I will move first and 2nd image priority to focus. Back button to focus. Configure two AF points with surrounding 4 points for landscape and portrait mode. This is the start. Rest depends on you.

AI servo, case 2