Gymnastics - HS - A Challenge

OK, captured these 14 days ago. HS gymnastics. Very challenging conditions. Going to try again tonight (6:30 PM CST). C & C welcomed as always.

1)

xochi2 wrote in post #15581980
HS gymnastics. Very challenging conditions.

you met (and exceeded) the challenge!

action captured. however the quality is quite poor. equipment and settings used?

I'm sure it was challenging at a HS... good job.

If I'm looking at the first shot's exif data correctly, it says 1/3200th, f/2.8, iso 12800? What would you think about dropping the shutter speed a little (you don't really need 1/3200th), in order to lower the iso? Might help with the image quality/noise. Looks like another one of many gyms where f/2.8 just isn't fast enough Great shots!

You're right. I am a bit of a "speed freak" (shutter wise), but 1/3200, f/2.8, 12800 ISO was a bit OC. Looking back at the EXIF, #5 was at 1/5312, f/2.8, 12800 ISO...OMG...OOPS! That's sloppy on my part. The other photos varied between 1/640 to 1/1000 at f 2.8, 6400 ISO. 1DMkIV/1DMkIII w/300mm f/2.8 II & w/70-200mm f/2.8 respectively. I'll work harder tonight and will experiment a bit more. Appreciate very much the C & C.

I bet you'd love trying the 135mm f/2 under these conditions. For that matter, if you have floor access, the 85mm f/1.8 might really help you out. You lose the versatility of the zoom, but the larger aperture sure helps.

Well, if we're talking about "would love trying it-list" (for gymnastics), I'd opt for the Telephoto EF 200mm f/2L IS USM ($5,999.00 @B&H). I do own the 85mm f/1.8, but after using the 300mm f/2.8 II, the 16-35mm f/2.8 II and the 70-200mm f/2.8 I'm a bit spoiled glass wise. When using the 85mm f/1.8, I found that the "sweet spot" was at f/2.2 as opposed to 1.8, of course shallower DOF, but hey, "beggars can't be choosers" in some of these venues. BTW, I peaked at your gymnastics photos on Flicker,.....very nice! Great action/form! ( FYI - I usually shoot only 1-2 meets per year...might be pretty obvious.)

1st. nice captures. I wont be shooting this calibre of gymnast for a while.
2nd. I hope to capture images like those here when I get the cahnce presenets its self.

The gymnastics club is in the process of building a new building/complex. The current building is an old factory with low ceilings and support beams throughout. The lighting is flourescent there now...1st pictures are happening this weekend. Kids are wearing "red, white or pink" for Valentines day.

Hope to be able to post pics soon.

whothafunk wrote in post #15582189
action captured. however the quality is quite poor. equipment and settings used?

exif data is in tact

Chico, very nicely done imo. Agreed that you got a touch sloppy on settings but fortunately, still came away with some keepers. #5 is just fantastic but you probably knew that was the one I'd choose based on what you know about my style of shooting. great job in number #1 in keeping some of the bee, (beam?) in the shot, without it, that image doesn't work as well for me. nice job my friend!

Thank you all for your comments. They are much appreciated.

If you, and/or anyone that you know extremely well, has some influence on the new building complex, you should see if you would be able to put in your "two cents worth" w/regard to lighting, ceiling and wall colors, areas from which to shoot, etc. You never know who will listen and you probably have nothing to lose.

Scott, thank you. You know also, that I love those types of shots, faces, I love faces. Appreciate the fact when people notice the "little things", like keeping the beam in the photo, etc.

Are you shooting in manual? ISO is way to high IMO, you could likely even try 1/1000 at a pretty low ISO and get some great shots...great shots though...

Manual, no, Av. Agree on your statement, addressed that issue above. Read my reply to "gymdad" above.