8pm BB game.....what setting(s)??

Hi All,

I'm heading to my son's BB game tonight and would like some input on what setting(s) (shutter, F-stop, ISO, etc.) I might think about for the game. I have a Canon 7D w/ Tamron 18-270mm lens. I take pics of the players/batters from both sides of the field, near the dugout entrances and also take pics of the pitcher from right behind home plate. We have clear skies so we'll have plenty of light to start (right field is to the West) but we'll end up under the lights.

I like freezing the ball/bat/throwing arm etc. when taking pics but would still like the sharpest images possible (wouldn't we all ) so any input would be appreciated as I'm a newbie with my 7D and don't want to mess up one of his last or possibly THE last game of the season! Thank you.....

Depends on the light. I was able to shoot 1/1600-1/2000, f2.8-3.2 with an iso between 640 and 3200 on sunday

Really does not matter what the camera is, other than the 7D will handle high ISO noise better which you will need later.

I usually want to shoot baseball at a shutter speed of 1/1000 or higher, so if the light allows at 8PM start there using perhaps aperture priority mode at the widest your lens can go and dial in the ISO where you need to be to get there. As the light fades and the (no doubt) crappy lights come on, adjust ISO up as needed. What is max aperture of your lens? as you may find that a limiting factor.

Once the light is such that you can't really shoot at a shutter higher than say 1/640 or 1/800, I'd pack it in, or look for shots that are non-action shots.

You will not freeze all arm and ball motion at shutters less than 1/1000 so don't expect too much there especially once light fades.

Don't be afraid to crank the ISO up. I have used my 1D Mk IV at 6400 ISO for baseball with good results at night but not sure what limits of 7D are.

Good luck and be sure to post so we can see what you got.

Anything over 3200 gets tough with the 7d