Sigma EX 30mm F1.4 need help

got this today and had a quick try with these settings Tv mode with ISO set to auto. 1/200 AI Servo mode. the lighting wasnt the best. had my son and daughter bouncing on there space hoppers. very few of the pics were clear most were blurry and out of focus. what settings would you use bearing in mind mine is only a 1100d and i will be using it for up close in a kick boxing tournament

thanks in advance

Screw auto ISO. If lighting is ever in question, start high and work down - say ISO 1600, so you can bring the shutter speed up. 1/200 can be challenging for kids, especially ones bouncing around.

Can you get clear shots of static objects?

How about posting some examples.

Heya,

1/200 without flash on bouncing kids will still blur. You'll need faster shutter. I use 1/400s and 1/640s as a starting point for most moving kids. Aperture F2 to F4 depending on depth of field (challenging!). Auto ISO is fine. I use it all the time for action and as long as exposure is fairly correct, the ISO will not pose a big problem that you can't clean up and make usable in post.

Very best,

MalVeauX wrote in post #16801987
Heya,

1/200 without flash on bouncing kids will still blur. You'll need faster shutter. I use 1/400s and 1/640s as a starting point for most moving kids. Aperture F2 to F4 depending on depth of field (challenging!). Auto ISO is fine. I use it all the time for action and as long as exposure is fairly correct, the ISO will not pose a big problem that you can't clean up and make usable in post.

Very best,

Yeps.

Plus, if the camera was choosing f1.4-f2, you had a very shallow DOF to work with as well.
I would shoot manual, with a faster shutter, 1/320 should be good enough to freeze them pretty well, change your AF mode to AIServo and use the center point focus, and aim for one kid to get the best lock. Up your ISO as you close your lens down for more DOF (but use a couple of test shots to determine how much DOF you need).
Using LV will help you quickly dial in your exposure, then switch to normal shooting after you have your settings

In addition to faster shutter speed, turn on as many lights in the room as possible to give the most contrast possible. Use center point only for AF. (Note normally I wouldn't say that for someone with a 40D - 70D or 7D, but given your AF points I would). Use AI servo focusing.