Minor League Baseball - Peoria Chiefs

So I took the bigma to a minor league game yesterday and sat on the end of the front row, right behind the netting. Below are a few photos. Feel free to comment on ways to improve.

I'm continuing to grow frustrated by this lens. I've considered selling it, but hate to lose out on the reach that it has. So I've been debating selling it for the 70-200 f/2.8 L (w/ or w/o IS) + 1.4x or 2x TC OR getting the 100-400 f4.5-5.6 L IS. I might just have to rent a couple of these and find out which I like better.
These are all SOOC
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Couple more...
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why don't you explain, what do you not like about the lens?
maybe we can help you better...

Some of the shots in your gallery look like they have reasonable
IQ. Actually, if anything stands out, I think it's that you should
work on your timing, positioning and filling the frame better.

Dave,

Thanks for the feedback.

My complaints about the lens:
1. It's not as sharp as I'd like. When viewed at larger resolution there really seems to be softness and at times almost a 'halo' effect around subjects. If you click the link at the bottom of the first post, you can browse the album and view the photos in full resolution. Here's an example...
2. It's slow (of course.. it's f/6.3 at 500mm)... and to get a reasonable shutter speed I had to use higher ISOs when the sun was hiding behind the clouds.

My positioning was somewhat limited. I was sitting in the spectator area; I do not have credentials to get in the pits/dugouts. For this game I was lucky enough to snag a front row seat and even luckier to have been the only person to actually show up to sit in the front row of this section.

Timing: Absolutely.. my timing isn't great as I am fairly new to baseball photography. I was lucky to get a batting shot where the ball was in the frame.. there's no way in heck I was going to get a BOB.

Framing: I don't know if it's because of the weight of that lens, but I always have a problem holding the camera where the horizon is straight. That lens does weigh a lot, though.

Again, thanks for the feedback! I am greatly appreciative!

My nit would be the cropping is too tight on a few shots. EX; #2 I would include full bodies of both players. #3 the pitcher is throwing off the photograph. I would have a wee bit more space between the player and edge of the print. I don't know if these are due to PP crop or as you noted the weight of the lens working against you. The shots are looking pretty good on my monitor. good color etc.. #8 is my favorite.

Thanks Red Wings.. these are purely straight out of the camera... so any cropping would be user error.

Am I expecting too much from my camera/lens? Or are my results directly attributed to the quality of glass I have? I'm debating renting an L lens or 2 and doing some comparisons.

Thanks!

MizzouMan_2000 wrote in post #5822469
Am I expecting too much from my camera/lens? Or are my results directly attributed to the quality of glass I have? I'm debating renting an L lens or 2 and doing some comparisons.

Thanks!

I don't think it's a fair comparison between an L lens and your Sigma. They are in a different classification. My bet would go to the L . I have a friend that uses the 50-500 and he gets some fantastic shots. He claims the 250-300mm at f/8 is is best area.
Personally I'd stick to what I had until I figured out the my main use for a lens.

Phil

I have 2 main uses for this lens:

wildlife - I like to take photos of bald eagles when they're in the area during the winter, thus the reason why I like having the 500mm and why I'm hesitant to sell the Bigma for the 70-200 L.

Sports - this is a fairly new venture for me.. more so since I bought the 40D last October. I did a couple of HS football games last year at the end of the season and really enjoyed it. Plus, my son will soon be getting to the age where he can play organized sports.

Thanks! Great input!