JH Football with a 70-200 & 1.4x

I'm very new to shooting sports but I'm looking for some opinions on some examples of shots with my 70-200 2.8IS and Kenko 1.4x. I've been debating picking up a 300mm f/4 but I'm undecided. These shots have significant cropping and were shot using a monopod. I'm sure I'd pull out better DOF and more sharpness with a 300 2.8 but it was worth a try.


5D MK II with 70-200mm f/2.8IS + Kenko 1.4x shot at 280mm
ISO 100, F/4, 1/2500, lots of cropping

I'd spend a little time working with what you have before you make a big investment in the 300 2.8

Neither of these shots really "capture the moment". Both appear to be shot from the wrong side of the field But both do look acceptably sharp even with cropping. On the second shot I would have positioned my self so the sun was at my back.

I agree with the positioning but I had a few things working against me. We are not allowed on the sidelines or anywhere near. On the second one I had to stay on the visitors side in the stands because I had my little one next to me. Hopefully this will change down the line. I rarely have the opportunity to get down low on the sideline and the home field has an odd structure that elevates us. Thanks for the C.C. So you think sharpness is acceptable with this combo. I really need to read tips and techniques on shooting sports. It's a lot more challenging than I was expecting. Oh also, though I know a 300 2.8 would be the sports lens to opt for I was considering an f/4 instead of using the 1.4x.

See this recent thread on the 300 f/4:

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=764132

Looks like a good option for daytime sports.

Here's a recent post I made on the 70-200 + 1.4x It can be pretty sharp if done right:

https://photography-on-the.net …php?p=8795580#p​ost8795580

Thanks for the links Ben. Nice shots with the 1.4x. I think i'll stick with this combo and keep on practicing.