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01/08/2007 12:45:07 PM · #1 |
Looking for some tips and suggestions on action shooting.
Recently did my first gymnastics event, though not anything serious I was a little dissapointed on the quality.
A couple of qualifiers, first I was up in the rafters. This particular location they would not allow people on the floor, therefore I was shooting more or less down on the competitors. Second, almost all my shots seem to be pretty close to pushing my camera. All shots were taken with a 70-200 2.8 zoom. Settings were 2.8 aperature, ISO from 1600-3200, shutter speed as high as the light would take me (1/200 to 1/600).
As you can see, I had a big issue with noise and motion blur. Thinking of taking an 85 1.4 or 135 f2 next time provided I can get on the floor and closer to the action. Any experience with this? No noise reduction filter was applied. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, anything on technique, composition, experiences, post, and equipment ideas.
The Pics:
1) My challenge Entry:
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3)
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6)
Message edited by author 2007-01-08 15:59:31. |
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01/08/2007 05:30:49 PM · #2 |
| Any tips or pointers from you event shooters out there? |
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01/08/2007 06:04:12 PM · #3 |
A former co-worker of mine shoots a lot of gymnastics, and his weapon of choice is often the Nikon 200/2.0 AIS. Manual "zone focus" and shoot when the moment is right.
For many of these venues, even f/2.8 is very dicey, so the faster the lens the better. A 135/2.0 would be a great choice if you can get close enough in. |
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01/08/2007 06:04:14 PM · #4 |
not really sure that i can be of any help. in situations like these, all anyone can do is try to make the most of it, shoot a lot, and hope to get a few keepers out of the effort. you might try getting as close to the floor as you can, try keeping an eye on your backgrounds. try more more shots like your challenge entry: nice composition, not a lot of distractions; maybe shoot/crop a little tighter. there's not much you can do about the quality until you start throwing money at equipment (or get the opportunity to shoot in better lighting).
good luck! |
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01/08/2007 06:24:06 PM · #5 |
I think you would want to use flash as much as you can (if can) indoor s is always tough light.
If you use flash you would not get as much noise cuz could shoot low iso still, you could also use a tripod and use the motion blur in a way that adds to the shot? I think if you got say some hand and foot movements it would be great if you could manage most of the other stuff sharp.
just some ideas |
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01/08/2007 06:26:51 PM · #6 |
I can't give you any advice. Having the same problems. You can see some results of my first attempt with my new 135/f2.0 lens here. Perhaps it's of any help.
Static shots seems alright, but I had al lot of focus problems with real actions. Don't know how to solve this yet. |
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01/08/2007 06:32:40 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by ellamay:
I think you would want to use flash as much as you can (if can) indoor s is always tough light. |
flash is ok for some sports; unfortunately, it can't be used at all in gymnastics. |
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01/08/2007 07:28:43 PM · #8 |
No one on the floor?
Who is that on the floor in this photo?
Did you ask to take photos from the floor or did you try and they told you to move?
I have only been shooting basketball games so far, but any gym we have gone to for games I just go were I want and shoot. Maybe I have been lucking so far.
This last saturday we played in a very small gym, no room to sit. Small town school. Parents watch from folding chairs on a stage. There was just enough border around the court to walk. I sat on the floor anyway and about got stepped on more then once from the refs. Thought for sure they were going to tell me I had to move, but they never did.
85 1.4 or 135 f2 are a couple lens I would love to try.
I am stuck with my 50mm f/1.4 lens, but when I am on the floor at the side line it's not too bad.
I have found that 2.0-2.8 (no flash)has been working best for me.
Message edited by author 2007-01-08 19:31:19. |
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01/08/2007 07:34:22 PM · #9 |
I had a big issue with noise and motion blur.
Sometimes motion blur seems ok if it's in the right spots.
The biggest thing I notice from the photos you posted is the distance.
Then the blur in some of them.
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01/08/2007 07:36:36 PM · #10 |
One more post, then I will shut up. :)
I like this one the best.
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01/08/2007 08:30:52 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by lakota:
No one on the floor?
Who is that on the floor in this photo?
Did you ask to take photos from the floor or did you try and they told you to move?
I have only been shooting basketball games so far, but any gym we have gone to for games I just go were I want and shoot. Maybe I have been lucking so far.
This last saturday we played in a very small gym, no room to sit. Small town school. Parents watch from folding chairs on a stage. There was just enough border around the court to walk. I sat on the floor anyway and about got stepped on more then once from the refs. Thought for sure they were going to tell me I had to move, but they never did.
85 1.4 or 135 f2 are a couple lens I would love to try.
I am stuck with my 50mm f/1.4 lens, but when I am on the floor at the side line it's not too bad.
I have found that 2.0-2.8 (no flash)has been working best for me. |
That is another gymnist in the photo. If you weren't competing you were herded upstairs like cattle. Trust me, I tried.
Anyhow, thanks for the tips. I am a big fan of renting, so I figured I would rent either the 135 f2 and/or 85 1.4 next time. As far as motion blur, these images were the best. I have a large gallery with a ton that even at 1/600 of a second was too slow.
I do agree I am still too far away, but that was as close as 200mm would let me go. Thanks all. |
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