New lens - volleyball pics - DPChallenge Forums

03/23/2009 02:51:02 PM · #1

The ultimate test for any lens I get that is useable for an indoor situation is my daughter's volleyball. Action shots in terrible lighting. Can't use a flash in the tournaments or matches I attend, so it's all the lens and the operator. These are all hand held. A lot of noise from pushing the ISO, but can't really be helped in this gym.

I use the 17-55 2.8 IS quite a bit, but gave my new Sigma 2.8 70-200 a work out this past weekend at a tournament in KY. Here are a few keepers: Comments / critiques welcome.

mpeters

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

03/23/2009 02:59:41 PM · #2

Having spent a lot of time at volleyball matches(playing/coaching). I can attest to the horrible lighting at many gyms. I think you did a super job with the framing and perspective. The double block against #17 is one of the best in this set. You can really see the determination on the player's face. Are you able to get permission to shoot from the back of the court down the sideline?

What was your shutter speed on these?

Good job--it's a fast moving game. IMO, the most exciting and entertaining women's sport to watch.

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro for Nikon

03/23/2009 03:34:22 PM · #3

Originally posted by mpeters:

Thanks. This particular gym was very cramped quarters and I had to shoot from either right behind the ref's stand with the 17-55, or from the bleachers, or most of these were taken from a doorway leading into the gym. The girls only had about 3ft of approach space for their serves on one end of the court in front of the bleachers.

I tried to keep the speed at no slower than 1/250.

cryan

Nikon D700

03/23/2009 03:46:29 PM · #4

You did a great job with those shots. I shoot volleyball every season and I know how tough the lighting is. Thenoise is actually not bad at all, and you caught good action each time.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

03/23/2009 10:30:23 PM · #5

Originally posted by cryan:

You did a great job with those shots. I shoot volleyball every season and I know how tough the lighting is. Thenoise is actually not bad at all, and you caught good action each time.

Thanks. I need to concentrate a little more on getting some good defense / dig shots, but they are much more difficult to predict IMO.

Photologist

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

03/24/2009 01:13:51 AM · #6

Very good captures. What was the ISO you were using, 1600? 3200 (H)?