Start of another season - still trying to capture indoor sports without mega-ISO gear and VR or IS, depending on your choice of weapon.
D2x, f1.8 85mm Nikkor, ISO 800 - next time I'll try 1600 and a longer lens (but only f2.8). Noticed I caught residual light from strobes the for-pay guys were using.
Anyway, all thoughts & comments encouraged and appreciated..
Bob,
Sports shots are not my thing, but I'll offer what I can. I give you credit for taking the challenge, yet again. To me, the challenge is far too great and I am starting to understand the high end equipment for this kind of photography.
It seems that there are several major difficulties in getting great sports captures. Isolating the subject, keeping the scene not too busy. Fast enough shutter speed (with noise less of a consideration), long lens use/technique with fast autofocus. I dont think the IS/VR issue matters, unless you know where you are going to focus in advance and what to push the shutter. Capturing the action, ideally with facial expression.
Of the series above, 4 and 6 do the best job of isolating the subjects and capturing the action. 4 almost works, but #10 is not sharp enough. His hand matters less. Wish the whole ball was included. 6 has a sharper capture with excellent action. I love the crossing arms. Wish the ball was a bit more included, a bit more face, maybe a tighter crop, but I am trying to be picky. 5 is very good. Better if #33 was in closer and/or his face could be seen.
Been lurking on the sports forum? Your comments are right on target... it's the eyes, eyes, eyes.
FWIW I learned sitting at the press table (empty chairs & few there since an 'exhibition') with a single prime doesn't, except for very few situations, i.e. #5 & 6, cut it. No flash or light stands (not that it matters for me) permitted on the floor.
I'm probably in denial but will try one more time (tilting at windmills ) with the zoom. As a kid I always marveled and studied the photos in SI - not just the swimsuits - but am gradually realizing that without 1) strobes and/or 2) mega-ISO capability there's not really a way to get there for tight, crisp images, unless someone else can offer a suggestion. They start to really fall apart above 30-40% image size. And, I don't see either alternative in my near or distant future...I'd like to be able to retire first
Will look at BW conversions this weekend - perhaps more forgiving re grain/noise etc.
Thanks for looking and taking the time to offer spot-on comments.
Your comments are right on target... it's the eyes, eyes, eyes.
) with the zoom. As a kid I always marveled and studied the photos in SI - not just the swimsuits