After 20,000+ clicks with gymnastics, finally got a chance to test this bad boy under sunny condition for the first time. I usually shoot no more than a few games of softball/baseball per year, but the comfort level went up as the game went along.

All with MKIII and 400/2.8 with B&W IR filter (not sure if it was necessary). C&C Welcome.

-John

#1

they look great...just wondering why the IR filter?

looked pretty good,
i think i would had gone 1/3 stop down on this game.
where you shooting M or av?

nice pics nonetheless

paul

John,

Nice series. I like the expressions and the faces are nicely exposed.

"After 20,000+ clicks with gymnastics"

So this means you've had a real chance to test the MkIII? Any hint of the AF issues some folks have reported?

I'm also curious about your use of an IR filter.

Dennis

The shortstop action in #7 and #8 along with the backgrounds that you captured with them make these my favorites in this series.

The 400mm 2.8 in combo with the Mk3 is creating stunning color and sharpness in these captures for you.

I look forward to more of these.

Dan

Thanks all for your kind comments.

Dennis, the MKIII has proven itself in low light after 20,000 clicks. Definitely faster in grabbing initial focus and tracking the gymnasts. However, I've only used it with 70-200/2.8, and have yet to use it with 200/1.8, which I will in about a 1 1/2 months time at the VISA Championships.

In regards to the IR filter... Since it was my first time out with baseball this season, and also first time out with the MKIII and a long lens under harsh light, I wanted to eliminate all the possible elements that MAY affect the focus performance of MKIII. There were a few threads discussing the possibility of the IR filter on the body maybe weak and maybe a culprit in the reported cases. From what I've read on IR filter itself, it could only help with picture quality if you use a quality filter on any lens. It wasn't cheap for the 52mm B+W filter, around $90.00. I can't say that it helped as I don't have any baseline to compare it to. But more than likely I probably didn't need it...

-John

Really nice captures! I am really impressed by the clean files of the MkIII. It looks like you have really gotten the hang of it. Thanks for sharing!

John,Very nice series.Both the Shortstop pics are favorites.Strange how the Marklll is working for some and not for so many others.Thanks for sharing.

Scott

Nice series John.

Absolutely fantastic captures!!!
Great job!!!

Excellent work! You did a great job of capturing the peak of action.

Thanks again to all who have commented. MKIII + 400/2.8 is really a nice combo but a little long for games like this. I also shot with 70-200/2.8 + 1.4TC on a 2nd MKII body but used it for only less than 5% of the frames. It's a nice combo as well, but not as good as the 400. Most files on the MKIII and 400 didn't need a lot of post processing. One thing I noticed is that the IR filter gives more saturated images.

-John

John, a little long Really? I'm always of the belief that no matter then lens, you just need to find the right spot to use a lens to the fullest. I shot some baseball (forever ago) and happened to find a fan who was a photo buff, and he lent me a 2x tc. I shot pitchers at 800mm. I thought it was great.

On another note.. could you post a link or PM me with the link to that BW IR filter, I'd be interested in that for my 400 2.8.

BTW, wonderful series, nice colors, and it's making me antsy to play with my mk3 in daylight.

Max

Hey Max,

Thanks! The fields were a little small and I found myself leaning against the fence behind the bleachers when shooting the pitcher. Luckily the parents were kind enough to get out of the way. I think a 300mm maybe a better choice, which I don't own. But you're right, it's never long enough

Here is the link to the IR filter:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/154800-REG/B_W_65014688_52_mm_486_Digital.html

And you will also need the screw-in type filter holder if you don't have it already. The 400/2.8 comes with the drop-in type.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/186092-REG/Canon_2612A002_Drop_In_Filter_Holder_for.html

Let me know if more questions...

-John

Max,

I agree that the 400 is rarely TOO long, but I'm sure many of us have had situations like these:

This is full-frame on a 1D MkIIN with a 400:

Hey John,
BOB is nice but I love No. 5 with the ball already off the bat. Those are great colors. Your stuff is awesome.

Mark

Thanks Mark! I don't shoot baseball all that often but I really enjoy it. #5 is my fav too because it was the only home run of the game...

Great work as always John!

John - beautiful shots, great exposure and very sharp! Looks like we both got a couple of the good copies of the D3...

Thanks for sharing.

Patrick