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 p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Boys high school soccer- request for settings on Nikon Z series | |
jake14mw wrote:
Well, how did it go?
Thank you for asking!
Overall, it went well. I ended up using three different cameras and 4 different lenses. Having no experience shooting soccer, I brought the kitchen sink to both learn my new gear, and try to deliver something decent for the kids and parents.
I started with my D750 and Tamron 150-600. The early lighting of the game allowed me to shoot at f/8, auto ISO, and 1600-2000 SS. The images are good (not great) but certainly enough for the end need. I shot on a monopod, moved around a bit, and was pleased with this old standby combo.
But given this was my first real test for the Z6II and Z 70-200, I was eager to try it out. I perceive the IQ to be better than the 150-600 obviously, but 70-200 focal length is only about 30% effective for shooting soccer (the field is just too big for 200mm to cover). In the gallery below, you'll note how much I had to crop to get storytelling perspectives, but for screen viewing, I think the results are ok. I did notice some interesting underexposing and vignetting with the 70-200, but that was easily fixed in post, and probably at least partly due to my lack of experience with the combo.
I also shot the Tamron 70-300 F mount on the Z6II; the results were again ok. Ok in the sense that they did the job and few non-photographers would even see a difference.
I used my Fuji X-T4 and 16-55 for candid portraiture. I could have used the 50-140 for the game, but didn't want to take away from testing my Z6II.
SO... I was relatively well prepared to use the Z focus modes (after watching). I’ve read about a lot of Z shooters being really frustrated with their missed focus rates with the Z vs. DSLR. I see that for sure. The focus modes for action are not consistently accurate, but they improve with understanding of each mode and better fundamentals.
I used the Wide-S box yesterday. Dynamic area was not nearly as accurate, which I didn’t expect based on the comments in the video above. The auto area tracking was also not great, but I didn’t test it much because I whiffed with it in early attempts and didn't want to miss shots while experimenting. Quite frankly, I miss the intuitive AF modes from previous bodies I've used.
Generally speaking, I need to temper my expectations. I don’t think the current Z cameras (other than the 9) are instant classics like some of the DSLR and even other mirrorless I've shot previously. But for non-sports, they seem excellent. And there's no question I still have a lot to learn about how to best use the Z series to capitalize on what it can do for sports and other action. There are plenty of people doing great things with the Z series with regard to action.
Yesterday made me consider returning the Z6II, because it feels like it should be a better AF camera. I'd like to see firmware improvements rather than another body update at this early stage. Too much to ask? But after curating the gallery, I'm sure the issue is simply that I need more practice. I've got a girls volleyball match coming up soon where the 70-200 should be plenty sufficient, but where the indoor gym lighting will require that I push the ISO quite a bit.
Sorry for the narrative. I feel a bit like I've got a hangover; I'm critical of my work, I'm not totally enthralled with the AF of the Z6II, and overall have a tiny bit of buyers remorse. But I know that could dissipate quickly when I get my head clear.
soccer gallery
I should note that I neglected to shoot wide open (f/1.8) toward sunset... I would like to have seen the subject isolation during the golden hour...
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