rayyeager Posted January 9, 2008 Share Posted January 9, 2008 Can I get away with the 70-200mm F4 IS lens for an indoor basketball game? I realize it's not the ideal lens for this. The gym has decent lighting. I'm shooting with an XTi. I'm sorry I sold my 85mm 1.8. Anyone have some experience with this senerio. Thanks ... Ray. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phule Posted January 9, 2008 Share Posted January 9, 2008 Only one way to find out... But I suspect not; at least, not if you want to freeze motion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colinsouthern Posted January 9, 2008 Share Posted January 9, 2008 In terms of length, yes. In terms of speed, I think you'll have trouble stopping motion without a flash. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr._b Posted January 9, 2008 Share Posted January 9, 2008 You'll probably get by if you up the ISO to 400 or 800... depends on what 'decent lighting' means. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdigi Posted January 9, 2008 Share Posted January 9, 2008 Why don't you sell the lens and get a new 85 1.8. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark u Posted January 9, 2008 Share Posted January 9, 2008 I think it will be too long and too slow. Pick up a 50mm f/1.8 for basketball on a crop camera. You will find a lot of recent threads in the Sports forum on technique for shooting basketball. http://www.photo.net/bboard/forum?topic_id=2081 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zackojones Posted January 9, 2008 Share Posted January 9, 2008 I tried using a 70-200 f/4 in the high school gym I shoot in most of the time and it was too slow. A fast prime such as the 50mm 1.4 is what works best for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
William Michael Posted January 9, 2008 Share Posted January 9, 2008 Well this is an `hopeful` question I think: you already know the answer, but are hoping for the camera fairy to wave her wand and make it better. For what it is worth, without knowing the EV (light in the gym) and SD (subject distance): On an XTi I think the lens might be a bit too long and will be too slow. But, it might be a very brightly lit gym and the photo fairy might be on your shoulder, good luck. BTW a better chance of pulling more keeper shots, if you are stretched at F4 and can`t extend the shutter speed and the ISO, is to attempt to get the action always at the peak, (at the moment of least subject movement) like at the point of pivot, or the height of the dunk, rather than the action during the dribble, pass, or jump. WW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zigzag Posted January 9, 2008 Share Posted January 9, 2008 If you had flash(es) and were allowed to place them then you could improve your chances - won't help AF but you could use CF-4 set to number 3 to move the AF to a button and prefocus (if it's the same as my 30D): http://strobist.blogspot.com/2007/02/on-assignment-speedlighting-college-gym.html. Just another option/idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yakim_peled1 Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 While it's not ideal, it can be done. A good photographer knows the limits of his equipment and knows how to overcome them. Use high ISO, use flash, place yourself in a better place, use high speeds, do what it takes but GET THE SHOTS! Necessity is the mother of innovation. Happy shooting, Yakim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digitmstr Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 >>Necessity is the mother of innovation.<< But, NOT the mother of light...and if there isn't enough of it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
todd_taylor Posted January 12, 2008 Share Posted January 12, 2008 Invest in Canon's 85mm f1.8 (~$375). Sit under the basket, stay in Aperture mode, ISO 1600, and your shutter should end up between 1/500 - 1/1000 depending upon th elight in the gym. http://www.taylor-pics.com/ Todd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now