jeff-hol

A couple examples attached.

I'm using the back button (AE-L) to focus, holding it down as I track with the boat (so that it's constantly focusing), and releasing the shutter to take the pics. I've also tried by just using the shutter to focus and release to shoot...same result.

So I've had the D7200 for a couple months now, and I've got to admit I'm struggling with it a little bit. Mainly with focusing. I'm getting most of my pics out of focus. I'll get one shot in focus, then the next 9 seem to be slightly out of focus. I was using AF-C with D9 as my settings, and back button focus. Mostly using shutter priority. I haven't fine tuned the camera to the lens though....I even rented a 80-400 last weekend for an event, and had the same issue with that lens. I might take it back to the store for them to take a look at, although I have a feeling that it's user error, and I've just got a menu setting incorrect for my style of shooting.

I ended up buying the D7200. Took it out for a regatta, just using my 70-300 (was able to get into a chase boat) and while some pics were good, some weren't that great (contrast/metering issues, focus not as good as I would expect). But, was my own fault, as I didn't play around enough with the camera beforehand, and I didn't change some settings to my liking. I've since spent more timing going through all the setting to get it more to my liking. So next time things should be better!

LOL....I wish I could! regatta organizers get kinda crusty about other boats getting near their race course!

There are some opportunities to pre-focus, but if I'm tracking a certain boat or paddler, the pre-focus is only good for the first couple of shots (race distances are usually 500 metres)

Thanks for the comments everyone. Very good points about the D90. I hadn't really considered a body upgrade. The D500 is nice, but a little bit out of my budget. I might look at the D7200 or D7100, and then maybe rent the 200-500 when I need it for a race. For those that asked if I really need the longer lens. My 70-300 has served me well until now (it's manages to get some fantastic shots). But, I'm looking for the longer lens so that I can actually focus in on single paddlers. Dragon boating is a pretty aggressive paddle sport and you can get some great facial expressions! Also, when I'm taking pics for people, they want full boat shots, but also close-ups of themselves paddling.

First post here. Looking for some recommendations. I shoot a sport called dragon boating. Generally takes place a fair distance offshore so that the water is deep enough for the boats. My current gear includes a D90, with a 70-300 VR lens, but I want to get a bit more serious, so I'm looking for a bit more reach to get closer to the action. I've been reading a lot (maybe too much) with the various options I have, but I wanted to ask for some opinions of others. My budget is about $1,500 to $2k max (but I could also rent if necessary). I've been looking at several options: sigma 150-500 tamron 150-600 nikon 80-400 nikon 200-500 I even considered just switching my 70-300 for a nikon 70-200, and try to get into the race rescue boats to get closer to the action...but that's not always possible. I'm looking for sharpness, but more importantly, I need a lens that can focus pretty quickly. Any thoughts, or suggestions on which direction to go?