Shooting a soccer game...

[Geoff]

Hi all,
Today I will be testing out my new 70-300 G lens (nikkor)..and have been invited onto the field (semi professional grand final game)...just wondering which camera mode people recommended for this...I'm thinking A or M, but would be interested to see what you guys think? This forum is just getting better and better! Thanks in advance,

[gstark]

Geoff,

If the weather conditions look static - constant sun, or constant cloud - I'd take a meter reading and go manual. Otherwise, A and f8-f11 should be workable.

[JordanP]

I'd agree with Gary. Did a hockey grand final yesterday with constant sun and shot on manual for the whole match. I got a spot reading of the players face and then stoped down 1.5 from there. I had a bit of scope with shutter speed but shot f5.6 - f8 all game.

I didn't get images as sharp as I would have liked but I think I was shooting just a tad too slow 1/800sec - here are a couple of examples shot at about 10:40am no cloud with 70-200VR lens ......

[JordanP]

sorry they were a bit too small to tell anything I'll try again

[Geoff]

Well,
I have to say I am quite happy with the 70-300mm G lens, for the price anyway! I'm far from an expert but got to tag along with one and had a go of the SB-800 on my D70 and also had a very small play with the 200-400VR on a D2H!! Now that..my friends is what I call lens lust! Have a look at some of the snaps I took at

http://www.pbase.com/d70geoff/grandfinal

Would appreciate any constructive criticism!

Geoff.

[JordanP]

All good images Geoff. I must say I particularly like 79 and 95.

Sports can be really tricky but you have some great images there.

[Raydar]

Great stuff Geoff & Craig

Craig in that middle image I was up on the hill at my young bloke’s game & presentation.
So close to meeting you but so far away.
How’s that ha??????

Cheers
Ray

[JordanP]

Thought you might have been there. I had a job to do otherwise I would have gone for a wonda. I will be on the turf again at 2pm next Sat for the womens A grade final

[Raydar]

I'll be up there at 10 am for my young blokes club presentation.
We will make that a date at 2 mate.
See you then

Cheers
Ray

[JordanP]

Bring your gear and maybe we can both make a few $$$ to help fund a Sydney trip

[Raydar]

Done mate.
Don't go anywere without it.
This will be the first mini North Coast meeting

Cheers
Ray

[gstark]

Geoff,

A couple of great images there. 79 and 95 (I think) in particular.

Is it me, or an optical illusion (because of the curvature of the fence behind) or, in 121, is the lens drooping?

[Geoff]

it's an optical illusion..I hope so anyway!