Tips for using a TC17EII with 70 -200 VR

[rookie2]

I have had a few unsuccessful goes at using the TC17 with the 70 -200VR but generally find images pretty soft and/or OOF.

I am talking sports (footy) here so wonder if anyone has any golden rules for using such a set up on the D200.

I know it is a matter of practice practice and more practice but just want any tips for this w/e efforts.

Unfortunately my shooting is very spasmodic so any ideas appreciated ( I have looked at fred miranda, rockwell, sportshooter and tried to use some of their settings & ideas - this w/e no VR for something new)

cheers

R2

[bwhinnen]

What AF settings are you using on camera? This is where most of the trouble comes in from my experience with the D200...

[rookie2]

I'm going to try this lot of settings tomorrow/today

AF-C
Ch (5fps)
Group dynamic
matrix metering


a1 focus priority
a2 focus
a3 normal 11 areas
a4 pattern 1 centre
a5 normal (for junior AFL)
a6shutter AF/on
a7 auto
a8 wrap
a9 off

auto ISO/WB

will try AP @ 4.8 - 7.1 (with TC 1.7 on and als SP 1/400+ )

Using a mono so will see how I go with VR on and VR off.

Any suggestions re these settings?

cheers

R2

[Pa]

i do some surf shots with a af 300mm f4, nikon and a tamron af 1.4 teleconverter.... i shoot in shutter priority 1/500 plus, iso 200-400.... if it's a cloudy day i take the converter off.

any slower than 1/400 sec the images tend to be soft.


cheers pa

[rookie2]

thanks Pa

looks like the TC will be off today - very dull & overcast.

cheers

R2

[shaunus]

try bumping up the iso to around 400ish with the tc on, seems to work and should allow you to use a higer shutter speed

[radar]

I'm going to try this lot of settings tomorrow/today

AF-C

AF-C gives you:

When you press or partially press the shutter release the camera focuses the lens. On a full shutter release press, the shutter opens for the picture even if focus is not achieved

It would try AF-S if I was you. Depending on the fast moving action, you may get better focus but it may be harder to get focus, so try it to see how you go.

Thom Hogan in his D200 book discusses pro/con on the two, it is worth a read.

Group dynamic
matrix metering

Myself, I like to use single area AF so I control exactly the focus point not sure if that would work for you or not.

Cheers,

André

[christiand]

Hi R2,

I've used AF-S and AF-C with a single AF-Sensor and both worked ok.
I guess practicing both modes is necessary to get a good experience of what may be needed on the occasion.

Regards,
CD

[big pix]

when I shoot fast moving subjects...... af-c, at least 1250s, you may have to push up your iso and or shoot wide open..... and a quick burst of 3 to 6 exposures........ At times I find that the first exposure can be a tad soft due to mirror bounce, and some times the last frame, but the others are usually fine......... you do tend to fill up a card very quick, along with time spent doing an edit later, but I find it is worth the time to get the results...... happy shooting.......

My Eagle gallery, and most of the moving birds in the Bird gallery have been shot with this method

EDIT: All of The Eagle gallery was shot with a Sigma 50-500 hand held. Some at 350mm most at 500mm

[rookie2]

Thanks all for the tips - it will be interesting to have a go at settings that I wouldnt really have considered like AF-S and single area focus.

the settings I listed before got me a better % of keepers than usual but a bit soft with the TC17 on tho it did give me that extra reach.

No monopod at moment so will be hand holding again tomorrow.

another day - more opportunities await!

cheers

R2 PS for privacy reasons I am not posting shots of other kids in the team -when and if I get some decent ones of my son I will post for your CC.