Basketball - Not very Sharp

[I649A]

I have been taking HS basketball photos like this one but they don't seem to be very sharp. I can understand it when they are action shots but even this one is not exceptionally sharp and the player is almost still. Any comments on what may be causing this - settings, low light, and how to improve is appreciated.

Nikon D90
VR 70-200mm F2.8
116mm
ISO 1000
1/250s - F2.8
No flash

[GadgetRick]

Well, you're zoomed in quite a bit. I guess, even with VR (did you have it turned on?), you could get some minor shake. But you're shooting at 1/250 so I wouldn't expect a problem when the subject is (more or less) still.

Is the focusing working properly on other subjects? Almost seems like it's not focusing properly?

That should be an excellent lens. I don't know the sweet spot for focal length on it but I'd think you'd be ok where you're at.

Honestly, I'm not really sure. Others with more knowledge may have better ideas...

[I649A]

VR was on but I am noticing that on a lot of my shots it doesnt seem like it is quite on target. I have it set to lock on target and not adjust once the button is half-way down. I used to have it continuously adjust but it seemed like it always found the wrong area to focus on.

[GadgetRick]

Hmm, maybe a problem with the lens then? How long have you had the lens?

[zona5101]

it looks pretty sharp...at least this compressed uploaded image does...

[wamplers]

Doesn't look bad to me either. Maybe the noise reduction due to the ISO 1000 (I don't know how the D90's ISO performance is) or due to cropping?

[Sterling]

Originally Posted by I649A

VR was on but I am noticing that on a lot of my shots it doesnt seem like it is quite on target. I have it set to lock on target and not adjust once the button is half-way down. I used to have it continuously adjust but it seemed like it always found the wrong area to focus on.

It sounds like you are confusing VR (Vibration Reduction) with the focus modes.

[I649A]

I thought about the ISO but do not have enough experience to know if that is noise or a focus problem. The other option is that I may be expecting too much from my lens!

[henson]

aaahh the good o'll basketball days.

[photog1107]

I would apply some sharpening in pp and see where that gets you. It really does not look bad at all to me, but if you are like me, you are hypersensitive to sharpness. What pp are you using? Either Unsharp Mask in PS or just plain sharpening in LR should bring it more into the vein you are looking for.