EMU Basketball Vs. Marygrove

[mikoyan]

So tonight was another phase in my sports photography. The pass that lets me get on the field at Eastern Michigan Football games also lets me courtside at the Basketball games. I'm not a huge fan of Basketball but I will watch it. So I wanted to try out shots from the sidelines there (or is that backcourt). At anyrate, for this I will post what could have been my favorite shot.

From Michigan Exposures

The Good Stuff:
Model Canon EOS 50D
ISO 6400
Exposure 1/320 sec
Aperture 5.0
Focal Length 140mm

I was using the Canon 75-300mm lens but not one of the expensive models. Consequently, I had to bump up the film speed higher than I would have prefered. Also, it seems like depth of field comes more into play in this. So I realize that if I'm gonna want to do basketball, I'll probably have to break down and get a better lens.

Barring that, I was happy with many of my shots. I would have been happier with this shot if I had more of his face in the picture. What else do you guys think would have helped? For basketball, might I be better off with the 28 to 135mm kit lens? It seemed like too many of my shots where there was shooting was missing the ball.

[jdepould]

To be blunt, this one isn't very good. You generally need to be able to see the players' faces most of the time.

[mikoyan]

Originally Posted by jdepould

To be blunt, this one isn't very good. You generally need to be able to see the players' faces most of the time.

I agree with you on that which is why I was asking. LIke I said in my initial post, this could have been my favorite shot but alas....

I get another shot on Friday, I think for that I'm gonna try the smaller lens since I'm much closer to the basket than I'm used to.

[Hill Country Hack]

I agree with needing a faster lens to do basketball. I am surprised you got a decent shutter speed at f5 even with the high ISO.

It will take some practice to anticipate the shot, pass or move if you cannot burst shots. You can think about using a 50mm f1.8 (about $100 US). But with the fixed focal length it would be a challenge in framing.

Why not take this as practice in composition, timing, and perspective? Obtain the faster glass when you can.

Can you rent faster glass for practice?

[mikoyan]

Originally Posted by Hill Country Hack

I agree with needing a faster lens to do basketball. I am surprised you got a decent shutter speed at f5 even with the high ISO.

It will take some practice to anticipate the shot, pass or move if you cannot burst shots. You can think about using a 50mm f1.8 (about $100 US). But with the fixed focal length it would be a challenge in framing.

Why not take this as practice in composition, timing, and perspective? Obtain the faster glass when you can.

Can you rent faster glass for practice?

The lighting at the basketball arena is not complete crap but it's not great either. I do have a burst mode, so I may try that as well. But yes, I will try the other lens, maybe that might help me get more of the players in the shot, although I wont be able to get as much action at the other side of the court (but generally those would be the bad guys...so screw them).

[Jim Bryant]

Shoot vertically for those slam dunks and leave room as to not cut off hands.

[mikoyan]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

Shoot vertically for those slam dunks and leave room as to not cut off hands.

Thanks. That is why I think I'm gonna go for the shorter lens....I didn't realize how close things are. I guess I'm used to another 10 yards getting tacked onto things