HS Volleyball, no flash, Part II

rainbowrainbow Registered Users Posts: 2,765 Major grins
edited September 29, 2009 in Sports
Two weeks ago, I shot a HS volleyball match with my 40D matched with a 135 f/2.0L and an 85 f/1.8. The thread is here:
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=144106

This past week, I shot in the same gym using my 5D (FF) paired with the 135L. The two differences that stand out immediately are that this combo is similar to the 85 on a 40D (1.6X) and that the shutter lag on the 5D is greater. As much as the 40D is designated the "sports camera", I enjoy my 5D/135 as my best combo for basketball and volleyball. Reasons to follow...

The 5D at ISO 1600 gives a beautiful picture without applying noise reduction:

660980038_fKPks-L.jpg


It is unclear which has a better AF system. In volleyball, I often utilize "one shot" instead of "AI Servo". From this angle, it is absolutely necessary as the net would grab the focus from the player. But if I am trying to shoot a service receive on my side of the net, I would tend to go to "AIS". Unfortunately, that is not entirely satisfactory as occasionally another player would grab the focus away:

660983588_oS245-M.jpg

And sometimes it doesn't shift quick enough (especially on a rare capture like this one... OUCH!) where the focus stayed on #3: 660984684_LWJPg-L.jpg

With shooting over 200 shots (in 3 games), I do not shoot multiple FPS, so the increased FPS rate is unimportant (10 FPS in the 1DMkIII is awesome, but that would increase the number of photos to well over a thousand -- too many for me). With the 5D, I have to actively think about shutter timing, or I will inevitably be way too slow due to the shutter lag.

662786917_Jpyvw-L.jpg

You can crop shots, but PP time increases greatly, and the sharpness of the original can be lost if cropped too much:

660988323_bvmGS-L-1.jpg

Timing for blocks is much easier, probably because without thinking I subconciously time for the hit, am late, and get nice blocking shots:

660988575_TTdrA-L.jpg

Finally, my artsy-fartsy shot:

660993124_eeN7M-L-1.jpg

Thanks for looking. Hope some of this is helpful (especially if you are coveting the 7D :nod)

Comments

  • donekdonek Registered Users Posts: 655 Major grins
    edited September 27, 2009
    Nice set. You've done pretty well. 1,4,5,and 6 are all tilted to the right. Just get the verticles verticle. Volleyball is very much about timing. You've done well to adapt to a different rig and get the timing down. I doubt I could do it that fast.
    Sean Martin
    www.seanmartinphoto.com

    __________________________________________________
    it's not the size of the lens that matters... It's how you focus it.

    aaaaa.... who am I kidding!

    whoever dies with the biggest coolest piece of glass, wins!
  • PhotosbychuckPhotosbychuck Registered Users Posts: 1,239 Major grins
    edited September 28, 2009
    Great Captures thumb.gif
    D300S, 18-200mm VR, 70-300mm VR

    Aperture Focus Photography
    http://aperturefocus.com
  • rainbowrainbow Registered Users Posts: 2,765 Major grins
    edited September 29, 2009
    Thanks! I appreciate the comments.
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