Advice on Football game under Floodlights

Trizo

Hey all,
was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on what to do or what would they do?
There is an upcoming Football match (GAA) that im hoping to photograph problem is its under floodlights which renders my only distance lens Sigma 70-300 4-5.6 lens fairly unusable for the faster shutter speeds.
I have a 100mm 2.8 Macro and the nifty fifty 1.8 which have apertures i could use. which one would you use or am i stumped
I figure im going to have to boost the ISO fairly high no matter what i go for but is there anything else i can do ??

Cheers

paulkellypix

You might be stumped for zooming in and out - if you are touchline based (and not in a stand) then the lenses you mention might be OK for throw ins, free kicks near touchline etc.

With the telephoto you have, a very high ISO would be required - this would allow you to use faster shutter speeds but I think you will still get blur.

Use a monopod if you have one and bring a seat.

If the shots are not for publication then try the high ISO setting (while players are warming up) and make your decision before the game starts.

Also, don't crouch down for 45 minutes, sitting on your legs.

Have a look at this: http://www.flickr.com/groups/sportsphotographers/discuss/72157607550855190/

I did this once at a gaa match and couldn't walk due to pins and needles for 20 minutes!! Missed start of second half!!

Paulw

I shoot sport under floodlights most of the time.

High ISO is the only way to go. You'll have no choice.

As for lenses, try to borrow a 70-200mm f/2.8. Plenty of generous and friendly people on boards here (I've some games this weekend, otherwise I'd offer mine).

It won't be easy, but you will have to do the best you can. Maybe shooting slightly under-exposing and shooting raw might help too.

Trizo

Hey

Thanks for the advice, i think i will be touchline based as its only local. I have a monopod which i will hopefully be bringing along and a higher ISO i think will be a given. no publication only for myself to get some practice

soccerc

As the game is at a GAA club venue rather than one of the major stadia then I'm afraid you are stumped.

While the lights my be adequet for playing under they most likely will not suitable for photography unless you have a fast lens 2.8 together with a high ISO.

You'll also encounter the dreaded hot and cold spots that will impact on your metering.

Trizo

Paulw wrote: »

I shoot sport under floodlights most of the time.

High ISO is the only way to go. You'll have no choice.

As for lenses, try to borrow a 70-200mm f/2.8. Plenty of generous and friendly people on boards here (I've some games this weekend, otherwise I'd offer mine).

It won't be easy, but you will have to do the best you can. Maybe shooting slightly under-exposing and shooting raw might help too.

Hey Paulw

I'm saving toward the 70-200mm 2.8 at the moment although with canon lens prices changing as often as our banks share prices i may be saving for some time yet
i think as you say ill probably have to shoot under exposed to get the shutter speed i want and then recover the stops in PP.
Thanks for your offer as you say the people on boards are always willing to help but i would be too scared with someone elses lens
Cheers

Ricky91t

Yeah i'd have to agree with soccerc,lights at my local pitch compaered to Musgrave park or Thomond are totally different,so i assume it's the same with croke park and your local pitch..Your lens will be hunting alot i think

LeoB

Quite a few of the newer lights at G.A.A ground now are top quality. Some of the clubs have spent big money on T.V standard lights.
You dont have to buy the Canon lens. Some people here use the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 and there have been good reports. I use it and its great. Just could'nt afford the Canon version.

Jasonw

as long as your shutter speed is at least 1/125 you should be fine for football.

FWIW I love my canon F2.8L 70-200 I've had it for years but rarely use it these days.

Good luck.
J

Paulw

LeoB wrote: »

Quite a few of the newer lights at G.A.A ground now are top quality. Some of the clubs have spent big money on T.V standard lights.

TV quality lights are actually still quite poor for photography. You will still need to push your gear.

Jasonw wrote: »

as long as your shutter speed is at least 1/125 you should be fine for football.

I speed like that will actually be quite slow and would most probably introduce a good bit of blur. You really should be aiming for at least 1/320-1/400. To freeze motion, you should shoot at 1/focal length.

soccerc

LeoB wrote: »

Quite a few of the newer lights at G.A.A ground now are top quality. Some of the clubs have spent big money on T.V standard lights.
.

I'll echo what PaulW has already stated. Tv Quality lighting may not be sufficient for still photography.

A minimum lux value of 500 will accomodate a TV Camera but would not necessarily let you freeze the action.

Many League of Ireland grounds have lux value lighting of 600 min with a few close to 900 but one of the problems is the pylons are not tall enough resulting in hot and cold light spots as the light is not evenly distributed.