Help me PLEASE

[msmo96]

I purchased the Canon Rebel XT....takes great still and slightly moving shots with no problem. Programs are easy to use. But I guess I pick the worse sport to start learning on becuase I am so frustrated and can use all the help I can get. I am TRYING so hard to take inside baskeball pictures. I don't want just pictures of them standing and dribbling...they are fine. I want fast up in the air shooting shots. at least one part of the pictures is always blurry. I am beginning to think my camera is a lemon.

I have figured out already that I need a wide angle lens or an attacment.

But basicly I need guidence. Tell me what lens, what setting for the inside of a gym standing behind the goal.

Please someone help me.

 

[hiwaygal]

I'm sorry, I can't really offer any tips...

but, you can try asking your question on the PHOTOGRAPHY BOARD there are some pros over there who can give you excellent advice!

 

[KathyTX]

Welcome to the DISboards, msmo96!

I'm going to move this thread to the Photography forum, where I know you'll get lots of help. Hiwaygal is right- we have some real pros who are *very* helpful there.

 

[Master Mason]

As stated in the other thread

It isn't a wide angle lens you need, you need one with a wide appature. I use the canon 70-200 f/2.8L without IS lens for most of my sports pictures.

here is a wrestling one, that shows good stop action, in our same gym they play basketball in...

a monopod will also help you alot as well

 

[handicap18]

Its not the camera. Its the lens. And even then the lens isn't a lemon or have anything "wrong" with it. You need a "fast" lens. Meaning one that has a wide aperture (small f/number).

There are a few options you have. One being the lens that Master Mason mentioned. Excellent optically, but on the expensive side. You might be able to find some inexpensive used prime lenses such as the 85mm f/1.8 or a 90mm f/2.8, 105mm f/2.8. Some people have even found the very inexpensive (even a NEW copy for about $80) 50mm f/1.8 to work well in a H.S. gym setting. With the crop factor it gets you to 80mm. Combine this kind of lens with a high ISO (either 800 and probably better with 1600). You should get better results with this combination. I'm guessing that your probably using the kit lens at the long end which is only 55mm, which might be long enough, however its maximum aperture opening is only f/5.6 which is not very wide. Here is a diagram to help illustrate the differences in f/stop openings better:

You can see how small the circle is at f/5.6 compared to f/1.8 and f/2.8.

 

[majimikate]

I have 4 kids all of whom play basketball and I spend a lot of time in gyms trying to get good shots, so here's my $.02...

I WISH I had the budget for that 70-200mm f2.8 with IS, if i did i'm not sure it would ever come off my Rebel body...but since it's currently out of my price range I have to make do with other lenses!! I have a 75-300 f4.-5.6 with IS that can be made to work in that setting in Tv mode, ISO set to 800 or 1600 (depending on the gym) and using the 430EX accessory flash, sometimes the body flash, once again depending on the gym and the distance I'm shooting from. I also have the 50mm f1.8 and that works well as long as I am close enough, which is usually an issue with basketball. My next lens will be another prime, the 85mm f2.8 which will get me a little closer. I'd eventually like the 135mm as well, but there is only so much photo budget money !!

If you only have the kit lens, without a flash most pictures will be impossible...but try...I'm still playing with all sorts of settings and I keep hoping i'll find the perfect substitute for that 70-200mm lens!! Good luck

 

[JR6ooo4]

If you are within 20-30 feet the 50mm f1.8 should work well and should be in every SLR bag. Well unless you have several L lenses. ANd it is only $70-80!

But even at f1.8 you may still get some blurr. Like a hand or foot, but hope fully not too often.

I shoot musical theater with the 70-300 is and get good results so you can do it without $1500 lenses. Bump the ISO to 800 or 1600.

Mikeeee
Mikeeee

 

[MarkBarbieri]

the 50mm f1.8 should work well and should be in every SLR bag. Well unless you have several L lenses. ANd it is only $70-80!

I do have several L lenses and I still have this lens in my bag.