Need settings help! Shooting full size soccer field games around dusk -- Nikon D80,

[mom2mikel]

Tamron AF70-200mm f/2.8 lens. (I don't have camera in front of me, but I'm *pretty* sure that is the right lens)

I have always used the sports mode along with a 1.5x converter and have always taken some good shots (during the day). Now that we are moving into high school soccer, many of the games take place around dinner time when the sun is setting. I'm thinking I'll get better results removing the converter (and just cropping) and using some manual settings.

Any advice would be appreciated!!!

Thanks!

 

[mom2rtk]

There are different approaches. I'd go shutter priority to find what speed allows crisp photos without blur, pick the highest ISO I am comfortable using, then let the camera choose the right aperture.

When my son played high school soccer, I didn't yet have any fast lenses and had to just put the camera down when I lost the light. You have a good lens and should be able to get the shots you want. I have good lenses now. You'd think he'd appreciate that and go out for the team again!

 

[mom2mikel]

LOL -- thanks for the input. I was wrong (don't tell my DH that)...I have a Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II. I'm pretty sure I can get some great shots -- just have to play and maybe take some notes along the way.

I used to take soo many pictures but as my DD gets older, I find I like watching more than taking photos. I always regret it later when I don't have as many photos/memories!

 

[wbeem]

You take a hit with the teleconverter - it drops about a stop of light, so you're no longer shooting at f/2.8. It makes sense to use it, since you just can't get that close with a 70-200mm.

You may want to try renting some bigger glass, if it's important enough to you. More reach and you could get that stop back.

 

[ukcatfan]

If it is like most high schools, there will be a track and more empty space between the field and the stands. I do not believe that you will be very happy with only 200mm from there. I currently shoot on my daughter's U12 field only five feet from the line and sometimes wish I had more than 200mm. The best thing to do to get memorable shots is somehow get closer to the field like a professional sports photographer does. This is usually easier said than done. For me the most memorable shots come during warm up, after the game, during goal celebrations, etc. than from action shots. It is just really tough to get any action shots that are very interesting from the stands.

 

[alloyd1170]

I use a Canon 100-400 lens to shoot my son's soccer games (I'm the team photographer). My camera is set to shutter priority and I use burst mode for rapid shots. The games are all during the day, thankfully as the lens is a f4. However, the reach is wonderful and it gets a lot of attention! I get some great shots, and even crop them in Photoshop. I usually position myself at the end of the field where they will be shooting on goal, and I get down low (sit on the ground) for a great angle. You just need to be careful of shots coming your way! I also use a monopod sometimes, which you might need given that the games are at night.

 

[mom2rtk]

You might want to ask if there's any way you can get down on the sidelines by offering to take some shots for the yearbook or school paper.