Dumb question no 2***

[Crazyhorse]

Hi

Using a 40d and 70-200 F4 L, I put the camera in TV mode, A1 servo. I selected a shutter speed of between 800-1250. Now, can someone offer advice please. It was overcast on occasion but with the odd bit of sunshine and we were outside. When focussing on the dogs, I could only get F4-5.6. I fiddled around with the iso so without looking at each shot, I couldn't really say I stuck to one iso setting.

I love shooting dogs in action. I went along to a whippet racing event at the weekend and I know they are small and very very fast but what is the best technique for panning? I was positioned with the dogs coming towards me and only managed to get a few shots of them passing me but at 70 I was a bit too close really.

I've reviewed all my shots (400) and looked at where I've focussed. I had the middle focus point activated and was shooting in evaluate metering. I had to shoot in jpeg.

I'm really pleased with some of the shots but on a few, I've missed focussing on the dog properly, I can see the focus point has been in front of the dog, above the dog, on the grass, that sort of thing. I know we all have to learn but I am determined to get this right. I'm going to practice over the next couple of weeks with my own dogs.

Any hints, tips etc would be appreciated.

Many thanks.

Lisa

 

[it's alive]

Could you post some example pictures? It would help with commenting to have something specific.

On an overcast day I am not surprised that you only achieved f/4-5.6 with those shutter speeds.

 

[Crazyhorse]

Thanks, would you have gone for a faster shutter speed?

LIsa

 

[susie]

Thanks, would you have gone for a faster shutter speed?

LIsa

It would depend what efect you want, assuming the ISO stayed the same, if you increased the shutter speed you would have needed a wider aperture (perhaps f/2.8) if you decreased the shutter speed you would have had a smaller aperture but that would have given you more of the scene (more of the dogs if they were in a group) in sharp focus.
The focusing is just loads of practice, half press the shutter so the focus can lock on whatever the target is and then press fully. I used to have the same problem if I was in too much of a hurry and rushed the shots but the more I did the easier it was.

 

[Crazyhorse]

Thanks Suzie. I am after sharp focus as opposed to blur. It's my method of focussing which needs addressing too as looking at the shots, on some of them, as stated above, I have missed the dog etc.

Do you think it's best to shoot in TV or AV?

Lisa

 

[susie]

Personally if I am shooting fast moving things, I use Tv because I like to get a minimum shutter speed and know it will stay at that if the light changes. From reading on here a lot of people will pick the aperture they want and keep an eye on the shutter speed to make sure it stays high enough. All down to the individual and what you are happiest with

 

[Crazyhorse]

Thanks, I tried TV for these shots. I usually shoot in AV but as you say, the shutter speed does fluctuate and it's a bit of a pain.

Lisa

 

[foggy4ever]

Try manual it scares some people but I tried it at the weekend shooting Motorsport and I was very happy with the results. I will be using manual a lot more now.