First major pro wrestling show. EOS R6 settings question

[theperfectplex]

I got my first major pro wrestling gig. I’ll be shooting from the hard cam area. Where the cameras are setup away from the ring. I asked ChatGPT to give me some consensus good settings for some nice clear photos. I’m using an R6 with a Tamron 70-200mm g2. I do have a 1.4 extender just in case. But the settings it gave me were (I programmed two settings):

f/2.8 1/1250 ISOrange 100-6400 AFCASE: Case2 

with the extender it was f/4 and everything else was the same. And it recommended back button auto photos. I’m just used to very low lit independent wrestling shows. Any thoughts?

[shadowsports · Accepted solution]

Greetings ,

The original R6 is known for its low light capability.  It paired with a Canon, Sigma or Tamron 70-200 f 2.8 could do pretty well at a dimly lit indoor sporting event.  The challenge is that you might be shooting from a dark vantage point onto a brightly lit ring.  That distance is going to be your biggest challenge.  I don't know that you're going to be able to get away with a 1/1250 shutter speed, even with a ISO of (up to) 6400, but you can experiment.  I would try 1/800 and ISO between 1250-3200 (lower the better).  It's ultimately going to depend on available lighting and you're not going to know until you get there.  Hopefully you're not going to be shooting through the ropes.  I'd also go for one shot AF.  A monopod might be a good idea too.  Make sure you post some photos for us.  🙂

[theperfectplex]

Yep I have my monopod ready to go. Thank you go the advice. I usually shoot ringside in lower lit shows at 1/800 and I can get away with it. 

[shadowsports]

Cheers and glad you confirm my recommendation.  

[ebiggs1]

This is something I have never done although I have shot high school wrestling matches. My gut tells me a 70-200mm is to long for this job. Certainly not using a tel-con with it. Also a monopod is not going to help because you don't want or need slow SS. 

My thoughts would be to get a 24-70mm f2.8L lens to accompany your bigger zoom. For the HS matches the 24-70mm is all I used. "I’ll be shooting from the hard cam area."  However, I have no idea how far away you are going to be. I was very close to the mat for the HS matches.

"f/2.8 1/1250 ISOrange 100-6400 AFCASE: Case2 "

Try it. I could see that being adequate settings. Perhaps drop the SS to the suggested above 1/800 so you can use f4 instead of f2.8. Without seeing the venue neither anyone here nor ChatGPT can give you any spot on settings.

[shadowsports]

Ernie,

He's shooting from the hard cam area.  This is not typically ringside. 

[ebiggs1]

" However, I have no idea how far away you are going to be." "He's shooting from the hard cam area.  This is not typically ringside."

Still doesn't tell me the actual distance. Most likely and I am sure that set up is different in different arenas. Yes, no?

[theperfectplex]

It was a great shoot! I used a Lightroom pack from a known YouTuber. Colors really popped. Shot around 1000/1250 shutter. ISO stayed around 5000 and less. Thanks for the assistance. Didn’t use the extender. 

 

 

 

[shadowsports]

Woohoo.  Success!!!

[ebiggs1]

I love the B&W but I think you need to look more towards your composition for the first two, just MHO.