sports photography with the 7d.

[Stew9]

I am new to the 7d and canon all together.  I am trying to take pictures of my sons baseball games and I cannot get the bat or ball to be clear.  I want to be able to see the seams of the ball and the name on the bat.  However I have to admit I am a little intimaidated by the 7d as I am not a professional by any means but wanted to good camera, now I am wondering if I made the right choice since I am a little confused.

[Dun1]

      This reply may be late to the dance so to speak.

      About 90% or more of sports photos on the Canon 7D are captured in the AV mode,

      Most sports photographers set up the 7D in AV mode as above, spot focus, using A1 servo as the method of capture

      If you wish to stop the action in most instances you increase the ISO until your 7D is able to achieve a shutter speed of at least 1,000. 

       Strew9 mentioned capturing the baseball shot everyone wants "The bat on the ball",  to capture the bat on the ball, and have the seams on the baseball and the bat logo in focus is not only take some time and work, to capture.  So much depends on where you are able to shoot the player.  Of course with the high shutter rate of the 7D you should be able to capture a sequence of shots of a batter at bat and have some good keepers to chose from.

[Yorptunes]

I love photography but when it comes to knowing how to use a camera properly I am left in the dust by these professionals above who have given you a ton of great information and suggestions.  When I got my 7d I was truly disapoointed with it and considered returning it.  I actually thought the camera was broke.  Anyway I decided to give it one last chance and applied myself in learning the camera.  I was finally successful and I have some truly great professional shots to prove it now.  I am into my second year with the camera and would not give it up for anything.  So take your time learn the camera and you will master it and be quite happy you joined the ranks of people that use great equipment.  

Jon

[cicopo]

I guess that different sports get shot in different ways. The majority of my shooting is Tv mode & in general I think most people shooting motorsports use Tv mode with low shutter speeds & careful panning for motion blur. The same is true for prop plane aviation work.

[Dun1]

Here is a link to suggested settings for the 7D to shoot sports.  It was compied from the Sports Shoot website that is comprised of photographers who predominately shoot sports.  To become a member you have to submit photos for approval and in the event your are approved you may become a member.

      Here is a link to the page where the suggested settings reside.

http://www.sportsshooter.com/message_display.html?tid=34832

[Roxykay]

What lenses could u recommend for night action shots such as varsity football games??

[Waddizzle]

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@Roxykay wrote:
What lenses could u recommend for night action shots such as varsity football games??

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Something f/2.8, or faster.  

Where would you be shooting from?  Stands?  Sidelines?  Endzone? 

The 70-200mm focal length is an excellent "all purpose" lens for outdoor action photography.   

[Gloflosmith123]

Help I just bought a 7d from my son who only used it to video so he’s not much help in what I want to use it for ... I want to take pictures of barrel racing ... what lenses should I be looking to buy or Do I even need to buy one ... until spring everything will be indoors so lighting might be a issue to ... any help will be so much appreciated

[ebiggs1]

"...any help will be so much appreciated"

First advice is start your own thread. This one is 2 years old. Second, check out the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens.  It is the gold standard.

[Gloflosmith123]

Thank u I did :)) and thanks for the info :))