Scottish Badminton Photographs Centenary International Glasgow

Discussion in 'Badminton Photography' started by A2JLP, Dec 3, 2007.

  1. A2JLP

    A2JLP Regular Member

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    Hi,

    I'm a badminton coach (amateur) and keen amateur photographer and was lucky enough to get a press pass to the Bank Of Scotland Centenary International Badminton Tournament in Kelvin Hall Glasgow.

    I gave the Canon EOS 1D MK111 a good test using 70-200 and 24-105 zooms. I shot mainly at 6400 and 3200 getting up to 1/400 or 1/500 second. I went for a higher shutter speed knowing my shots would be at least one stop under exposed in some cases but could be rescued with a small adjustment of levels.

    With the viewing positions I selected I mainly used manual focus as the net tended to attract the auto focussing which I didn't adjust in any way. I even tried pre-focussing on corners of the court waiting for action and I guess knowing the sport was a help. The lens was always at eye level and you get a feel sometimes just how much to twist the barrel for sharp focus. (high rate of duff shots though, to be expected).

    The lack of noise at high iso's is amazing and gunning at 10fps gives you a better chance of capturing that decisive moment. These images have not been through any noise reduction program but at 6400 with neat image processing, low light high speed photography just got a lot easier.

    I'm interested in any comments. Thanks. :)

    More photographs can be found at
    http://www.jedburghbadmintonclub.org.uk/centenary_international.htm
     

    Attached Files:

  2. NovJoe

    NovJoe Regular Member

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    Nice pictures! :).
     
  3. kwun

    kwun Administrator

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    good action capture.

    my experience tells me that f/2.8 is too slow on most gyms. i personally shoot at f/2 most of the time.

    also, the white balance in your photos leans towards the cool side, i would try to change it to warmer color.
     
  4. Cheung

    Cheung Moderator

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    Nice and dark backgrounds. Can't get anything like that over here:(

    What did you think of the 24-105?
     
  5. A2JLP

    A2JLP Regular Member

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    The 25-105 F4 L is a good general purpose lens, very sharp, not the fastest of lenses but with Image Stabilisation and quality glass, its a good all rounder. Having 6400 film speed with low noise on the 1DMK111 means you dont have to spend big bucks on fast lenses, F4 and even F5.6 become possibilities.

    Dark backgorounds are nice but I'm sure the UK would rather see spectators seated 20 or 30 rows high ;-)
     
  6. Cheung

    Cheung Moderator

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    Did you use all focus points for AF? A few of us here are using AF servo on a single AF point.
     
  7. red00ecstrat

    red00ecstrat Regular Member

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    do u mean ai servo?;)
     
  8. Oldhand

    Oldhand Moderator

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    Nice cool pictures :)
    ... you might want to WB for 3,600K :cool:
     
  9. Oldhand

    Oldhand Moderator

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    Oops, kwun suggested it much earlier. :eek:
     
  10. A2JLP

    A2JLP Regular Member

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    The wihite balance is subjective to an extent is it not? It can easily be altered post processing in any case but I'm now aware of the close scrutiny images are subjected too when submitted ;). If you look at the flash shots taken in the other images featured here

    http://www.jedburghbadmintonclub.org.uk/centenary_international.htm

    the skin tones are warmer than those taken with available light so yes a wee warm up is in order.

    Cheers.

    John
     
  11. AChan

    AChan Regular Member

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    Is it the first time you take badminton picture? Your pics are good indeed, except the wb.
    Good atmosphere, and with different shooting angles. As u used MKIII, it is the fastest focusing speed camera to net shot that other cameras can't do esp. focus a fast moving body towards photographer. You can try some sort like shooting below umpire, at dominant hand side, waiting for forehand net play. And take some close up emotion photo or action with shuttle pics.
     
  12. A2JLP

    A2JLP Regular Member

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    First time with this camera and at a professional tournament. I actually tended to use manual focus most of the time and the 70-200 F2.8 zoom. There other shots of the type you mention at

    http://www.jedburghbadmintonclub.org.uk/centenary_international.htm

    I didnt have time to alter the focus points but next time I may try altering the number of focus points so that the net would not be tracked by the system. Has anyone tried this?

    Cheers,

    John
     

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