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
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.
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 ;-)
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
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.
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