C&C always welcome.

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Nice work John, how did you find the MKIII compared to the 20D in this situation? Were you using the 85mm? I know you were going to try the 70-200 to see how that did now you had a wider ISO available, did you get a chance?

Personally I like the jump sets but they are all well captured.

Thanks Mark,

I like the jump sets as well (although I never could understand the benefit it provides)

On the equipment.

The combo of mkIII and 85 was fantastic - focusing was instantaneous. Focus accuracy was a huge improvement over 20d in this environment. Also, having the 1.3 crop rather than 1.6 worked much better as well - I've got a lot more full body shots this time vs. last year with the 20d. Shots 1-8 are with the 85mm (ISO 2000, 1/500, f2.0).

Shots 9-12 were with the 70-200 2.8 (ISO 6400, 1/640, f2.8). I took some shots strait thru the net and because it's a bit darker I got more noise than I would have liked. Fortunately there was a high vantage point to shoot from. Still a bit more noise than I would have liked. ISO6400 is a bit better than 3200 was on the 20d but the focus speed of the sigma 70-200 is slower than the 85. And in this sport more than many that focus speed is critical (can't really lock on and track a v-ball player).

Here's a slightly larger view of one of the 6400 shots. Very usable. But I'm still undecided on whether or not to get the 135mm 2.0 for the long shots.

Sounds good to me.

The jump set is used to speed up the play as the setter gets to the ball quicker than if playing from the floor. This is especially helpful if playing a short middle (3) or short behind (2). It can also be helpful when playing a quick play through 4 with a lower than usual set.

As for the 135mm f2.0, I was looking at one yesterday and they look stunning!

Thanks for the heads-up on the jump-set. I figured you'd be able to help me out.

Nice shots John, personal favourites are #'s 5,7,8 & 11. Kind regards Graham

OMG Those are just terrible!:-)

When I grow UP!

Great Shots!!

btrips

Terrific shots, John. On a few of the first eight, you can see a balcony above the scorer's table. Was this the higher spot you used to shoot 9-12? I really liked 9 & 12 of the shots from above because of the combination of faces and action. I'm going to have to try and copyyour overhead perspective. We have a crow's nest that I think might work.

In the first group,the finishin #5 and the jump set in #7were particularly good because of the action.

Interesting that volleyball is just getting underway there. It's nearly over in Arkansas.

I'm continuing to experiment with the 50mm 1.4. By choosing my angles carefully, I've been able to minimize cropping and been getting some good shots. I picked up a Vivitar Series 1 70-210 f2.8-4.0 and have used it successfully for some baseline shots, although motion blur has been a problem in most I have taken with it.

How close do you need to be to the court to make the 50mm lens effective?

I have a 50mm 1.8 that I will be using to take my first V-ball pictures next week. I am trying to figure out where I can stand to get decent pictures.

I have picke up some good tips by reading these threads.

With a 50mm you will want to be on the sidelines and shoot within about 10-15ft of you for best results. You can go further but the focus will likely be soft and you are getting a wide view of the action.