my new lens

[airbrushjohn]

i got a zuiko digital 50-200mm 2.8-3.5.

this will take some getting used to. i took some pics last night

at my son's indoor soccer game. lighting is kind of non exisistent,

anyway, you really have to hold this thing still, i didn't bring a monopod,

it just came in a few hours earlier. this is one of the best that i could post, and the second, i used neat image, and a touch of unsharp mask.

[airbrushjohn]

and when i say not much lighting, i don't know how the kids see the ball, that green carpet stuff is the worst! anyway, i have my work cut out for me.

[Mark1616]

John, congratulations on your new toy!! I think you will find a monopod a big help especially in low light where you are getting lower shutter speeds. I think one of the problems you might have had is how far the subject (your son?) is away as I would guess they are the opposite side of the pitch. When your subject is that far away you will find the lens does not work as well as it is pretty close to infinity so there is a chance you will get a softer image.

I know it is easier to shoot when players are further away but keep at it and get them closer so they are filling about 2/3 to 3/4 the frame and you will really start loving your results.

[JohnG]

congrats John.

Based on the exif here: ISO 1600 f3 1/100 you've got your work cut out for you. The shots here are underexposed a bit. You've got a near impossible task to get decent shots in that venue. I would think this is ISO 3200 f1.8 territory. So, don't get too down on yourself if you're not getting many keepers!

[DRGSin]

Wow, combine tough lighting conditions with a fast indoor sport and you def have a challenge. I had a similar situation in a basketball gym once. I just resolved myself to the fact that i wouldnt get any awe inspiring shots, but still used the situation to practice my timing, framing, etc... And even had a chance to try out different views. So although I had no keepers, I gained some valuable experience. My advice would be to keep shooting it. Soccer is a tough sport to shoot as it is, this will only make you a better photographer when the light is suitable.

[airbrushjohn]

thanks every one! and i know you are right, it was fun though it was impossible, i can't wait to shoot outside, and mark you are correct, a monopod is a must, no matter how hard i tried just couldn't keep it still!!!! hahahahahahahahaha and i knew going in, there wouldn't be any keepers, i just had to give a try! now do you have any suggestions on a monopod that isn't in the 1000 dollar range? just kidding!!! something reasonably priced! thank you again john

[JohnG]

I have and use a Bogen/Manfrotto 679B ($47 at B&H). It's sturdy enough for my 120-300 2.8 but it isn't a total club. Some of the bigger monopods are really quite large and probably too cumbersome for any lens us mortals might use.

[airbrushjohn]

thanks johng! i appreciate your time