Canon 1D MkIV baseball settings recommendations?

[garykohs]

I made the plunge to get a 1D MkIV. It's a beast! I need some help to try to get some decent baseball pics out of it over the next two days. I'm pretty confident now with my 7D but this is a different ball game.

If anyone can suggest what settings I should use as a jumping off point I would really appreciate it.

I know I want AI Servo, single point with expansion, etc. but I'm looking for advice especially about how to set the custom menus since I really don't have time between now and Friday night to play with the possibilities.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

[ldelacruz]

Did you buy a new lens too?

[garykohs]

No, I'm pretty much limited to the 100-400L at the moment (with my 70-200L being out of service).

Seriously, though, do you think I should buy a new lens? People keep telling me to buy a prime but I'm really struggling with how to shoot a complete game with a 300 or 400 prime given the limitations of positioning inherent in shooting baseball. Matt G tells me that I can but I'm obviously missing something.

What do you think?

[ldelacruz]

That is the reason I asked if you bought a new lens along with the new camera. If I were you I would have bought the 300 f2.8 IS before the Mark IV. No worries just go get the 300 tomorrow and all will be forgotten.

[andyz]

Can you borrow or rent the prime lens and give it a try?

As to settings, in my hand would be great. Then I wouldn't be so envious. Seems like just yesterday you mentioned getting the Mark IV in another post. Guess you were feverish then. (If I went and bought one my wife would say I was half-baked and going to be ill.)

I hope you enjoy it. Looking forward to some pics from it.

[Matt_G]

Have no clue on settings.. but I do feel you can cover the game with a prime. You just have to get out of the mindset that the perfect image has to have the entire scene or player. Browse through ESPN or SI baseball images. Often they dont have the entire player at all.

Congrats on the camera! It is a beast for sure. Look forward to your post...lots more info on the Mark IV at POTN or FM too

[JohnT]

Ever see all those sports shooters in the photo pit at MLB games? All of them are shooting with primes. They do, however, have a second body with a wider lens for the wider shots. Either way, Matt is right. Some of the best sports shots don't have the entire player in the frame.

[garykohs]

No problem, but I still don't understand. [I really don't understand. I'm not trying to question your judgment, or Matt's. You obviously have much more experience than me.]

If I'm "shooting the game" I want to get perspectives like this


and


Those are 100mm.

And I also need shots like this at 400mm.


So how do I get all of this with a prime lens?

I know there are some games that I could shoot with a 300mm prime. I shot one on Tuesday at Tomball. The angles would permit me to shoot in between the batters and the outfielders and a 300mm prime would be great. But that's the exception rather than the rule.

So I'd think I'd be much better off with a Sigma 120-300/2.8 than a Canon 300/2.8 prime. No?

[garykohs]

Wow, thanks everyone for all the input. I guess I might just have to try it myself but I really appreciate all the thoughts.

I'm still looking for ideas on the settings. Anyone?

[JohnT]

I'm just saying that, based on what I've observed, it can be done. If you don't have a second body to get those wider shots, you might need to go with a fast zoom. If you can rent a prime just to try it, that would be your best bet.

[garykohs]

Andy,

Thanks for you input. I was considering the 1D seriously. When I found it in stock I just decided to give it a try. I've been so impressed by the 7D that I wanted to see what it would be like to have the top of the line. Time will tell.

I've had pretty good results using the 7D at ISO 12,800 with the 100-400L. So I'm anxious to see what even higher ISOs on the 1D can produce with the same lens.

Originally Posted by andyz

Can you borrow or rent the prime lens and give it a try?

As to settings, in my hand would be great. Then I wouldn't be so envious. Seems like just yesterday you mentioned getting the Mark IV in another post. Guess you were feverish then. (If I went and bought one my wife would say I was half-baked and going to be ill.)

I hope you enjoy it. Looking forward to some pics from it.

[ldelacruz]

I see what you are saying. I prefer up close extremely tight crops so the primes work great for me. I just think you would be much better off shooting at f2.8 versus ISO 12,800. It looks like your shooting from the dugout and I shoot from 3rd or 1st base sidelines so I am further back. When I need more room I go portrait.

[andyz]

I wan to see what the Mark IV does at 102,400 ISO.

If you decide the 7D is the way to go and you want to unload this new baby, call me. :)

You must be so psyched. You need the rapid strap with a 7D on one hip and 1D on the other. You'd get it all. Enjoy.

[paul cacciapaglia]

Where did you find a MK IV in stock? I have been trying and have had no luck? Stepping up to a 1 series is night and day from the 7D. It will take time to figure out the best settings for you and your camera (it did take some getting used to my Mk III a couple years ago when I bought it) You are going to have to sale A LOT of photos to get on the plus side of recently purchasing a 7D and Mk IV. Good luck and enjoy your camera!!

[garykohs]

Thanks, Paul!

I found it at 17th Street Photo. They had it, and still have it, in stock at $4999. It was the only place I found it in stock last weekend. [I did a search on the Canon site for NY, NY authorized vendors and 17th Street came up as well as B&H and Adorama.]

I am very happy with the transaction. They called to verify the credit card but didn't try to sell me anything. They shipped immediately on Monday and I got the camera via 1 day on Tuesday - UPS. It was the most carefully packaged item I've ever bought - the Canon box was in a box packed in another box. The Canon box was unopened. So I'd recommend them.

I really want to shoot my 1D tonight but I just haven't had time to spend with the manual so I think I'm going to wait.

Originally Posted by paul cacciapaglia

Where did you find a MK IV in stock? I have been trying and have had no luck? Stepping up to a 1 series is night and day from the 7D. It will take time to figure out the best settings for you and your camera (it did take some getting used to my Mk III a couple years ago when I bought it) You are going to have to sale A LOT of photos to get on the plus side of recently purchasing a 7D and Mk IV. Good luck and enjoy your camera!!