Sport Shots?

Question

I want to take sharp shots in a gym which has low light. I bump up my ISO level to the highest (1600), I try and use the built in flash, and I try to get as close as I can to the action, and yet my pictures come out really poor like blurs, redish tint, low light areas, etc. I did try taking it all in RAW format but I do not have the time to edit all my pictures.

My question is, is Canons 28-55mm kit lens slower than normal lens (compared to other Canon f/3.5), and do I need to purchase lens with IS and a external flash unit. (I have a Canon Rebel XTi)

But I really want a zoom lens just because it is a little more versitle for me. I do crank up the ISO to the highest, use Tv to manage exposor and shutter speed, and I try to use the flash as much as possible. In manuel mode I cannot control the exposure level only the shutter speed and the apreture.

Answer 1

Get the Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens. It should sell for around $100 (US) and will give you about 2 stops faster which is much much more light. Get that lens and shoot in manual or shutter priority mode. For basketball you will need to shoot at least 1/250th, ISO cranked all the way up and f/stop wide open. If the shots are still underexposed you can try stepping down the shutter speed to get the best combination of exposure and stop motion. When I shoot in a gym that is dark (most of them) I will often try and time the shutter release to get players when they aren't moving as quick. Also, shoot in burst mode.

The on camera flash is useless unless the subjects are within a very few feet of you. I know the speedlights are expensive but they are much better than the pop-up flash.

I hope this helps. I went down the same path last year and finally bought the 50mm f/1.8 (I'm shooting Nikon) and then a used 80-200 f/2.8. Nothing substitutes for the faster glass.

One past note - spend $15 and buy Scott Kelby's "The Digital Photography Book" book. It has a section on sports shooting and will be money well spent.

Answer 2

The 50mm lens mentioned above will give you a lot of background to deal with... you want shap action and a bured backgroun . You need the fasted zoom Canon makes and good luck...