Gee, I just wanted to comment on Jerry’s post and note I’ll be keeping/using my copy of his beloved D750 while transitioning to a newer technology. Nikon, Sony, Canon, Ford, Chevy, Ram, Coca Cola, Pepsi, Fender, Gibson all have their followings. I was hearing the “Nikon is declining” news at the same time I transitioned to Nikon from Olympus. It raised my eyebrows some, but no more than they were raised later that year when I purchased a new Les Paul standard (amid a decade of rumors have persisted that Gibson will shutter.) In short, the selected axe best suited my needs. If the selected manufacturer goes belly-up I’ll deal with it as I use the heck out of my equipment. Not available when I need to upgrade…well my first personal computer was a TI-99. Change happens—adapt and lead it.

I hear you, Jerry. My D750 will remain in my kit forever…so sweet in the soft lights, and versatile enough for most everything else. However, as I continue to return to my sports roots the need for faster, more precise AF pushed me to preorder at a Z9 event. Because…

I have shot sports with a D500 (and 750 for sideline non-action) for a couple of years, and it was “perfect” until I shot a football game with a borrowed Sony A9ii…oops. Think going from stock mustang to Shelby Cobra. Considered moving to Sony, but that would have been a huge $$$$ hit on new glass, and the hassle of selling/trading my Nikon equipment.

Was invited to the Z9 rollout in Dallas. After putting the sample body through the paces I was happy I could get more features than the A9ii offers without the hassle of changing glass, or parting with my D750.

Now, if only that slow boat from China would make its way to my retailer…

Coolhanduke—
I went to a similar event in Dallas (hosted by Competitive Cameras—great folk!). Do you have an approximate delivery date? I was told mid-Dec., but not holding my breath.

PS—awesome shots. Do you plan on experimenting with the 120-fps/11 mgp setting?

I consider myself a professional—double-major in photojournalism/English—even though I own a “secular” business that pays the bills.

90% from Sports
10% from Events

The total photographic income is about 1/2 of the 2019 average posted earlier. Why? Over half of my work is donated to ministries and charities such as the Boy Scouts.

Before anyone slams me for donating work, and thus ruining a paying opportunity for another professional, please note: I only donate my photo work to groups who would otherwise resort to a green volunteer with a smartphone. I’m very careful not to take money out of the hands of a working professional.

Whatever it takes to get the ball amid facial expressions. The lens acts as a 75mm on my D500/D7200, so I get a great combo of slight tele and light gathering. Seems like a prehistoric choice when compared to today’s volume of zooms, but...well its a good tool. Share some of your results with it.

BTW—player dunking in the 2nd shot signed with Kentucky last Saturday.

You’re going to have a blast with the lens speed and D500’s amazing AF. I bought mine used, but they seem to hold their value. I haven’t thought twice about a 300 prime since getting it.

I don't have the Sports model, but I use the 2nd gen for sports...if that counts, lol. Fantastic glass. If you have a crop sensor body then you'll do better in trying to reach across the field to shoot your granddaughter. I chose this over a Nikon 300/2.8 simply because it does zoom back to 120 which is helpful for action sports. Tack-sharp...you won't go wrong.

Since we veered down Geezer lane...Wow--44 shots. I had 24; yep two rolls of Tri-X to go with that twin lens Yashica Mat 124 complete with Strobonar potato-masher flash. The flash, designed to be bounced off the moon for lighting outdoor night shots, negated using anything besides D-76. Essentially the faces and unis were well lighted, but everything else was dark...f8 @ 250. Stood to the right of the rim for a layup, and maybe...just maybe, and only once in a while, both faces at the point of impact on a charge. If I remember correctly, everything between 15 and 35 feet would be in-focus.

I didn't own a camera when I began working at the local newspaper--hence one of the left behind Yashicas. I did get to wind 35mm film (38-44 shots...sometimes lost count)...but these were just for the guys who owned actually owned a 35mm. I had to save for 6-months before finally having enough to purchase one.

Nowadays I fire away--10fps--and don't care if I'm described as spray and pray...memory cards are cheap, and Lightroom is a good as a contact sheet. I just know how many shots I missed years ago when my anticipation/instincts were off, or the ball went in a different direction.

As I mentioned in my first reply to the OP I do sometimes turn off the autofocus, (and single-shot mode) and test my instincts. Still good, but, well, maybe I just enjoying hear the shutter firing away. Oh yeah, my vehicles all have automatic transmissions, and cruise control.

Now, I've opened the door for those fellas who stood courtside with a SpeedGraphic and a flash bulb. Fire away, guys!

My suggestion...since most high school gyms don't feature Madison Square Garden quality lighting...
For starters, acknowledge the first quarter is to help you shoot effectively over the remaining three.

Initially set your ISO at 4800, and SS at 640/700 on shutter preferred. Point the camera at your nephew's face, and see what f-stop your camera determines. If you get a underexposure warning, then up your ISO until you're at least at f2.8. At this point I throw my camera into manual at these readings. This is your baseline.

Shoot several shots, and then determine if you need to adjust. SS 640 will generally stop most action at the high school level. If you think you need more speed just remember for every addition in speed you will need to have a subtraction in f-stop. I have no idea how "noisy" your camera is, so I'm giving you what I'd do if you pulled my Nikon from my hands, and replaced it with yours.

The 70-200 is a great lens, but can get a little unwieldy in a cramped gyms. I usually have one on a body, but I'll also have a 50mm on another. As a pup sports shooter I was continually admonished by my editor with the following words of wisdom: "IF you think you are too close, get a little closer."

So, I tend to camp out underneath, or around the basket. The 50 is used when action is next to me, and the 70-200 when it's at the the other end.

For autofocus I use AF-continuous and the 9 setting. Again, you will need to experiment. I'm so old I still sometimes turn off the autofocus and go manual. It's fun, but not for everyone. And, honestly my kill rate isn't as good as when using autofocus.

One more hint...for the first game, instead of "spray and pray," concentrate on your nephew (maybe not too obviously) and develop a knack for tracking his movement. If he gets subbed, zero in on one of the bigs around the basket and follow them.

Although the best action shots almost always have a big orange ball somewhere in the frame, consider shooting reactions, and scenes around the bench. If I'm shooting an unfamiliar team I'll angle across the court from the bench and focus on the coach. Some are extremely animated. Also, your nehpew's coach might appreciate a print of him "in action."

Since I brought up the 50mm, below are some shots with one from last night. The publication requested B&W. Nikon D7200/D750--Nikkor 50 f1.4--SS 640--ISO 6400.

Most importantly, have fun!

You’re truly blessed getting to shoot what will be a true golden era for Gorman. I got to shoot a similar type team in the early ‘80s. 16-0, and un-scored on in 14 division games enroute to a state championship...which they won 54-0. Still a national record. Enjoy Gorman’s run!

Nice series on the face-mask--I can easily understand the coach's frustration; after all his team did give up 26 points, lol. The whites don't look too-blown for a noon start. I like number 7 best...DB pass break-ups are solid eye-catchers in newsprint. For this to have been a typical Gorman blow-out (another State Champeenship!) your shots give some homage to Monoque's offense. I'm guessing Gorman struck fast offensively which meant their defense was on the field most of the game. I'm still envious of your shooting conditions, and start times.

Thanks, Brent & Raymond.
Just shooting for the fun of it gives me an opportunity to experiment. In the old days Pic #1 would have gone in my stringbook.

I was going to comment, "Nice shots!" and then I saw your vantage point...wow! I will note you said, "lucky" about the cheerleaders, but honestly you took that into consideration, so instead it was effort, not luck. Bear Bryant was quoted as having said, "A man makes his own luck." Keep up the good work.

Shot a jr high softball game this week. Just for grins I pushed my D750 to 12800 ISO...this allowed me to shoot at a whopping SS 320 @ F4 with my 300/F4. I found out later the lighting was the actual fixtures that adorned my high school football field 40-years ago. This field had only four poles--each with only a bank of four lights. I don't think I'd want to make posters out of these, but they will certainly reproduce well in newsprint, and online.

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Good color rendition, Jules. Last shot is "killer!"