Grand kids soccer, new season: tried my 80-400 yesterday. First time I lugged it out in 6 months. Got spoiled on the 300mm prime last season. I offer the last one to show how well the...

mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA

tried my 80-400 yesterday. First time I lugged it out in 6 months. Got spoiled on the 300mm prime last season.

I offer the last one to show how well the D500 holds subject. I had started to pull camera away from my eye as she crossed the net, then realized I still had the shot. And rushed it, so a bit of camera shake and thumb off the BBF. I was standing about 30 yards away and the camera still focused past the net.

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chuckrem Loc: Katy, Tx

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

mikeroetex wrote:

tried my 80-400 yesterday. First time I lugged it out in 6 months. Got spoiled on the 300mm prime last season.

I offer the last one to show how well the D500 holds subject. I had started to pull camera away from my eye as she crossed the net, then realized I still had the shot. And rushed it, so a bit of camera shake and thumb off the BBF. I was standing about 30 yards away and the camera still focused past the net.

Ya have focusing nailed, If I may suggest... Being big Bertha (Nikon 80-400) doesn't go to ƒ2.8 and ƒ4.5 is it, try & find cleaner less distracting backgrounds and get down on you're knees. Gives the kiddies a bit more of a powerful look.

mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA

OnDSnap wrote:

Ya have focusing nailed, If I may suggest... Being big Bertha (Nikon 80-400) doesn't go to ƒ2.8 and ƒ4.5 is it, try & find cleaner less distracting backgrounds and get down on you're knees. Gives the kiddies a bit more of a powerful look.

Yeah, I'm going back to my light little 300mm f4 PF prime or use the 24-120 on the D500. I may have to buy me a 70-200 f2.8 again. I would get down on my knees, but at my current age and bad back, I might not be able to get back up! LOL! Too many years on my knees and sidelines as a sports videographer with a 20 lbs camera unit on my shoulder.

Jules Karney Loc: Las Vegas, Nevada

mikeroetex wrote:

Yeah, I'm going back to my light little 300mm f4 PF prime or use the 24-120 on the D500. I may have to buy me a 70-200 f2.8 again. I would get down on my knees, but at my current age and bad back, I might not be able to get back up! LOL! Too many years on my knees and sidelines as a sports videographer with a 20 lbs camera unit on my shoulder.

Mike I feel your pain. I don't get down on my knees to much anymore. However I did buy a 10.00 little chair to sit on. It's about 20 inches high and does the trick. I have the 80-400 and it is heavy. Lug it around on the monopod to help with the weight.
Nice shots.
Good luck,
Jules

Dziadzi Loc: Wilkes-Barre, PA

OnDSnap wrote:

Ya have focusing nailed, If I may suggest... Being big Bertha (Nikon 80-400) doesn't go to ƒ2.8 and ƒ4.5 is it, try & find cleaner less distracting backgrounds and get down on you're knees. Gives the kiddies a bit more of a powerful look.

Great idea!

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

mikeroetex wrote:

Yeah, I'm going back to my light little 300mm f4 PF prime or use the 24-120 on the D500. I may have to buy me a 70-200 f2.8 again. I would get down on my knees, but at my current age and bad back, I might not be able to get back up! LOL! Too many years on my knees and sidelines as a sports videographer with a 20 lbs camera unit on my shoulder.

Come on, :) great lens that 300 PF ain't it? I've had 6 knee surgeries, and have 4 herniated disks, rotator cuffs repaired four times...I do it two night a weeks and every weekend with a D500 w/200-400 ƒ4 & D5 w/ usually 70-200 ƒ2.8 or the 300 PF. I know the feeling and I feel yours. Too many years up and down ladders with 95 lb. bundles of shingles, Rafters, plywood while building houses. But ya gotta admit, it's a gas when the little ones laugh see ya rolling over and over while trying to get up. Did I mention I pack a sleeping bag for times I can't get up. LOL. Good shooting, Take care of those knees.