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First 2022 Volleyball shoot
Mar 30, 2022 13:29:31   #
rcorne001 Loc: Cary, NC
 
I paired the Z9 with the new 100-400 f4/5-5.6 S lens at my first VB shoot of 2022. I knew the lens would be a bit slow, but decided to give it a go. It did indeed prove slow, but with a little extra post processing, got some shots I liked. Images shot in shutter priority mode for the most part, so they were in the 1/1000th shutter speed range, ISO generally around 6400 and as wide open as the lens would allow.

It did require some additional post processing, running images through both Topaz Denoise and Sharpen. On a positive, unexpected note, the Z9's subject recognition AF allowed me to focus upon the player and it virtually ignored the net in front of them! A pleasant surprise. Anyway, here are some of my favorites from the day.


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Mar 30, 2022 15:42:07   #
joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA
 
rcorne001 wrote:
I paired the Z9 with the new 100-400 f4/5-5.6 S lens at my first VB shoot of 2022. I knew the lens would be a bit slow, but decided to give it a go. It did indeed prove slow, but with a little extra post processing, got some shots I liked. Images shot in shutter priority mode for the most part, so they were in the 1/1000th shutter speed range, ISO generally around 6400 and as wide open as the lens would allow.

It did require some additional post processing, running images through both Topaz Denoise and Sharpen. On a positive, unexpected note, the Z9's subject recognition AF allowed me to focus upon the player and it virtually ignored the net in front of them! A pleasant surprise. Anyway, here are some of my favorites from the day.
I paired the Z9 with the new 100-400 f4/5-5.6 S le... (show quote)


Superlative action captures ❤️❤️💟❤️❤️

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Mar 31, 2022 06:47:42   #
mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA
 
rcorne001 wrote:
I paired the Z9 with the new 100-400 f4/5-5.6 S lens at my first VB shoot of 2022. I knew the lens would be a bit slow, but decided to give it a go. It did indeed prove slow, but with a little extra post processing, got some shots I liked. Images shot in shutter priority mode for the most part, so they were in the 1/1000th shutter speed range, ISO generally around 6400 and as wide open as the lens would allow.

It did require some additional post processing, running images through both Topaz Denoise and Sharpen. On a positive, unexpected note, the Z9's subject recognition AF allowed me to focus upon the player and it virtually ignored the net in front of them! A pleasant surprise. Anyway, here are some of my favorites from the day.
I paired the Z9 with the new 100-400 f4/5-5.6 S le... (show quote)
excellent set. I really like your shooting angles!

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Mar 31, 2022 08:11:32   #
raymondh Loc: Walker, MI
 
Great action & other than some slanted horizons, very well processed!

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Mar 31, 2022 08:19:14   #
rcorne001 Loc: Cary, NC
 
raymondh wrote:
Great action & other than some slanted horizons, very well processed!


Yeah - I had to compromise on some of them. Look again and note the vertical rods/poles at the end of the net and in the stands. If I straighten the image to address the stands, then that rod really slants and is a distraction. I was shooting at an angle of about 45° to the net. Something was going to be "off". If you have suggestions, I would appreciate hearing them so I can try them in upcoming games this season. Thanks!

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Mar 31, 2022 11:47:38   #
jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana
 

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Mar 31, 2022 13:13:21   #
raymondh Loc: Walker, MI
 
rcorne001 wrote:
Yeah - I had to compromise on some of them. Look again and note the vertical rods/poles at the end of the net and in the stands. If I straighten the image to address the stands, then that rod really slants and is a distraction. I was shooting at an angle of about 45° to the net. Something was going to be "off". If you have suggestions, I would appreciate hearing them so I can try them in upcoming games this season. Thanks!


I see what you mean. I experience the same problem when shooting from above. At floor level, it's a relatively simple correction to level things out.
But when shooting down from above, everything becomes skewed. I think the best option is the way you handled it by keeping the players from falling over. I do a little basketball from the indoor tracks above the floor and its virtually impossible to get it right. As an example, if I straighten the bench, the shooter falls over. What's a mother to do?!
In any event, I sure am impressed at how sharp & noiseless you've processed these. And exposed I might add.









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Mar 31, 2022 14:49:27   #
rcorne001 Loc: Cary, NC
 
raymondh wrote:
I see what you mean. I experience the same problem when shooting from above. At floor level, it's a relatively simple correction to level things out.
But when shooting down from above, everything becomes skewed. I think the best option is the way you handled it by keeping the players from falling over. I do a little basketball from the indoor tracks above the floor and its virtually impossible to get it right. As an example, if I straighten the bench, the shooter falls over. What's a mother to do?!
In any event, I sure am impressed at how sharp & noiseless you've processed these. And exposed I might add.
I see what you mean. I experience the same problem... (show quote)


Thank you. I also have a basketball venue that allows me to shoot from above. I noticed your approach is similar to mine. I try to keep the side of the backboard straight up (like yours is) and then see how things fall into place. As I am sure you have observed the players actually DO come in for a shot leaning one way or another. In those times, I just try to keep the image as close to what I remember actually seeing. Sometimes it even works! LOL!

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Mar 31, 2022 15:39:03   #
joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA
 
raymondh wrote:
I see what you mean. I experience the same problem when shooting from above. At floor level, it's a relatively simple correction to level things out.
But when shooting down from above, everything becomes skewed. I think the best option is the way you handled it by keeping the players from falling over. I do a little basketball from the indoor tracks above the floor and its virtually impossible to get it right. As an example, if I straighten the bench, the shooter falls over. What's a mother to do?!
In any event, I sure am impressed at how sharp & noiseless you've processed these. And exposed I might add.
I see what you mean. I experience the same problem... (show quote)


Awesome action shots 🌟💫🌟💫🌟

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Apr 3, 2022 12:42:57   #
Jules Karney Loc: Las Vegas, Nevada
 
rcorne001 wrote:
I paired the Z9 with the new 100-400 f4/5-5.6 S lens at my first VB shoot of 2022. I knew the lens would be a bit slow, but decided to give it a go. It did indeed prove slow, but with a little extra post processing, got some shots I liked. Images shot in shutter priority mode for the most part, so they were in the 1/1000th shutter speed range, ISO generally around 6400 and as wide open as the lens would allow.

It did require some additional post processing, running images through both Topaz Denoise and Sharpen. On a positive, unexpected note, the Z9's subject recognition AF allowed me to focus upon the player and it virtually ignored the net in front of them! A pleasant surprise. Anyway, here are some of my favorites from the day.
I paired the Z9 with the new 100-400 f4/5-5.6 S le... (show quote)


For the first time you did a wonderful job. Volleyball is a very difficult sport to shoot. You did well.

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Apr 3, 2022 13:09:11   #
rcorne001 Loc: Cary, NC
 
Jules Karney wrote:
For the first time you did a wonderful job. Volleyball is a very difficult sport to shoot. You did well.


Thank you. It was the first outing of 2022 along with the first time I used the 100-400 and Z9 combination. I've used the D5 and 70-200 in the past. Going forward I will return to the 70-200 on the Z9. Regular season starts up in the fall.

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Apr 4, 2022 21:54:50   #
rickberns Loc: Conroe, Texas
 
rcorne001 wrote:
I paired the Z9 with the new 100-400 f4/5-5.6 S lens at my first VB shoot of 2022. I knew the lens would be a bit slow, but decided to give it a go. It did indeed prove slow, but with a little extra post processing, got some shots I liked. Images shot in shutter priority mode for the most part, so they were in the 1/1000th shutter speed range, ISO generally around 6400 and as wide open as the lens would allow.

It did require some additional post processing, running images through both Topaz Denoise and Sharpen. On a positive, unexpected note, the Z9's subject recognition AF allowed me to focus upon the player and it virtually ignored the net in front of them! A pleasant surprise. Anyway, here are some of my favorites from the day.
I paired the Z9 with the new 100-400 f4/5-5.6 S le... (show quote)


Great set Rick. Volleyball is difficult to capture eyes and ball at the peak of action. My keep rate is lower but sometimes I get some good digs!

Thanks for sharing,
Rick

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