Shooting horse show in an indoor arena: I have a D750 & D850 with the holy trinity of lenses. I also have the Z50. Any hints on what to take with me. Any suggested settings? It will be...

Red Sky At Night

I have a D750 & D850 with the holy trinity of lenses. I also have the Z50. Any hints on what to take with me. Any suggested settings? It will be 7:00 pm indoor arena. These will be just for me so no pressure. Just trying to learn.

therwol Loc: USA

Red Sky At Night wrote:

I have a D750 & D850 with the holy trinity of lenses. I also have the Z50. Any hints on what to take with me. Any suggested settings? It will be 7:00 pm indoor arena. These will be just for me so no pressure. Just trying to learn.

Out of the three cameras, I only own the D850. Focus tracking is outstanding. The high pixel count allows for significant cropping to "extend" the reach of your lenses. Focus performance in the live view mode is dismal, so you'll have to use the viewfinder with the mirror down, and that means quite a bit of noise if you're taking burst shots. The Z50 will be lighter and quieter and will already have the effect of cropping your FX lenses to extend their reach. You should use the mechanical shutter at high shutter speeds to avoid the rolling shutter effect on moving subjects. None of these cameras are high ISO champions, but you should be able to get by. Assuming you are in the stands, maybe forget the wide angle zoom. I can't thing of anything more at the moment. I'm sure others will contribute their thoughts.

Red Sky At Night

therwol wrote:

Out of the three cameras, I only own the D850. Fo... (show quote)

Thank you so much.

Grahame Loc: Fiji

Red Sky At Night wrote:

I have a D750 & D850 with the holy trinity of lenses. I also have the Z50. Any hints on what to take with me. Any suggested settings? It will be 7:00 pm indoor arena. These will be just for me so no pressure. Just trying to learn.

Lens, 70-200 f/2.8, unless you find you are too close.

Start shooting at f/3.2 and 1/800 setting ISO for lighting conditions.

Check results after a few for acceptable DoF for you and freezing of the action. Adjust appropriately.

rcorne001 Loc: Cary, NC

Grahame wrote:

Lens, 70-200 f/2.8, unless you find you are too close.

Start shooting at f/3.2 and 1/800 setting ISO for lighting conditions.

Check results after a few for acceptable DoF for you and freezing of the action. Adjust appropriately.

Yes. I would also add checking out available shooting locations. Sometimes there are locations in which riders must change directions and they must slow down a bit to do so. This can sometimes allow you to make adjustments to accommodate less than ideal lighting conditions.

CliffMcKenzie Loc: Lake Athens Texas

Shooting rodeo is tuff due to low light and dust. My choice is D850 with 70-200mm 2.8. Here is the key: Open the aperture wide open (2.8), speed 1,000 and ISO (ready for this) 12,800 (yes, she can handle it). Also if permitted, use a monopod with feet. Tack sharp images - See Rodeo Practice https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzEYXt.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Red Sky At Night wrote:

I have a D750 & D850 with the holy trinity of lenses. I also have the Z50. Any hints on what to take with me. Any suggested settings? It will be 7:00 pm indoor arena. These will be just for me so no pressure. Just trying to learn.

I have the D850 and found it to be very good using high ISO! I would probably use the 70~200, but wouldn't be afraid to use something longer if you have something that is fairly fast. I wouldn't be afraid to use an f4 if it's a tried and true lens. Personally I would use my 200~500 if necessary for longer distance work. A monopod might be useful, if allowed. Otherwise I would look for some structure in the stands to brace against. But mainly I would have fun! JMHO.

Red Sky At Night

rcorne001 wrote:

Yes. I would also add checking out available shooting locations. Sometimes there are locations in which riders must change directions and they must slow down a bit to do so. This can sometimes allow you to make adjustments to accommodate less than ideal lighting conditions.

Great suggestion.

Red Sky At Night

CliffMcKenzie wrote:

Shooting rodeo is tuff due to low light and dust. My choice is D850 with 70-200mm 2.8. Here is the key: Open the aperture wide open (2.8), speed 1,000 and ISO (ready for this) 12,800 (yes, she can handle it). Also if permitted, use a monopod with feet. Tack sharp images - See Rodeo Practice https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzEYXt.

Awesome advice.

Red Sky At Night

Retired CPO wrote:

I have the D850 and found it to be very good using... (show quote)

Thank you. And I intend to have a blast and hopefully catch a few good memories. 🤞

Blu1Dog Loc: Florida

Followed the link, thank you very much. Loving my 70 200 2.8

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Red Sky At Night wrote:

I have a D750 & D850 with the holy trinity of lenses. I also have the Z50. Any hints on what to take with me. Any suggested settings? It will be 7:00 pm indoor arena. These will be just for me so no pressure. Just trying to learn.

If the light is lower the D750 is far better, less noise.

Horseart Loc: Alabama

I raised and showed horses for over 50 years and the lighting at MOST indoor horse shows is good enough so that you don't need extreme ISO. Back in my film days, I was center ring photographer at some of the shows the highest ISO I ever had to use from there was 400 ... BUT ... lots of things are different now. Get there a little early. There should be an announcer's stand built in center ring to practice on before the show starts. I hope we get to see some of your shots.

Red Sky At Night

Architect1776 wrote:

If the light is lower the D750 is far better, less noise.

Good to know. Thanks.

Red Sky At Night

Horseart wrote:

I raised and showed horses for over 50 years and the lighting at MOST indoor horse shows is good enough so that you don't need extreme ISO. Back in my film days, I was center ring photographer at some of the shows the highest ISO I ever had to use from there was 400 ... BUT ... lots of things are different now. Get there a little early. There should be an announcer's stand built in center ring to practice on before the show starts. I hope we get to see some of your shots.

I really appreciate the advice of someone who’s been there done that. Thanks.