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Voleyball photo issues
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Feb 25, 2022 14:38:05   #
PhotoGuy618 Loc: Ofallon, IL
 
Hey room.
Beginner sports photographer here and I'm looking for advice on some indoor volleyball photos I'm taking.
Here's the basics...
I shoot with a Nikon 7500 and a Tamron 70-200mm G2
A majority of the time I stay on Shutter Priority (800-1000) with an Auto ISO (typically around 5-6000 but will go as high at 32000, depending on the gym lighting - very rare).
My aperture usually stays on a 2.8.
I noticed an inconsistencey with my shots, it was recomended to have the lens calibrated with my body.
My local camera shop found mild back focusing and corrected it...I think.
My AF Fine Tune is now set at -16. Seems extreme...but OK.
So the attached photos are an example.
I had someone use Lightroom and they say my focal point is off....but damn if I didnt think I nailed it.
The focal point sensor shows right on the player..but the chairs behind her are more in focus.
So now I'm super confused.
I dont know Lightroom that much but thought maybe someone here could help me out.
What could be my issue(s)?
Thanks.


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Feb 25, 2022 15:31:20   #
DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area
 
Try setting camera to auto ISO. Then, I suspect it'll stop down a little and give you more DOF. If you get any noise from auto ISO, you can fix in LR.

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Feb 25, 2022 15:32:37   #
PhotoGuy618 Loc: Ofallon, IL
 
DWU2 wrote:
Try setting camera to auto ISO. Then, I suspect it'll stop down a little and give you more DOF. If you get any noise from auto ISO, you can fix in LR.


Yup...its on Auto ISO alright

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Feb 25, 2022 16:14:06   #
Grahame Loc: Fiji
 
With your image open in Nikon's own ViewNX-i program there is no indication of the focus point (this option selected top left shown by red line) suggesting the camera did not attain focus. We would expect to see a red box where the camera had attempted focus.

If I were you I would do some static tests, using a tripod and in addition load the free Nikon View Nx which is an excellent tool for assessing focus problems.

P.S. Also be aware that when in AF-C mode (if like my Nikons) just because the red focus box is over your intended subject/site in ViewNX-i it does not mean that focus is guaranteed. The lens may still be adjusting, or, the lens is near/back focusing. Controlled testing will confirm.


(Download)

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Feb 25, 2022 16:33:24   #
PhotoGuy618 Loc: Ofallon, IL
 
Yeah, I have that in my RAW format, which is why Im confused.
I thought I nailed it.



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Feb 25, 2022 16:48:10   #
Grahame Loc: Fiji
 
PhotoGuy618 wrote:
Yeah, I have that in my RAW format, which is why Im confused.
I thought I nailed it.


That's interesting.

Maybe some testing is going to confirm if that fine tune -16 is good or not?

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Feb 26, 2022 07:51:29   #
IHH61 Loc: Homestead Fl
 
You appear to be in some kind of area auto focus mode. I would go to single point and put it on the player’s eye.
Hugh

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Feb 26, 2022 09:15:26   #
jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana
 
Beyond focusing (and maybe not), to me you have too much extraneous background in your photo. Moving in to include only the player would make a stronger photo and might, as a result, make the camera’s finding a focal point much easier.

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Feb 26, 2022 09:35:47   #
FredCM Loc: Central Illinois
 
Looks to me like you need spot focusing, not matrix. Don't let the camera guess as to what's the subject. I learned this when mine decided on the 1st base coach when I wanted the pitcher.

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Feb 26, 2022 10:39:42   #
shackcf
 
I shoot dancers and use AF-C auto ISO but I set the upper limit to 3000. I also use single point of focus. My zoom lens is Nikkor 18-105mm f3.5-5.0. I had a D3100 for 10 years I now have a Z6 with FTZ so I use the same glass. The suggestion to use Nikon's app it is now Nikon NX Studio. I have it on all my systems. My friend has a D5500 and had trouble with focus point as well. I ran some test shots of various focus settings and found that the single point to be the most reliable for live action shooting. I have learned alot over the last 10 years. I generally do not use flash due to the environment. I would advise that you try different shutter speeds as well. I usually stay at 160 and wait for the shot. Think about a plus 1 compensation setting too. I use DXO P4L and/or ON1 RAW 2022 to process RAW generally. Have fun.

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Feb 26, 2022 10:56:51   #
cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA
 
Most of what you need is practice, practice, practice, There is no real point in your image which is actually in sharp focus, except, perhaps, the guy walking behind the chairs. Try a focus with MUCH fewer points and be sure to activate focus, by pressing the shutter halfway, BEFORE you attempt to take the shot. Try focusing on stationary objects and see if the -16 setting works for you. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!! Best of luck.

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Feb 26, 2022 16:06:45   #
DanielB Loc: San Diego, Ca
 
Grahame wrote:
That's interesting.

Maybe some testing is going to confirm if that fine tune -16 is good or not?


I would get the camera on a tripod and get a focus calibration target and check it yourself. -16 seems extreme.

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Feb 26, 2022 17:47:38   #
Elias Amador
 
Also: Back button focus, makes it easier to stay in focus with the thumb, and when the moment comes, press the shutter with the index finger.

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Feb 26, 2022 19:07:19   #
Elias Amador
 
A suggestion:
Back button focus: Set the focus on back button focus to make it easier to stay in focus with the thumb.
When the right moment comes, stay in focus and take the photo with the index finger.

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Feb 27, 2022 17:31:37   #
DPFotoZ Loc: Woodruff, SC USA
 
Elias Amador wrote:
A suggestion:
Back button focus: Set the focus on back button focus to make it easier to stay in focus with the thumb.
When the right moment comes, stay in focus and take the photo with the index finger.


BBF is the best change to any camera! Takes a little to get used to but you'll never go back once you get the hang of it.

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