Canon f/2.8 300mm IS USM II - Mode 1 vs. 2 vs. 3 w/1DX

I'm hoping that there are sports photographers out there who can give me some concise insight into their experience and efficacy with the Canon f/2.8 300mm IS USM II utilizing Modes 1, 2 and 3 shooting action sports.

Here is an example of what I shoot and what I'm trying to perfect. Thank you.

NOTE: All of the below were shot with the 1DX and f/2.8 70-200 IS USM II - This will be the first year I'm shooting a professional event with the 300mm.

I'm not sure what's going on with these photos, but none are close to being sharp or is that an effect you intend.  Most are shot at shutter speeds that Mode doesn't even matter. Just turn off IS.

I have shot a lot (but not a whole lot ~15,000 snaps) of sports with the 300mm f/2.8 II and have really only used IS in two modes: OFF and 3. 1 doesn't make sense for the sports I shoot and I have only used 2 for panning occasionally and have had limited success but this is likely my inability to nail the panning technique.

At the shutter speeds I try and shoot at (>1,000) I can't tell the difference between 1 and OFF. Seems many recommend mode 3 with sports. As I was getting great shots with it OFF there is no reason to turn it on and add risk (e.g. why introduce another variable if you don't have to).

YMMV

Best,

Tom

rebel99 wrote:

tvstaff wrote:

I'm hoping that there are sports photographers out there who can give me some concise insight into their experience and efficacy with the Canon f/2.8 300mm IS USM II utilizing Modes 1, 2 and 3 shooting action sports.

Here is an example of what I shoot and what I'm trying to perfect. Thank you.

NOTE: All of the below were shot with the 1DX and f/2.8 70-200 IS USM II - This will be the first year I'm shooting a professional event with the 300mm.

these shots have quite a bit of noise when you view them at 100%

cheerz.

Yes!!!  That's why I'm using the 300mm vs 200mm this year and asking if ANYONE has exp with settings 1,2 and 3. I'm now of the school that I should turn IS off.

There were heavy crops.  My thoughts are a from the jump 30-50% improvement just based on the lens....

This is what the lenses can do. Which do YOU think reflects the focus and clarity I'm seeking???  For me, I'd be happy to transfer this efficacy to shooting sports.   Can I achieve it with subjects moving 50mph over the water???

THIS is why I'm seeking others who have shot with the 1DX and f/2.8 300mm IS USM II to get a sense of modality.

b/r

TGM123 wrote:

I have shot a lot (but not a whole lot ~15,000 snaps) of sports with the 300mm f/2.8 II and have really only used IS in two modes: OFF and 3. 1 doesn't make sense for the sports I shoot and I have only used 2 for panning occasionally and have had limited success but this is likely my inability to nail the panning technique.

At the shutter speeds I try and shoot at (>1,000) I can't tell the difference between 1 and OFF. Seems many recommend mode 3 with sports. As I was getting great shots with it OFF there is no reason to turn it on and add risk (e.g. why introduce another variable if you don't have to).

YMMV

Best,

Tom

Thank you Tom!

rebel99 wrote:

tvstaf, i am not sure if setting 1,2,3 will help in reducing noise in this case. i usually take static pictures of birds and some times i see noise in some shots and sometimes not. i still don't know what setting causes this noise. this has always been a puzzle to me. you can't relate this to focusing. please let me know when you find out you may want to use noise ninja if that can help any but using noise ninja can present its own issues! i am totally frustrated myself.

cheerz.

Than you rebel99 I appreciate you writing. All the best to you!!

BigBen08 wrote:

I have the 300 II and I'll echo what others have said...at high shutter speeds you can leave IS off.

Not using IS will give you longer battery life. But with the large battery of the 1DX the power saved may be insignificant.

You may want to consider the 1.4xIII extender. It will provide 420mm and still give excellent IQ.

Thank you BigBen08, I've tried the 1.4 III and appreciate you writing.  All the best to you!!!!

rebel99 wrote:

tvstaf, i am not sure if setting 1,2,3 will help in reducing noise in this case. i usually take static pictures of birds and some times i see noise in some shots and sometimes not. i still don't know what setting causes this noise. this has always been a puzzle to me. you can't relate this to focusing. please let me know when you find out you may want to use noise ninja if that can help any but using noise ninja can present its own issues! i am totally frustrated myself.

cheerz.

Hi Rebel,

Noise is an issue when I crop too much and needless to say shadows and black in heavy back-lit objects can have real banding issue.

Fo me it's just trying stay in focus with people going over the water at 50MPH then they jump and excelerate to 60 or 70 twisting and turning with heavy water splash thet fools the camera's focus system.

This is why CASE 2 on the 1DX seems good as it stays on the subject even when an object gets into view but NOTHING is perfect.

I posted this shot before but it's a classic example of Focus, then editing to get blemishies on a model's face, using lum, clarity and spot removal while trying not ruin the continuity.  I think I'll try noise Ninja.   Thanks for the suggestion!

Perhaps noise Ninja will help on some of the noise here.  This was shot using IS on setting one but sports is a different game.  I WISH my sports shots all came out close to this....  ONLY in a perfect world!

TV