Updated 12/11/2008. Reflects my new setup for the 2008-09 season!
- D300 – 12 mp, 8 fps (equipped with grip); often used as a remote camera.
- D300s – 12 mp, 8 fps (equipped with grip); 720p video.
- D90 - 12 mp, 4.5 fps, HD video
- Sigma 120-300/f2.8 – Used occasionally for cross-court shots. Mount on D90 w/strobes.
- Nikon 70-200/f2.8G AF-S VR – My usual cross-court lens, on D90 w/strobes.
- Sigma 50/f1.4 HSM – Shooting from corners with D300s w/grip.
- Sigma 18-50/f2.8 HSM – Great under the basket on D90 w/strobes.
- Nikon 35/f1.8G AF-S – Another great lens under the basket, on the D300s w/grip.
- Tokina 10-17/f3.5-4.5 Fisheye Zoom – This unique lens is great for capturing the arena atmosphere, and takes up very little space.
- Tokina 11-16/f2.8 – This is now my preferred lens for my remote camera, usually post-mounted D300.
- Nikon SB-600 – For jube and other off-court shots.
- Nikon MB-D10 – 8 fps grip for my courtside D300. I also use the Phottix BP-D300 grip.
- Adorama Wireless Radio Remote – for the remote camera.
- Pocket Wizards – For strobes mounted in arena catwalks, used with second D300 if not used as a remote camera, or with D90.
- White Lightning X1600 Strobes
- Manfrotto Magic Arms & Super Clamp – For the remote camera.
- Safety cables – a must for remotes!
- Think Tank Photo Speed Racer – Used as shoulder bag for the cameras and lenses.
- Tamrac Turbo Cyber Pro – For carrying remotes, clamps, cables, etc.
- Think Tank Photo Artificial Intelligence 15 – For my laptop.
Use affiliate code AP-227 on the Think Tank Photo site for a free gift,
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4 responses so far ↓
1 Matthew Sauk // Oct 20, 2008 at 8:50 am
I use nikon gear and I am wondering what your thoughts are on the 80-200 afs lens. Is it fast enough for bball in bad lighting?
Should I go with something else or in your opinion will it be fine?
I should also add I will be using AlienBee B1600′s for strobes.
Thanks,
Matthew Sauk
2 The Sports Photo Guy // Oct 20, 2008 at 9:02 am
The 80-200/f2.8 is certainly fast enough with strobes. In fact, with a top flash sync speed of just 1/250 as most Nikons have now, you will probably have to dial down those 1600′s in most instances.
With a D300 or D3, f2.8 should be plenty fast enough since you have up to ISO 3200 for useable results.
On an APS-C sensor (Nikon DX), 80-200 is just a bit long for basketball; I use this combo mostly for half-court or opposite end shots. On a film or full-frame (Nikon FX) sensor, 80-200 is about perfect from most anywhere on the near end of the court, although it can be a bit tight under the basket.
3 Michael // Jan 25, 2009 at 1:47 am
I shoot high school baseball, basketball, and softball with a Nikon D80 and a Nikkon 70-200 f/2.8. But most of my shots are coming our blurry what do you think I should do to fix this. I am thinking about upgrading to the Nikon D300 but I am waiting to see if the price will come down. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
4 The Sports Photo Guy // Jan 25, 2009 at 10:24 pm
Based on the sample image you sent to me, the camera isn’t really the problem, it’s the light and to some extent the lens. With your only being able to achieve 1/50 a second shutter speed at f2.8 and ISO 800, you really need a full 2-3 stops more light. Boosting to ISO 1600 probably won’t be enough. You can get useable shots at ISO 3200 on a D300, but a cheaper alternative might be an f1.8 or f1.4 prime such as a 50/f1.4 or 85/f1.8. These days I am really liking Sigma’s 50/f1.4, though I have not tried the new AF-S Nikon 50/f1.4 (I’ve got one on backorder).
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