Kayak Action

[Ron Kruger]

Not far from me is Tieman Shutins, where the national kayak trials are held each spring, but kayakers use it year round whenever the water rises a bit. I know some of these guys, and they email me when they are going to go play in the water. That's great, but these guys must also be party animals, because they never go before noon, so I'm always trying to get shots under the worst possible light (overhead and behind them). The river is impossible to cross, so I'm restricted to the wrong side, and depending upon water levels, I'm restricted on how close I can get to the action.
Yesterday, I got close enough to use my 50mm for some fairly good shots, but I have figured out that what I really need to do is get close enough for my 15mm and fill with flash to combat the backlighting, or in other words, within a few feet of the passing kayakers. Planned to do that today, but it rained--hard.

[Mike Pearson]

Great captures Ron - that last shot really makes my old body hurt  

Mike

[Ron Kruger]

Thanks Mr. Mike. I'm a little stiff from holding my shooting postion to keep from falling into the water you see in the foreground, too. Even Jake gave me a funny look today, but he has seen me fall in before and only acted like I did it on purpose to play with him in the water. Some resuce dog he would make...

[daacon]

Wow those are impressive for a 50 you were close.  Great action shots.  Hopefully you recover from your perched soreness 

[Ron Kruger]

Yes, I was close. Yesterday, I got even closer, close enough to use my 15mm and fill with flash. Didn't work though. 1/180th sec is not fast enough. Kayakers were blurred.

[JIMBO]

Great shots Ron and yes, the shutter speed is so important on shots like this. I am limited to about 800 ISO and then the images start to break down. Some of the newer camera can handle 1000- 1600 with no noice which would definately help. What F stop were you shooting at or were you on Shutter Priority? JIM

[Ron Kruger]

Conditions were bright, so I was in AV mode, f-8 (took some test shots to be sure fill light would balance). That part was fine. The problem is the highest shutter speed I can get with flash is 1/180th sec. I was afraid it was a bit too slow, and it was too slow to stop action. Bumping ISO wouldn't change that.
I shoot everything at 100 ISO for maximum IQ and always work around and find creative ways to keep from bumping ISO.

[JIMBO]

Conditions were bright, so I was in AV mode, f-8 (took some test shots to be sure fill light would balance). That part was fine. The problem is the highest shutter speed I can get with flash is 1/180th sec. I was afraid it was a bit too slow, and it was too slow to stop action. Bumping ISO wouldn't change that.
I shoot everything at 100 ISO for maximum IQ and always work around and find creative ways to keep from bumping ISO.

Your the master and you know your equipment. I personally have no issues with 400 ISO and even 800 in good light. Appreciate you breaking down your approach to these shots. Your sell you images and quality is so important. Just a hobby for me bud. Great work. JIM

[Ron Kruger]

The requirements for printing large or magazine reproduction are greater than 8X10, and especially for dummed down versions for the Internet. But, IQ is IQ, and low ISO is the best way to achieve the maximum, not just for noise, but for color and everything.
Try shooting a sceen at 100 and another at 800, then have them both printed at 8X10, and you will see a difference, if nothing else, in the richness of the look.

[JIMBO]

Not disagreeing Ron and maybe some of those issues are overcome with the Pentax K5. I have seen a number of issues enlarged, using a high ISO, on a D700 and the results were not bad. I may have to try a test on this one. Appreciate your insight Ronny. JIM

[Ron Kruger]

I want a K5 mostly for the higher DR, but also for the higher ISO capabilities, but I'm not talking about comparing models, but ISO readings within a particular body. If you have a K5, take a shot at 80/100 and another at 800, then compare them side by side. Don't just look for noise.
Even when I'm able to get a K5, I'll still shoot it with low ISO the vast majority of the time, because everything is better at low ISO. Your shots are worth that extra element as well.

[JIMBO]

Totally agree about the ISO. There are just times when one must push the limites given the equipment one is using. A lot of the pros use certain equipment for shutter speed, fast auto focus but we are talking big $$$$$'s not including the lenses. Not sure how you deal with the stress of having a client that is looking for a certain shot or look given the moving target called Light! Cheers bud JIMBO

PS: Thanks for the thumbs up on my shooting.