Author Topic: GH2 shoots Golf (Memorial Tournament) (Read 939 times)

Jman · « **on:** May 30, 2011, 12:08:19 PM »

So I went to day 1 of the practice rounds of The Memorial Tournament, which I shoot every year, (and this is the only sports shooting I do). As most of the big names were traveling from the Byron Nelson, I did very little shooting today...only two golfers on the course in the four hours I was there. I then left to conserve energy for a full day tomorrow, when most everyone should be out. Anyway, this is my first time shooting with solely m4/3, as the past two years I've shot it with my Canon 1Ds Mark II (last year with a 300mm f/2.8!)

I shot with my Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 and mostly my Canon FD 135mm f/2. I have to say, manual focus at these distances is not easy...you're sweating, which fogs the viewfinder, and there's little time to try and setup for a shot when they address the ball. Plus, both these lenses have a fair amount of PF and CA in high contrast situations like today, so that was fun. Still, got some decent shots given the limited shooting I was able to do (I hope to get a lot better shots tomorrow...if I get what I want, which is shots like I had last year, only two of these would be in my 'picks'). While the reduced dynamic range of the GH2 compared to my 1Ds II was evident (especially in JPEGs), the 40 fps burst (where the JPEGs came into play) allowed me to get some shots that I simply couldn't get with my Canon kit, as it can be made silent (which I did), which meant I could be close and still shoot through the whole swing. Here are a few shots from today. Hopefully tomorrow's shoot will be more fruitful (and clouds...please, clouds to reduce contrast!) As I said, only two golfers were on the course this morning: Matt Bettencourt (pink shirt) and Eugene Wong (white shirt).

Em5 Pete · « **Reply #1 on:** May 30, 2011, 12:41:01 PM »

Well, that combo do you right!
the 135 is light lighter than the 300 Canon

, and at a 270 fov, it is still a good lens for reach. With focusing, I found at going to f4 a better DOF for moving subjects. BUT, you may not want that with Golfers... Still, f/2 will have the DOF f/4 on a m4/3, so that is a plus.
These are very good action shots... How do you like the 85mm f/1.4? I know it is sold under a few brands, But who makes it? Rokinon?

adash · « **Reply #2 on:** May 30, 2011, 01:04:37 PM »

The first and the last one are amazing! Great photos with great moments captured on them!

voyager · « **Reply #3 on:** May 30, 2011, 02:43:41 PM »

These are all great! You make such a long and dull (sorry, personal opinion) sport actually look interesting!

Jman · « **Reply #4 on:** May 31, 2011, 12:18:02 PM »

Thanks! Much better day today...everyone was out and it was a fun day to shoot (though insanely hot). Of course, since it was another bright sunny day, the light was generally terrible, but there's not much you can do about that.

Most with the FD 135/2, two with the Oly 40-150:

count_zero · « **Reply #5 on:** May 31, 2011, 01:10:15 PM »

These are fantastic shots. What is the resolution at 40fps? I'll probably go with the GH2 if the E-P3 cannot compete with 40fps. Did you use a tripod considering no in-body IS? Is it legal to sell these photos, or when you bought a ticket to the event it had a waiver or something attached? Those close up shots Fred and Jim should sell for a ton of money.

Ray · « **Reply #6 on:** May 31, 2011, 01:22:40 PM »

Great captures though the first two pictures look a bit overprocessed, running over from colornoise, especially in the darker areas.

http://www.jordansteele.com/2011/memorial-1.jpg
http://www.jordansteele.com/2011/memorial-2.jpg

Jman · « **Reply #7 on:** May 31, 2011, 03:26:41 PM »

Thanks! The 40 fps bursts are JPEG only and are 4 MP. They're of decent quality, but obviously not as good as a full resolution RAW.

Jus - the reason for the file breaking down on those two is because they were extreme contrast shots, and they were taken in the 40 fps burst, therefore JPEG, and with the amount of adjustment needed to bring out detail in the shadows, the files fall apart a bit. Note that those shots will not make it to my website.

In fact, of the first day shots, I'm only going to put the fourth and seventh up.

I got a lot of contact/near contact shots with the 40 fps burst, but noted that the compositions are far more dynamic (to my eye) just AFTER impact, with time for the ball to lead out a bit, such as the one of Charles Howell III.

voyager · « **Reply #8 on:** May 31, 2011, 03:32:07 PM »

Which two were with the 40-150mm?

Jman · « **Reply #9 on:** May 31, 2011, 04:10:32 PM »

Justin Leonard out of the bunker and Webb Simpson from behind (with the ball above)

Em5 Pete · « **Reply #10 on:** May 31, 2011, 08:04:15 PM »

Those are just great captures, even at 40fps

The dynamic of the swing, and the expressions well make up for the 4mp size.

Do you sell these as a freelancer to Golf Mags etc? Or are these an assignment?

GrandadHarry · « **Reply #11 on:** October 11, 2011, 07:29:42 AM »

These are a great set of Golf action shots, as a retired golfer ( Dont play now) i love them way back in 1972 I did something similar at the 'Open' at Muirfield, Scotland, & got some good shots Of Jack Nicholas, Arnie Palmer, Lee Trevino( he won that year) & others.
I also had the pleasure in 2005 of shooting the One Armed Golfers Society T my own Golf Club here in Tynemouth. We made a DVD of this & a copy was sent to their Society HQ.
More similar Please! keeps this pld golfer Happy.

lisandra · « **Reply #12 on:** October 11, 2011, 10:44:12 PM »

they really cant get any better...

Jason C · « **Reply #13 on:** October 17, 2011, 04:35:38 PM »

Excellent sets, Jman!

Jason C

GH2 shoots Golf (Memorial Tournament)