I'm asking for critique please feel free to be harsh all I ask is that you have one positive, about the photo you are going to critique (this comes from having my ass ripped and hearing nothing good, when I was the one to critique I always had one positive and it made the whole thing a lot easier).

Well with that said let me outline that shoot, my glass sucks it came as part of a kit purchase, I was shooting at 5.6/f and 1/200 with flash on for some and not for others. ISO was set at 1600. These I have edited all of these on this site myself, this is the link to all of the photos I submitted. I tossed about 100 others.http://photo.retroactiv.net/main.php?g2_itemId=1416

1 (This is the one the newspaper bought)
http://photo.retroactiv.net/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1429&g2_serialNumber=2
2
http://photo.retroactiv.net/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1422&g2_serialNumber=2
3
http://photo.retroactiv.net/main.php?g2_itemId=1439&g2_imageViewsIndex=1
4

Chris,
There really isn't anything to "rip you for", you already know the problem, which will be helped greatly when you get the other lens, the timing is great, and these can be "fixed" in PP. The problem is that f5.6 lens. with that lens I'd suggest getting down on the floor and using a SB800 (I think thats the one) flash as a fill flash and you'd be fine.
Oh, and use NeatImage or NoiseNinja to help get the noise out.
JS

wish I would have known that before I uploaded them ;) hell.
I photoshoped those photos linked, to bring the light up, just can't wait to get new glass (or used).

What you could try until you get your new/used glass is prefocus and lower your speed a bit to give more light. Shooting down like you did gave you some extra light just not enough, with an f2.8 you'd have been OK. You hav the timing so thats not an issue :)
What flash did you use? just curious.

JS

I used the flash that is built into the camera... http://photo.retroactiv.net/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1483&g2_serialNumber=2
I used that neat image on one of the pics holy jeeze, it is GOD to high ISO.

Ahhhhh, theres part of the problem... those little built in flashes won't do anything in a gym unless your right on top of the subject. Hmmm, I'd check around for a used flash, maybe the Nikon shooters will give some ideas on those tomorrow.

Yup, neatimage works wonders :)

John

Here ya go :) http://www.robertsimaging.com/cmCatalog.jsp?catid=S83&manid=19
SB800
If you know where Roberts downtown is....

John

I've looked at that, but with a very limited budget it is going to be glass then flash then new camera. prob over 2 or 3 years.

oh yea, I forgot to tell you that I only had a problem with one ref who shoved me out of the way every time he came down the court, no matter where I stood he made it his mission, so I tripped him oops.

oh yea, I forgot to tell you that I only had a problem with one ref who shoved me out of the way every time he came down the court, no matter where I stood he made it his mission, so I tripped him oops.

hmmmm, the first game I was at I talked to two of the refs during the breaks...I've been doing this too long, the refs know me by name! You shou;d have seen the one coaches face when an official walked up to me and shook my hand during the first break :D The second game one official got run over and fell at my feet, he asked if I got a picture and and I said "nope...too busy laughing"..... he smiled and went back to work, then jokingly said "I'll get ya for missing that one".

JS

the sb-600 is also apparently pretty good. also check out the vivitar 283 and 285, you'll have to use them in manual mode, but it will give you a better understanding of how the flash works, and they're cheap and powerful. To be honest, I have rarely even used my 430ex in auto mode, most of the time I prefer manual. I don't like my equipment to choose what my photos will look like. you said glass is first on the list, which is a reasonable response BUT you need to evaluate your priorities. If you are going to be getting a 70-200 f2.8 within the next week, then forget about the flash, but otherwise you're going to want the flash. The vivitars will only set you back about $50, and will really help to lighten up your images. OR you could check out the 50mm f/1.8 lens for 70 dollars. It's a steal. not the fastest focusing, but probably on the same level or better than the lens you currently have. It will allow for MUCH more light to enter the camera, when compared to your f/5.6.

I'm just getting started in the still world, it is going to take me quite some time to get my collection up to speed. I should be getting new glass next month then I'll work tword a flash, things just cost so much to buy then I can't afford the gas to even get to the store to buy them

I think you did a great job for your first assignment, and with what you had to work with. I am still learning, and would never put your work down, that is for sure... With the right lens and with the skills you already have..you will have fantastic pics...

You sound so down on yourself...."Don't"....then you loose the Fun Factor....

I just got the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM.....and have used it for a few games, until my shoulder gave out....LOL...and I know most reccomend that lens...But I have been using my 85mm f/1.8 USM with my Canon 40D, and been getting good results. That may be a cheaper alternative for now, til the other fits in your budget....and don't be afraid to go used. I browse Ebay from time to time to see what is out there....Check the sellers history and email them with questions...and you might find a deal....

Have a great time shooting...that is the key....
Great having you here in the forum...

b is right. Don't lose the fun factor. That's what keeps us going, even those of us who shoot professionally. If I was never able to just be excited with what I got (even when I just started out, and my photos were really pretty bad compared to now) then I would never have gone anywhere. Don't forget to smile.

I'm not down on my self really, just don't have a lot of expendable income, I'm a stay at home dad. I used to be a TV news photographer, so this isn't my first rodeo. I was quite suprised with myself last night to tell you the truth, just not to happy with the equipment lens that I have. More or less my bitching is about not having the money at the second to better the equipment, but that is all coming. I'm getting new clients about 1 every couple of days soon I should be shooting about all I can handle, just hope my lens can handle it ;)

Hey, I'm a college student who likes fancy toys, I hear you on the income portion. You sound like me when I had my digital rebel and sigma 70-300mm zoom. Don't worry, if you like it enough you'll find a way to get that better camera equipment. And it's also kind of beneficial to learn on crappy equipment, because then you can perform much better when you actually get to the good equipment instead of just being lazy if you start shooting with the professional equipment in the first place, thinking that it does all the work for you. Good luck with everything!

I hear that, and for a n00b I don't think my stuff is to bad, but I'm still humbled by some of these amazing shots that look like magazine shots, just amazing gives me something to "shoot for" (no pun intended).

We all pretty much came up through the equipment struggles. Noise is always more apparent when the shot is underexposed and brightened in PP. As was mentioned above, the flash is the most cost efficient solution in the short term and I agree with Brent that manual flash is the way to go. Nikon CLS is really good in some circumstances, but does not give consistent results especially for sports. Good glass is the best route for the biggest inprovement but also more costly.

I have seen the 80-200 f2.8 model that I use online in demo condition for under $800. The thing is a tank and it is a reference model for image quality. Keep shooting and working on the gear you want, you're looking good so far!