Rodeo, some spray and pray stuff

I have been taking a friend to some rodeos and this time with the D800 and SB900 flash. I hand it to Nikon they certainly are image quality king. I have almost found myself addicted to an EVF though.
I am much more impressed with the D800 AF system than I was at first. These were with the 70-300mm VR.
I still haven't really nailed a good technique for such low light action.
These are at 10159 ISO in spray and pray style. Long range flash tips appreciated.


http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3787/9...7993f12e_b.jpg
Silver Hills Rodeo by Cosmonaut's, on Flickr

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3728/9...63c64b29_b.jpg
Silver Hills Rodeo by Cosmonaut's, on Flickr

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2827/9...e3682857_b.jpg
Silver Hills Rodeo by Cosmonaut's, on Flickr

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2860/9...c6523858_b.jpg
Silver Hills Rodeo by Cosmonaut's, on Flickr

Those look pretty damn great to me, Greg - especially considering the high ISO and what looks like pretty terrible light. I especially like the barrel racer, where you used the blur to your benefit. Sometimes you just can't fight it - you have to use poor conditions for effect. That photo is a great example of doing just that.

By the way - the D800's AF is excellent. It's got the exact same AF system as the D4, which is about as good as it gets. I shot world class pro downhill mountain bike racers with the D4 and got great results. So if you're having issues with the D800 AF, I think you just have to learn to use it better.

Thanks John. The D800 certainly isn't for the novice shooter. As long as I have been doing this it is a big learning curve involved to use it. The menu seems endless compared to what I am use to. I need a good ebook.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Photo-John

Those look pretty damn great to me, Greg - especially considering the high ISO and what looks like pretty terrible light. I especially like the barrel racer, where you used the blur to your benefit. Sometimes you just can't fight it - you have to use poor conditions for effect. That photo is a great example of doing just that.

By the way - the D800's AF is excellent. It's got the exact same AF system as the D4, which is about as good as it gets. I shot world class pro downhill mountain bike racers with the D4 and got great results. So if you're having issues with the D800 AF, I think you just have to learn to use it better.

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Outstanding Greg. I know you were out of your comfort zone, but you sure did respond.