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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Clovishound" data-source="post: 847849" data-attributes="member: 50197">I don't do any sports photography, I'm into wildlife, which not the same, but has a lot of similarities. IMO, a lot depends on anticipating the interesting action and being ready when it happens. The good news is that the Z8 and 180-600 is a very capable combo that has excellent AF and lots of features that can help get that special shot. Looking at the difference between his shots and yours, my opinion is that both are sharp, well focused. His backgrounds are somewhat less busy. Instagram strips the EXIF data, so there's no way for me to tell what settings were used for either one of you. The major difference I see is in the action. He seems to have nailed the perfect time to get a shot that is more interesting than just a good action shot. The ones that stood out were the ones with grimaced faces, and the one grasping at the other player. Those all speak to the grit and determination of the players.I assume that a lot of that is experience. Some folks are just better at anticipating action, most of us have to work at it, but it is a skill that can be learned and honed. I assume that you are using the highest FPS available and taking lots of pictures. It means having to go through a lot of images, but often there is one in a string that shines above the rest. I often see that in my wildlife shots. I will have a string of a bunch of photos and most are good to OK, and with a little luck, one will shine above the rest. That's the one you edit. As to technical advice, what works for me with action shots is manual with auto ISO. I can quickly change the shutter speed at need with a quick turn of rear thumb wheel. The auto ISO takes care of quick changing light situations. It is practically the same as shutter preferred automation, but it gives the option of a quick change of the aperture, if needed. The Z8 does a great job of tracking subjects for AF.</blockquote>

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