FUJI S2 Suitability for Action/Event Photography

[Bruce Tucker]

Just wondering if anyone has any experience using an S2 for action event (varsity/jr varsity) photography. I do some of this work now in film (Nikon n90s) in addition to occassional head shots, portaits, weddings and reunions. I know that the S2 is not as rugged as a DX1 but Im not working for Sports Illustrated or UPI so I will not be as hard on an S2 as they might be.
Your opinions are greatly appreciated.
I currently do all my work with the Nikon N90s and either a 28-105mm sigma, a Nikon 80-200 2.8 AFS and a 135mm to 400mm 4.5/5.6 Sigma.

[santila]

I have been using the S1 and now the S2 for rodeo, show jumping and polo photography. It is working excellent for me.
I do not need high speed shooting, I capture my action photos with one or two shots.
The preferred glass is Nikon 80-200f2.8, first version, called the retrofocus, its is faster to zoom in and out. The other glass is the Nikon 300f4 because its low mess. You do not need tripod it would be just an extra burden, but you must have quick reaction for the action. Inside arena work I use two Speedotron Force 10 lights that are awsome and plenty of output for over 100 ft.
The S1 did hold up very well in a very dusty environment. Time- to-time I need to clean the CCD. There is no way around it. I highly recommend the prescribed cleaning method by using the wall power and by not setting shutter speed to 8+ seconds and just dip in!

[Kirk]

I use the S2 for Roller Hockey tournaments. There, flash in not allowed. I use it at it's full ASA1600. It does fabulous. We actually shoot with it in Fine mode at 2304(I think that's the number). Since nothing we shoot at these tournaments go over 8x10, I am more than comfortable at this reduced setting. I'm shooting through a Nikon 80-200 F2.8 lense.
I also have a Kodak 720X camera that I purchased about 2 weeks before receiving the S2. Due to workflow considerations, I now have the 720 for sale.
Here's a samplehttp://www.kiefphoto.com/hockey/Cummings.htm

[Bruce Tucker]

Kirk,

Thanks for your reply ! What lenses are you using with your S2 and are you using any flash units ? Any experience with using tele-extenders with any of your lenses on the S2 ?
Also curious about ho wyou market these great shots to your customers. When you shoot at these tournaments do you distribute your web site to parents before you start shooting or some other marketing arrangements ?

Thanks

Bruce

[Kirk]

To be honest, as far as our marketing, I'm developing that as I go along. I will be covering about 25 of these tournaments between now and April of next year. Even though I've been a full time, working photographer for the past 25 yrs., this is a new venue. Let me also mention, that I've been 100% digital for the past three years (see the For Sale forum) All my background has been studio work, as well as memory mate sports stuff. So, I'm a babe in the woods with the action market.
As I mentioned in my original post, I can not use flash at these tournaments. It's all available light. I'm using the Nikon 80-200 F2.8 lense with no teleconverter. I also use a 28-120 Nikon F3.5-5.6 lense for my studio work.
I print on site at the hockey games using a Fuji Pictograph, as well as the website useage.