What do you think of this DOF?

[Jeff Canes]

What do you think of this DOF? Not sure myself if I like it are not. Is it too extreme? Is it distracting? Does it look like a fake background? Shooting Info: Canon 1D MIIn, Canon 28-70 f2.8 IS, at 1/6400, f4.0, ISO 320, 195mm

(added)Took this last Sunday in the first or second inning of a 1pm game

 

[DestinDave]

I think it's just about perfect. I'm not a pro but the fence and base track are clear enough to let you know where the subject is and what the boundaries are - defining the ballpark. And the trees and beyond are blurred out enough to not draw you into them - keeping your eye on the pitcher. Nice job...
Other than that I'm more of a 'Noles fan... sorry

 

[ClarkKent]

I am thinking that the DOF in this capture is right on. Well done.

 

[Corry]

DOF is great...not much you can do about the bright colors in the background, unfortunately. Keep postin baseball shots! It makes me feel like it's spring already. :mrgreen:

 

[Jeff Canes]

For comparison took this one two weeks ago, at 1/125, f9.0, iso320, 200mm, first or second inning, 4pm game

The DOF / background is not as extreme

 

[cathmc]

With the comparison, I really see what you mean. I think the problem is there are BIG WORDS in the background and they are almost more noticeable/distracting when out of focus. If it was a stadium full of heads and torsos back there, or billboards that were much further back and thus smaller, it would be perfect. But I did find myself squinting at the big, blurry McArthur instead of noticing the pitcher.

 

[markc]

For me, the second image looks flat. I'd actually prefer to see less DOF than what's in the first one. Really pull the subject away from the background.

 

[elsaspet]

I love it. I'm a big fan of shallow depth of focus, but I don't see how you could possibly go any more shallow without losing the legs and forearm of the player. I love the dof in the first.

 

[photogoddess]

I too prefer the DOF of the first image. Nice work Jeff!

 

[mistakendavis]

depth of field is good, i would say even go more. with sports photography most of the time you will be useing a telephoto lens so you will have a narrow depth of field. this has become common and now people expect that. i would also like to see the first one croped so that the action is not going into the shallow side of the frame other than that great photo.

 

[slickhare]

i like it with shallower dof. it helps the athlete stand out much more and the words in the background aren't as distracting.