Aerial View Maps

What kind of a shutterspeed do I want for photographing snowboarders performing aerial stunts?

I'm going to a snowboard competition tomorrow and I'm wondering how fast of a shutterspeed I should use to freeze snowboarders in mid air jumping? I'll be shooting with a Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 lens on a Canon 400D. I need sharp photos because I sell them as stock. Should I shoot with my aperture wide open at 2.8? Any other suggestions to help me get good results will be appreciated.

Public Comments

1. At least 1/500 or higher at sunlight with asa 100 film. The aperture should be at about 5.6
2. I'd use video so i'd not miss any thing... if you use camera nikon rebel eos with a 70mm. lens (digital) take mutli-shots.. and use multi- 2gb cards..
3. Use Shutter Priority and set it to 1/500th or faster. Set your ISO to 200 - 400 - not higher! That way you'll get a fast enough speed to stop action and enough depth of focus too. And if you're at least 15-20 feet away, don't use auto focus. Go to manual and focus on Infinity. At least, that's what I'd do.
4. FAST! 1/2000th or faster ... Your f/stop will depend upon the lighting.
5. 1/500 to stop motion, but why not try using flash (if permitted) and dragging the shutter to get some motion blur? I mean, it's not exactly a still life, is it? I have that lens and it's sharp at all apertures...don't worry, use whatever gives you the effect you want. Hope this helps.