[daacon]

Thanks Lowell

Originally Posted by Lowell Goudge

I guess there are some obvious questions:
any chance you can check out the arena before and do some test shots?.

Yes I plan to

Originally Posted by Lowell Goudge

given the problems with the plastic and netting, any chance of being in the penalty box, or bench? ?

Slim and none

Originally Posted by Lowell Goudge

I would look out for the netting and plastic, as the AF might lock on to them and not the players. This is always an issue with shooting through something. Selecting the center focusing spot is a must.

Thanks for that tip

Originally Posted by Lowell Goudge

You may also wish to set exposure manually by taking a couple of test shots and checking the histogram, the white ice can fool you (your camera) if you are not very careful.

Good Plan

Originally Posted by Lowell Goudge

The flash is an interesting idea, but I would not put much faith in it, due to the distance and relitively small maximun apature of the bigma.

Flash might be ok for the warmups - not really sure I would use at game time

Originally Posted by Lowell Goudge

You might wish a 1.4x or 2x TC and use your F2.8 lens, because this may be overall faster at most focal lengths than the bigma. (especially the 1.4x)

Not likley to get one of those before Satuday - although I could order a DA* 50-135 hahaa

Originally Posted by Lowell Goudge

You might also want to go to ISO 1600 because arenas are not that bright, it is just the ice. I did some shots years ago and had trouble at 3200 ISO with B&W in a small arena.

The ISO I will have to check out. I have seen some shots taken with a Rebel and a consumer 70-300 that were pretty good so I will have to play and see what's up.