Anyone shoot ice hockey??

*DanLoc78* · 10-15-2009, 01:13 PM

A friend asked me to shoot his ice hockey game. They're playing at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia before a flyers game. I was wondering if anyone here has shot a game on an NHL-sized rink, and if so, what telephoto range would be best for this? I'm assuming 200 or 300?

If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know! Thanks!

*dugrant153* · 10-15-2009, 02:09 PM

Not sure which focal length I'd suggest. I was at a Vancouver Giants game with a 55mm from my seat and was able to provide some pretty decent images.

I would say the DA*50-135 would be good, or even the DA*200 and possibly the DA*300. But that's just me

One thing I would recommend is to up your exposure a bit. The white ice in NHL games tends to make our cameras underexpose!

alohadave · 10-15-2009, 03:33 PM

The last one I shot was with a 135mm prime (the Takumar Bayonet) in a luxury box.

These were shot at ISO 800 and 1600 so I could freeze the action.

White balance will probably be the hardest thing to deal with. The lights used in these arenas are a funky orange color that change color fast enough that your eye can't see it, but your camera probably will. Shoot RAW, and be prepared to fix your WB in post.

If I were doing it again, I'd use my 55-300. It has a good range, and depending on where you are sitting, you'll be able to zoom in good and tight. Don't forget to take some wide shots and crowd shots.

*DanLoc78* · 10-15-2009, 03:57 PM

Thanks guys, there won't be much of a crowd I don't think. I will also have free reign of the arena for pictures, so i'll be able to stand where the pro photogs shoot (in the corner boards thru the little hole in the glass) or even on the bench. I've got the 50-135, so i'll probably rent the 300mm and hope for the best.

flyer · 10-15-2009, 04:54 PM

With hockey, the players move so fast that a 300mm. lens is too long. Even 200 is on the long side. The 50-135 is my favorite one for hockey. And, if you use the K20D or K-7, be aware that the action is (most of the time) moving too fast for trap focus to be accurate. When the shutter trips, your subject will be "miles" from the trap. Also, since most arenas have "strange" lighting, use a custom whit balance. It will make your life easier. And don't be afraid to use high ISO. I never go below 1600 to make sure I have a shutter speed high enough to freeze the action.

*DanLoc78* · 10-16-2009, 10:13 AM

Originally Posted by alohadave

The last one I shot was with a 135mm prime (the Takumar Bayonet) in a luxury box.

These were shot at ISO 800 and 1600 so I could freeze the action.

White balance will probably be the hardest thing to deal with. The lights used in these arenas are a funky orange color that change color fast enough that your eye can't see it, but your camera probably will. Shoot RAW, and be prepared to fix your WB in post.

If I were doing it again, I'd use my 55-300. It has a good range, and depending on where you are sitting, you'll be able to zoom in good and tight. Don't forget to take some wide shots and crowd shots.

Those are nice and crisp at such high ISO's. Which camera were you shooting with?

another question i have is, if shooting with a K10D, does setting it to 6mp (instead of the standard 10) reduce the amount of noise when shooting at high ISO?

also, those were shot at 135 from a luxury box? They look pretty nice and tight! or were they cropped?

*DanLoc78* · 10-16-2009, 10:15 AM

would a grey card be the way to go for setting the custom white balance in the arena? I'd assume it'd be once at the beginning and then i could forget about it the rest of the time since the lighting conditions will stay the same.

flyer · 10-16-2009, 10:34 AM

Originally Posted by DanLoc78

another question i have is, if shooting with a K10D, does setting it to 6mp (instead of the standard 10) reduce the amount of noise when shooting at high ISO?

It won't make any difference. The sensor always uses 10 meg in the capture. The 6 meg happens when the picture is saved as a JPEG.

flyer · 10-16-2009, 10:37 AM

Originally Posted by DanLoc78

would a grey card be the way to go for setting the custom white balance in the arena? I'd assume it'd be once at the beginning and then i could forget about it the rest of the time since the lighting conditions will stay the same.

It is probably the best way to insure your white balance will be spot-on. You can also set your exposure manually and then forget it. Once you have the proper exposure set, all your pictures will be exposed evenly, avoiding darker and lighter pictures if you aim your camera a little bit too high and get some lights in the picture that could lead the lightmeter to do a less accurate reading.

*DanLoc78* · 10-16-2009, 02:41 PM

Originally Posted by flyer

It is probably the best way to insure your white balance will be spot-on. You can also set your exposure manually and then forget it. Once you have the proper exposure set, all your pictures will be exposed evenly, avoiding darker and lighter pictures if you aim your camera a little bit too high and get some lights in the picture that could lead the lightmeter to do a less accurate reading.

Shooting in manual mode is something i want to do more of. This seems like a perfect opportunity to use it. Great advice. Thanks.

alohadave · 10-16-2009, 03:12 PM

Originally Posted by DanLoc78

Those are nice and crisp at such high ISO's. Which camera were you shooting with?

another question i have is, if shooting with a K10D, does setting it to 6mp (instead of the standard 10) reduce the amount of noise when shooting at high ISO?

also, those were shot at 135 from a luxury box? They look pretty nice and tight! or were they cropped?

These were with the K100DS.

They are pretty much out of the camera, with some sharpening applied, and maybe some exposure adjustment.

I like them because they show a scene and the ice gives a good background, but a longer lens would give a tighter composition on individual players.