[P-E]

Just wondering if anyone has had a go at shotting ice hockey.

Or if anyone has any advice for shooting through plexi glass

Cheers Ian.

[ChrisRabior]

I shoot ice hockey a lot. You're at the mercy of a lot of different factors.

Some rinks have mixed lighting (mix of different types of bulbs), so you need to adjust your WB depending on what section of the rink you're shooting at. Rinks with constant lighting are easier since you don't have to adjust WB after the initial reading.

If you have a rink with great glass, it makes a huge difference. It's really tough to shoot through really scuffed up boards. Some rinks, if you can't get a spot inside the bench or penalty area, you're best off just heading up to the back of the bleachers to shoot down towards the rink.

THe faster the glass, the better. I've been able to get by with my 70-200mm f/4L (NOT an IS), mostly at ISO 1600, custom WB, shutter at about 1/250. My 28-75mm f/2.8 lens works wonders, but the glass usually isn't clean enough to use it. My 70-200 has the focus limiter that only locks onto subjects well beyond the plane of the glass, so that helps a TON.

So basically, find a clean spot to shoot through or get yourself into an area without glass. My favorite spots to shoot from are just off to the side of the net, basically from the section of boards touched by the goal line extended, and from inside the penalty box or players box (if there's room for you).

Most importantly, keep in mind the sport you're shooting. You can usually capture some magnificent shots when you know who you should be paying attention to. The big guy that has a reputation for being a big checking force is probably the one you want to follow if he's on the ice and you want the big hit. The fast, high scoring forward is the one you're going to want to take note of if you're looking for the breakaway goal. Try to predict the shot before it happens, and treat the burst function as your friend.

I upload a lot of shots to my dad's web gallery when I shoot my cousin's hockey games. Here's a link to a tournament I just did last week: Silver Stick Hockey Tournament @ Shores Civic Arena

Good luck shooting!

[P-E]

Cheers Chris

The rink is a fairly new modern venue although I'm not sure what the lighting is like

I have a media pass so have the option of shooting above in the media gallery but I would prefer shooting from ice level.......this would mean shooting through the plexi glass or netting.

As for which lens .......it's either going to be between the 70-200 IS 2.8L or the 300mm IS 2.8L. Might take both although I would just like to go with one.

When shooting through the plexi glass, do you have the lens hood off and put the lens as close to the plexi as possible?

Thanks again Ian

[ChrisRabior]

I'd go with both for the first time you're out. If you end up shooting from the media gallery, the 300 is going to be clutch. I'm usually pretty happy with the 70-200 range. Guess it's more preference.

As I said, lighting is a tossup. One of my favorite places to shoot at here is a total hole, but the lighting is spectacular. One of the nicest venues has the worst lighting out of them all. Just remember to set your WB accordingly.

I usually keep the hood on. I've found I get a bit too close to the glass and every so often someone makes a hit that shakes the boards from end to end. You really don't want your front element bouncing off of the glass when it rebounds. I have a lot of issues shooting with my 28-75, bc the focus seems to try to lock onto the scuffs on the boards. I guess that's what got me really used to shooting so close. Your focus limiting switches should do the trick for ya. Mine is usually set at 3m.

[gsgary]

Hi Ian, are you thinking of shooting at Sheffield Arena ? if so the seats are raised up from the glass, i bet you know what i'm going to say use your 300F2.8 to shoot over the glass
i have seen some shots like this and they looked great, take a white balance off the ice, i have read that some rinks in the US have holes in the glass for togs not sure if they do over here if not just look for the cleanest piece of glass or go skating the night before with some glass cleaner

[P-E]

Cheers Chris

Gary it's at the Ice Sheffield rink. I knew you would say the 300......must says it's my fav piece of glass at the moment

Would it matter so much about the WB as I always shoot RAW.

[ChrisRabior]

I usually just shoot jpg, since I know my WB is going to be right. Not sure, but I would assume setting WB and shooting raw is probably still going to save you a step or two in post processing.

[P-E]

I will set the WB but still play safe and shoot RAW

Looks like it could be a good match as it is 1st vs 3rd in the Premier League

[gsgary]

Originally Posted by P-E

Cheers Chris

Gary it's at the Ice Sheffield rink. I knew you would say the 300......must says it's my fav piece of glass at the moment

Would it matter so much about the WB as I always shoot RAW.

You can use the ice shot as a reference and use it for your shots