photos by richard

I tried to use a Canon 40D at a hockey game, using sports mode. I chose this as it is supposed to follow the action with regard to focusing. The camera would only go as high as ISO 400 which resulted in 1/250 second. Not fast enough for my desire. I had the manual with me and it did not help.

When I got home I did some searching, and my concern is not uncommon. I found some answers, which are summarized here.

• Do NOT use sports mode !!!
• Choose the widest aperture your lens allows.
• Set the ISO as high as you can.
• Because the players move so fast in hockey, I wanted 1/500th shutter speed. The combo of ISO and Aperature will determine your shutter speed. If it is faster than 1/500th, then you can move to a narrower aperature (which gives a little more depth of field). If your sport is, say, basketball, then 1/250th might be plenty.
• Activate AI-Servo AF mode mode as your subject will be constantly moving. You might also find that using only the central AF point will limit confusion on what you wanted to shoot and what the camera thought you wanted to shoot. You can pan as you shoot, making sure focus point stays on target.
• Be as close to the action as you can, based on the focal length of your lens.
• Getting good shots requires practice.

Good lenses are the Canon 85mm f/1.8 (focusses very rapidly, and has a wide aperture), and the 50mm f/1.8 or f/1.4 (focusses a little faster than the f/1.8).

I was using the 50mm f/1.8, as it is the fastest lens I own, and I was shooting from ice level through the plexiglass (which is allowed as it was not a pro game). I will be practising with this advice at the next game and will report back to you.

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