What lens for hockey?

[JYC]

So I play hockey (as in field hockey not ice hockey ) and would like to take a few photos at club matches.

Has anyone got advice on what kind of focal lengths are useful and where to stand for the best angles? This isn't serious stuff so I can get pretty close to the pitch although I probably don't want to stand too close to the goal as hockey balls hurt, but is it better to sit/stand at the ends rather than the sides?

Grateful for any advice!

 

[P-E]

I've shot field hockey with a Canon 400mm 2.8 & 300mm 2.8. I find the most versatile for me is the 300 although I do have a 70-200 2.8 on a second body.

I usually sit on the side towards one goal.

 

[meonshore]

I typically shoot with a 400mm f2.8 and a 70-200mm f2.8 on a second body. Usually situated on the side around the 25 which gives good coverage of the near goal and goal mouth action, short corners and strokes and then play up the wing. On the 400mm you get a fairly loose shot at the other goal. You don't need a f/42.8 of course an f/4 or 80-400 would do a good job in decent light.

Unlike football I haven't ever positioned on the goal line, and probably wouldn't unless I had a hoarding to provide some protection. Few places where that is likely and you are reliant on only getting one end of action. The sideline gives you more of a view and flexibility.

HTH

 

[Bailey81]

A 70-200 F2.8 will work great for what you're after, have done international game with just that and still got great pics.

25's is the best place to be to get some decent pics. Get a small stool and sit down, you'll get a better angle that way. You also then to tend to get the action coming towards you as well.

If you're confident (and have quick reactions) then the base line just in from the corner is also a good angle.

 

[djaphoto]

I shoot 300mm 2.8 at my hockey games, I can see where I'd benefit from a 400 but I can't afford that and my 300 does a damn fine job so I just sit tight and let the game pan out and capture what I can when I can.