Speed skating

[Trudo]

here's some pictures of the world cup in Saguenay.

[Old Timer]

Great addition to the sports forum. Speed skating in a sport we haven't heard from yet here. Welcome to the forum and thanks for posting. How about a little tech data on the images. I love your images but couldn't help but notice that the photos with multiple skaters apeared to be sharper than the individual images. Is there a tech reason for this or is it just me? I hope you will be a regular here and keep use up to date on your winter sports in Canada. Winter in my area consist pretty much of basketball and that it.

I went back and looked at the images again and I think what I am refering to may be from a panning motion on the some of the indviduals. Would this be right?

[mtbbrian]

I like this forum because it shows "other sports" and your addition is very welcomed.
These are some good images. I especially like the pans, in particular the sixth photo you posted. I think it is the best, I especially like your placement of the skater in the frame.
Welcom to PR.com! Make sure you check out the other forums too.
I look forward to seeing more from you.
Brian

[gmen]

Nice work. I very much enjoy seeing sports images posted here.

I like number 2 in particular - there is some good symmetry in the image.

The panning shots are a good idea - but I think a lower angle of view may give a better result. The ice background is very 'plain' and does not maximise the sense of movement.

Keep posting!

[Trudo]

Thanks for yours comments. Many photos is panning effectively. Others pictures taken Sunday (world cup finals).

[Trudo]

Except for panning that is taken at 1/60 and 1/80, every shots is taken at 1/500, 2.8, ISO 1600 with a Nikon D70 and Nikon 80-200mm 2.8 AF-S. White balance is mesured directly on the ice. I had used manual mode and spot metering only because the white background (ice) can produce underexposure (yes, the D70 has a very good matrix metering but some shots was underexposed with matric metering). The light conditions is allways the same anyway.

[Iamcndn]

Great shots! I used to do speed skating so its great that you've decided to photograph it. You have some great shots there!
Go Canada! Yay - did we win?

[GBRturbo]

Hello everyone! I am a newbie to the board and was wondering if anyone could recommend a great camera for indoor speedskating. My boyfriend is a professional speedskater and I have tried several cameras and he always turns up as a blur. After doing a lot of research, I am looking at the EOS Digital Rebel XT. I have only tried it out with the stock lense and I heard that in order to get decent pictures you need to upgrade to a better lense. I figure if I am traveling halfway around the world to see him skate, I should stop screwing around with the point and shoot cameras and invest in a good camera that will take great shots and last a while.

Any suggestions? Keep in mind I'm a beginner but that I am willing to learn about settings and such! Thanks!

[Trudo]

The Canon Rebel XT is a very good camera with little noise (digital grain). The new RebelXTi has more noise because it's a 10 megapixels. In indoor, a 6 or 8 megapixels will give you a better picture. Nikon D40 and D50 is also a good choice. The shot in this thread is taken with a Nikon D70 with 80-200mm f2.8 lens at 1600 ISO, 1/500 sec. and f2.8. This setting is generally needed in every speedskating stadium.

For the lens, forget cheap lens. You have to buy a 70-200mm with F2.8 aperture. A F4 is ok but not perfect. You can get a new Sigma 80-200mm 2.8 for about 850$. A canon 70-200mm F4 is about the same price but for indoor sport photo the Sigma is better.

[JSPhoto]

Nice! Great change of pace here too. I have to admit I prefer the slower shutter speed shots myself as they lend some speed to the shots.

JS