p.1 #1 · Field hockey: best lens (combo) and preferred camera position
I have shot some field hockey games recently. I really enjoyed it but there is still a lot to learn .... I usually choose a spot near the corner flag and use one full frame camera (Canon 1D X or 5D Mark III) and a 300 mm F/2.8. I really like this setup, but feel it's a bit short when there's a lot of midfield action going on. On the other hand the 300 mm enables me to pick up most of the action going on near the goal, whereas a 400 mm would be too long for that. I feel the ideal setup, assuming the use of FF cameras, would be a 400 mm on one body and a 70-200 on the other.
What do you consider the ideal setup for field hockey and what is your preferred camera position using this setup?
p.1 #2 · Field hockey: best lens (combo) and preferred camera position
Humphrey Paap wrote:
I have shot some field hockey games recently. I really enjoyed it but there is still a lot to learn .... I usually choose a spot near the corner flag and use one full frame camera (Canon 1D X or 5D Mark III) and a 300 mm F/2.8. I really like this setup, but feel it's a bit short when there's a lot of midfield action going on. On the other hand the 300 mm enables me to pick up most of the action going on near the goal, whereas a 400 mm would be too long for that. I feel the ideal setup, assuming the use of FF cameras, would be a 400 mm on one body and a 70-200 on the other.
What do you consider the ideal setup for field hockey and what is your preferred camera position using this setup?
I agree, the ideal setup would be two full frame cameras and a 400mm 2.8, 300mm 2.8 and 70-200 lens. That would cover most of the action. and being near the offensive goal is a good position, I usually between the end and midfield but sometimes go to the corners.
But I don't have any of the good gear!
just a cheap older crop model and twenty year old 100-400
p.1 #3 · Field hockey: best lens (combo) and preferred camera position
I will usually place myself according to the sun but a favorite is right on the penalty line. I shoot with a 400 2.8 attached to a 1DIV. I will also carry a second 1DIV attached to a 300 2.8 if I am really concerned with covering it all. Finally I also have a 5D III with a 70-200 attached for close to the goal action. Often I leave the 300 2.8 and 5D II at home and will put the 70-200 on the second 1DIV.
p.1 #5 · Field hockey: best lens (combo) and preferred camera position
My compromise is the 400 and a 70-200 2.8 with a TC 1.4 MarkIII. The 400 gives you good coverage down the field and the zoom/TC lets cover the close end. If you find a lot of the play coming in close, you can always pop the TC out for while. I would also avoid standing one spot all of the time unless you are focusing on one or two kids. Move around, change your view, change your angle. Don't let it get boring.
p.1 #6 · Field hockey: best lens (combo) and preferred camera position
My preference:
For shooting offense, I really like sitting behind the goal line about 7 yards in from side line and not far back. Gives excellent view of the attack, good background isolation, and if not over crowded, in front of net, and inside the circle action. I use a 7dii 1.6x crop only. I either have a 1.4xiii or more likely the 2x iii on my 70-200 f2.8ii.
For defense, I like the 30 yard line on their offense side so they face you.
400mm on a 1.6x crop gets you decently solid 50-60 yards of coverage before needing to digitally zoom/crop. I am a parent so don't enjoy constantly moving positions even though I try to capture everyone on the team.
When I wish I had more reach, I remind myself that at least it is not a FF sensor. If I had aa FF sensor, I would need a 150-600mm for similar reach parity. AA 400mm prime on FF would be significant (33% reduction) adjustment to my reach /coverage habits which is a lot considering how much shorter I find 280mm vs 400mm on the open field.
p.1 #7 · Field hockey: best lens (combo) and preferred camera position
I now use a 400 on FF, and a 70-200 on 2nd FF; I used to use a 300.
I'll move around a bit, will sit as you mentioned, about 15-20 yards up the side, or even w/ the baseline. Sometimes, the refs will allow me to come around the corner but lately they've been keeping me out.
The 70-200 is handy for when they're charging up the sideline as they're too close for the 300/400...I just posted some HS shots to give you an idea. Note that I'm either sitting on my camp stool or on the ground as well.
For penalty corner shots, I will also lay flat on the ground.
Chris
An oldie...when I used to be able to get around the baseline....
I usually choose a spot near the corner flag and use one full frame camera (Canon 1D X or 5D Mark III) and a 300 mm F/2.8. I really like this setup, but feel it's a bit short when there's a lot of midfield action going on. On the other hand the 300 mm enables me to pick up most of the action going on near the goal, whereas a 400 mm would be too long for that. I feel the ideal setup, assuming the use of FF cameras, would be a 400 mm on one body and a 70-200 on the other. 
