Lots of Questions here!!!! HELP?!?!

[RinkRat]

What lens is best for my camera?

I want to do photogaphy for a living, can you tell me how to do it?

Can anyone recommend an awesome tripod for under $20?

I bought a DRebel, and I never used an SLR before, can anyone explain how it works?

JUST KIDDING!!!!!

Actually, I am new to photography. Purchased the Drebel Kit on 7/3/2004. I don't plan on doing it for any more than a hobby. So far, I've just put the camera in Manual mode, and started snapping away. In conjunction with checking this site for info. :)

I think I want to start shooting Ice Hockey(mostly children). It's a subject I understand, and enjoy playing yet.(at the adult level) Anybody have experience in this area? (or any Pro Hockey experience?) I noticed there are not lot of people doing this,(Canada & Minnesota excluded), and have tried the search, with little result. Just looking for equipment considerations, tips, etc.

Also, if I hack the DRebel, will it leave any visible marks on the body?

I'm kidding again.

P.S. I did notice most every newbie question I can come up with, can be answered by using the search feature.

Thanks

RinkRat

[roanjohn]

I think you should consider something else aside from photography. I just don't think it suits you.....

..............just kidding!!!...................

So you're looking for an indoor lens to shoot hockey.

I would consider primes.......ie 135 f2 or 85 f1.8/100 f2.

OTOH, a zoom with IS capabilities.

Like the 70-200 f2.8 IS ;-)

On a budget?? How about the 50 f1.8.........I don't know if its that fast though.....

Oh, and instead of manual mode......use the sports mode.........you want that AI servo the whole time.

Ro1

Ro1

[CyberDyneSystems]

For arena sports the compromise is pretty much allways the same..

How to balance focal lenght.. vs light gathering ability,.. vs. Price and weight.

Your Ideal lenses are the 200mm f/1.8 and 400mm f/2.8

$3,500.00 and $8,500.00 each :shock:

O-kay.. now that's over with.. we look for the compromises...

The favorite of Sports photogs is the 300mm f/2.8... but here we are still talking over $4K...

But drop down to a 200mm f/2.8... and now were under $1,000.00, light and portable.

See how it works?

If low light is more important than range than the 135mm f/2 may be an option.. but this is not a very long lens.

So.. what's your price range?

[RinkRat]

Ok, there is certainly a budget in mind. I'm looking to stay < $500. Big emphasis on the <. Again, it's just a hobby.

Most of the rinks I would shoot at would be pretty well lit, so I would guess distance would be the 2nd most important factor. (behind $'s)

thanks for the help.

P.S. There should be a warning sign on this, and most other photo sites: "Warning: All your $'s are belong to us!". I've had the camera for 9 days, & i've already been to the local camera shop several times. Eyeing up lenses, tripods, Lighting, etc. I thought hockey & golf were expensive. Not even close.