Hockey pics, trying for better

I've been reading as much as I can on this forum for the past 2 weeks and have really improved the photos I've been getting. But the most recent ones I've taken look like they have a bluish color to them. I shot an image of the ice before the game and used it for the white balance, which was better than the past, but still not quite right, any other ideas? This was shot using the Canon XTi and Tamron 70-300 f4-5.6.

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the lights in most hockey arenas are sodium vapor and their color goes thru cycles over time. You can see that in the attachement -- each image was taken 1/5 second apart, look at the color change.

that means that if your white balance index shot is at a "red" phase in the cycle, the rest of your shots will be too blue, and vice-versa. I've tried to lessen the problem by using a long exposure for the white balance shot. Like you, I shoot the ice, but I use ISO 100, f22 and in AV mode & I get a nice long exposure. I move the camera around a little to average several areas. That way my white balance shot is around the average light color, and the variation I get shot to shot is not so bad.

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Thanks for the reply David, I'll try my wb shot in the manor you mentioned. I've also been reading about noise removing apps. I've tried both Noise Ninja and Noiseware, which does everyone prefer?

I use Noise Ninja and very happy with it. Never tried anything else but some do have a preference after trying various alternatives.

I use Neat Image and it is pretty good.

Nice shots!

Thanks Skweekie. I'll look into Neat Image as well.

Noiseware has a free community download. I use it and it work pretty well.

I have tried the free version of Noiseware but don't like the fact that you lose the exif data, and cannot work with batch jobs. I'll probably get Noise Ninja, looks a little more customizable.

I've been taking LOTS of hockey shots (over 1,000 each weekend this season so far) and I'm just now feel like I'm coming up with some consistency. I'm relieved to hear about how the Sodium Valopr lights work. That makes a lot of sense. Anyway, FWIW, I'm shooting ISO 1600, AWB, A/P with a Canon 100mm Macro (!) on my 20D (Noise Ninja on the other side) and getting some pretty good results. I gave up on my Canon 70-300 and my Sigma 50-500.

http://www.flickr.com/​photos/37783818@N00/se​ts/

vtandrew wrote in post #2214667
I've been taking LOTS of hockey shots (over 1,000 each weekend this season so far) and I'm just now feel like I'm coming up with some consistency. I'm relieved to hear about how the Sodium Valopr lights work. That makes a lot of sense. Anyway, FWIW, I'm shooting ISO 1600, AWB, A/P with a Canon 100mm Macro (!) on my 20D (Noise Ninja on the other side) and getting some pretty good results. I gave up on my Canon 70-300 and my Sigma 50-500.

http://www.flickr.com/​photos/37783818@N00/se​ts/

Try the 70-200L f2.8 ( IS is not required) much more versatile. If you cant borrow one then try hiring. I'll guarantee you'll want to buy one if you do.

VTAndrew -- some nice shots on your website. you're doing OK with that 100 macro. welcome to this forum.

also, next time you're in Raleigh, drop me a line. I'm just down the road, and in hockey season I almost live in the area rinks (two kids play, I ass't coach, and I play, sort-of).

snapzz wrote in post #2215257
Try the 70-200L f2.8 ( IS is not required) much more versatile. If you cant borrow one then try hiring. I'll guarantee you'll want to buy one if you do.

You've seen my christmas list, eh?!

Out of curiosity, why do you say that IS isn't required? I'm getting into wedding photography so I'd love to find a good lens that I could use in both venues.

vtandrew wrote in post #2218998
You've seen my christmas list, eh?!

Out of curiosity, why do you say that IS isn't required? I'm getting into wedding photography so I'd love to find a good lens that I could use in both venues.

Not really required for sports (unless trying to capture movement) as the IS only comes into its own when using slow shutter speeds. Now if you are into wedding that different as it is absolute must! You will however pay a premium for it. But you wont regret it!