Hockey photography - lighting issues

Hi,
I shoot for a local AHL hockey team inside an old building with bad lighting. I use a 70-200 Canon zoom lens and a EOS 1D Mark II N camera. I'm using TV mode AI Servo 250 shutter ISO 800 and still am not getting enough light.

Does anyone have any tips for shooting through glass? Am I using the wrong settings or equipment? Should I invest in another lens? If so what lens is the best?

Thank you for your help.

Ann

do u have 70-200 f4 or f/2.8?

It's a f/2.8 lens.

1. Bump up you iso speed.
2. If you still can't shoot as fast as you need to, you may want to upgrade to a 135L, 100L, or 85L.

Also, make sure you are shooting wide open.

Thank you. I am shooting wide open. I think I might have to look into a different lens.

You mentioned shooting thru the glass. Since you are shooting for the team is there a chance you can get into theplayers bench or possibly the penalty box?

No. The players bench is too crowded and I can't get into the penalty box which is a bummer.

Like an earlier poster said, "Bump up your ISO to 1600" this should help a lot. Also shoot in RAW and you can further adjust in PP.

I've asked for more lighting in the arena. I've asked for a cutout. I'm hoping I get the cutout, but I still would love more light.

You should definitely be able to bump the ISO. If all else fails, perhaps pick up a used 200mm f/1.8L

I would love a 200 f/1.8. I've been looking for one.

I did try ISO of 1000. Haven't had a chance to look at them yet on the computer. I'm just afraid of the pics being too grainy.

sportsshooterinME wrote in post #4166102
I would love a 200 f/1.8. I've been looking for one.

I did try ISO of 1000. Haven't had a chance to look at them yet on the computer. I'm just afraid of the pics being too grainy.

You should be able to go to ISO 1600 with the ID mk IIN with good quality photos.

Would you rather have grainy photos, or blurry and dark photos?

Bump the ISO you should be able to do this with your body and have very acceptable results. In a worst case scenario you could always run the picks through some noice reducing software like Noise Ninja.