Special Project: Dreamlike Ice World Captured with a 135mm Single Focal Length Lens – Digital Camera Watch

I had the opportunity to film the ice show “Fantasy on Ice 2024 in AICHI” and I would like to tell you about it.

“Fantasy on Ice 2024” is an ice show where you can enjoy the performances of top skaters and top artists together. The tour usually takes place in spring in different parts of Japan. In 2024, it will be held in Makuhari, Aichi, Kobe, and Shizuoka.

The 2024 Aichi performance was a stunning stage as top skaters from around the world came together. An impressive lineup took to the ice, including Winter Olympic gold medalist Yuzuru Hanyu and world champion Javier Fernandez.

Single focal length lenses are becoming more prevalent in indoor sports photography.

The lenses used for the shoot are the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena. I usually shoot at 400mm, but I use the 135mm when the skiers are close or when I want to highlight the subject with a spotlight. The body is a mirrorless camera Z9.

Two cameras were used in the shoot. Previously I used a 70-200mm instead of a 135mm.

The 135mm single focal length lens is becoming popular in indoor sports photography these days. Many photographers seem to be using it as an alternative to a 70-200mm lens. With the trim and crop functions, you can get an angle of view equivalent to about 200mm, which might be the ideal distance.

Considering the distance from this position to the link, even when using a zoom lens, you will often use a focal length of about 135-200mm. This focal length range is adequate for capturing the entire torso of the approaching skier properly.

Some photographers carry not only 135mm lenses, but also fixed focal length lenses of 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm. As interchangeable lenses have become smaller and lighter, many people have begun to prioritize the image quality of single focal length lenses over the convenience of zoom lenses. One reason could be that improvements in the autofocus performance of camera bodies and lenses have made it possible to focus even with lenses with shallow depth of field. Compared to a zoom lens, it has a brighter aperture and a faster shutter speed.

Many ice shows feature different lighting effects such as lasers, smoke, and spotlights. Lighting conditions vary depending on the performance, so shooting conditions are often difficult. How does it feel to use Plena in such an environment?

Fantasy on Ice 2024 (Photo: Taku Sato)
The state before the park opens. During the performance, the skater is highlighted.

Ease of use of our

When I thought the skier was approaching, I switched from 400mm to 135mm. The AF is fast and accurate, and it easily captures the subject even when you switch hands and start AF tracking at any moment. And when combined with a camera that has a subject detection function, you can use it with confidence even at wide aperture.

Detective Tanaka/Fantasy on Ice 2024 (Illustrator: Taku Sato)
NIKON Z 9/NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena/135mm/Manual (1/2000 sec, F1.8)/ISO 2000

Even when performing ice dancing in pairs, shooting at f1.8 makes the subject stand out. The bokeh is smooth and enhances the immersive feeling.

Piper Gale and Paul Poirier/Fantasy on Ice 2024 (Photo: Takuo Sato)
NIKON Z 9/NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena/135mm/Manual (1/2,500 sec, F1.8)/ISO 2500

A silhouette appears on the ice due to the spotlights.

Tomoko Miyahara/Fantasy on Ice 2024 (Photo: Taku Sato)
NIKON Z 9/NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena/135mm/Manual (1/2,500 sec, F1.8)/ISO 2000

Rina Ozono/Fantasy on Ice 2024 (Photo: Taku Sato)
NIKON Z 9/NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena/135mm/Manual (1/4000 sec, F1.8)/ISO 2500

It's also nice to be able to capture the subject sharply even in backlit conditions. The autofocus tracks without problems even in strong light, allowing you to shoot with confidence.

Yuzuru Hanyu/Fantasy on Ice 2024 (Photo: Taku Sato)
NIKON Z 9/NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena/135mm/Manual (1/2,500 sec, F1.8)/ISO 2000

Javier Fernandez / Fantasy on Ice 2024 (Photographer: Taku Sato)
NIKON Z 9/NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena/135mm/Manual (1/1,600 sec, F1.8)/ISO 1600

You can shoot at a fast shutter speed even in dark scenes, so you don't have to worry about blurring your subject. In some cases, a streak of flicker may appear due to lighting, so you should adjust your shutter speed accordingly.

Fantasy on Ice 2024 (Photo: Taku Sato)
NIKON Z 9/NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena/135mm/Manual (1/4000 sec, F1.8)/ISO 2500

Fantasy on Ice 2024 (Photo: Taku Sato)
NIKON Z 9/NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena/135mm/Manual (1/2,500 sec, F1.8)/ISO 2000

This lens features circular bokeh that extends to every corner of the screen, and even falling ice crystals are captured with dreamy circular bokeh.

Sota Yamamoto/Fantasy on Ice 2024 (Photo: Taku Sato)
NIKON Z 9/NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena/135mm/Manual (1/1,600 sec, F1.8)/ISO 2000

It's no wonder so many photographers are fascinated by capturing the flying snow and the atmosphere of the scene.

Fantasy on Ice 2024 (Photo: Taku Sato)
NIKON Z 9/NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena/135mm/Manual (1/4000 sec, F1.8)/ISO 6400

It achieves tremendous descriptive power and a space-filling bokeh, living up to the name “Plena,” which comes from the Latin word for “filling space.”

“Fantasy on Ice”, which we presented this time, is also known for its collaboration with famous artists. Another major feature of this show is that skaters perform original performances. A dreamlike space created by top skaters and artists. The stunning lighting effects and the cool air coming from the rink will further impress the audience.

The ice show usually takes place from spring to summer. The dates for next year’s Fantasy on Ice have yet to be announced, but why not experience this unique entertainment that combines ice and musical performances?

Collaboration in the interview:CIC Co., Ltd.