Curiosity Question!

TassieD

I am looking at getting into event / sports in a more serious manor than I am now. What would be recommendations on "L" lenses for this type? or other good quality third-party lenses for that matter?

Sorry this is a bit vague, but the idea is just a work in progress at present.

Cheers
David :thumb

ian408

What you gonna shoot?

For indoor sport, you'll probably want something fast. Like the 85
(f/1.8) and maybe a 70-200 (f/2.8) to start. Shooting surf, something long.
Between 300-500 would be good. For the latter, either prime or maybe the
bigma (Sigma 50-500) would be fine. Throw in a 1.4TC and I'd think you'd
have most bases covered nicely.

Ian

TassieD

ian408 wrote:

What you gonna shoot?

For indoor sport, you'll probably want something fast. Like the 85
(f/1.8) and maybe a 70-200 (f/2.8) to start. Shooting surf, something long.
Between 300-500 would be good. For the latter, either prime or maybe the
bigma (Sigma 50-500) would be fine. Throw in a 1.4TC and I'd think you'd
have most bases covered nicely.

Ian

Thanks for the info Ian, gives me a starting point to plan.

Cheers
David

gus

I use the 400 L f/5.6...sharp & cheap (ish) & its white

& i use the 135 l f2..sharp & fast enough to pin anything whilst still being fairly small. Its so sharp that you take a big shot & then just crop it.


Hand held

Date Taken:2005-07-23 11:19:37Date Modified:2005-07-25 17:38:37Make:CanonModel: Canon EOS 20D Size: 2971x1373 Bytes: 947451 Aperture: f/10.0 ISO: 100 Focal Length: 135mm Exposure Time: 0.005s (1/200)Flash:Flash did not fire, compulsory flash modeExposure Program:Shutter priorityExposure Bias:0

gus

Re:" the 135mm... i know that you will choke at its price here...almost $1800 ($1350 USD) but remember it will out last a lot of bodies. If you dont like it ...it will always sell fast on the 2nd hand market as there are few 2nd hand ones about here in 0z.

To my way of thinking, if a lens is ultra sharp then it has many uses. I have viewed a lot of samples of it with a TC 1.4 on it making it a bees doodle over 300mm & still f/4 & sharp. Great for concerts also with its speed.

Its actually 216mm on the 300/350/20D.

I would also look at the 70-200 F/4 ..im not really into zooms but this lens from what ive seen always shows the goods & its well priced.

Gus..(rambling on about his most prised lens)

TassieD

Thanks for the advise Gus. Will definately look at all the lenses mentioned.

I am also looking at the lenses, in respect of being able to cope outside the sporting arena. I.e. I dont want to purchase a lens which is only going to be able to be used at a sporting event.

If this at all makes sense?

Cheers
David

gus

No worries mate.....

Seriously if i was in your position i would def choose the 70-200 L f/4. Its over 300mm on a 20D ...light (ish) & with the likes of newer DSLR's being able to shoot clean higher ISO's then you will often find you rarely need lower than f/4 for sports.

You can bring one in from hong kong on Ebay for under a grand + maybe $100 import tax.

Gus

Khaos

The ideal lens for those who have no money issues, me lots of issues, yep, lots and lots of issues, is the 400 2.8 L. The next in line is the 300 2.8 L. It ain't cheap either.

The 70-200 is nice, but for soccer, you may need a larger aperture to get that DOF you want to seperate the players from the background better. The 70-200 IS L ain't cheap either, but it is compared to the 300 and 400.:D I love this lens, it always amazes me what it can do as a zoom.

I think the 135 L indoors is a really good choice.

ian408

TassieD wrote:

Thanks for the info Ian, gives me a starting point to plan.

Cheers
David

It does. And the ranges are just that, ranges. Since you don't mention what
your budget is, I suggested the 70-200 f/2.8 (which is L glass) because it's
sharp and paired with the 1.4TC, nice and certainly less expensive than a
piece of prime glass--and more versatile.

Once you know what you'll shoot on a more regular basis, you can then
make decisions on whether to buy prime. For some, a zoom is just what
the doctor ordered and as I say, versatile.


Ian

TassieD

Thanks Guys, Lots of information and decisions to be made.

I should have been a lot clearer at the beginning, but I am going approach a motor racing body this week and negotiate taking shots for them, there is always the kids weekend sports to capture, International + Local cricket matches and the odd Aussie Rules game thrown in for good measure.

This is the list of sporting events I have at present.

Cheers
David