Beginner Baseball Lens

[satcheltn]

I am a newbie to digital photography. I have a Rebel XT and a low end 70-300 4-5.6 lens. I love shooting sports such as baseball. I go to alot of college and pro games where I am in the stands, but can get in the first couple of rows most of the time. I have a budget of around $600 and need a good lens for this purpose. I am really considering the 70-200 f.4L and also get a converter. Any suggestions??

[tim1960]

You better check with the stadiums that you will be attending to see what rules they have concerning cameras. Most see the white lens as pro photogs and will not allow them in. Some are not as tight on their rules as others. You probably can get into with the 70-300 and nothing said.

The f4 is a good lens but if you can afford, get the 2.8. It's well worth the investment. I've had mine now for almost one year and have never regreted the money spent. If you have kids or plan to one day, go for the 2.8. When they get into sports, you want regret it.

[Mike_Canon5D]

Tims' advise is spot on. I shoot Little League with both, the 70-200 F2.8, and the 100-400 F4-5.6, and they perform great. If you can save a bit and get the 70-200 F2.8, you won't regret it. The IS would be an option to look into but sometimes may give you that extra edge when shooting on low light conditions.

[DaveL]

I would recommend a 200 f/2.8L, 70-200 f/4 or...a 300 f/4 non
IS which if you shop around, can all run you $600 or less.

I'm not sure you should decide on a lens based on what your
major league stadium will or will not allow. There are plenty of
opportunities (youth, high school or even minor league ball)
that you can get better positioning and really improve your
chops...

[Broncosaurus]

I had a 70-300 APO that I had no problem getting in to a major league park. I'm sure it was because it was so much shorter at 70mm than at 300. I now have an EX 100-300 that I'm sure would not be allowed in. I've had no problem getting it in to college games though.