Beginner's action sports lens -- 30D

[BCDH]

I did a search, but didn't find the answers I was looking for -- I apologize if I missed something.

I'm going to purchase a 30D very soon, but have some questions about what sort of lens I should get for it. I'm looking to spend around $500 on the lens, but being a total noob I need some advice on what would be ideal.

I'll be primarily shooting gravity oriented mountain biking -- downhill, mountain cross, dirt jumping, that sort of stuff. For those who don't know, it's fairly high speed, so I'll be doing some panning, but not all the time. As for lighting/locations, the shots will usually be in fairly bright sunlight or under the shade of some trees. I will be using this lens for some general photography as well, so I suppose I'll want to get a fairly versatile lens.

I was thinking about buying the Canon 28-135mm IS lens and using it in conjunction with the kit lens, but seeing as don't exactly know how focal length translates into real-life photos, especially with a cropped sensor, I'm a bit lost as far as judging what I would need.

So, I guess my question is this: For about $500, what would be the ideal lens for a wide range of applications with slightly more attention being put towards high speed action shots?

[Woogie]

I'd say go for a used 70-200 f/4L. You'll be a little bit over 500 after all is said and done, but it is definitely worth it for your particular application.

[Bandit 00C5]

For the money and its capabilities I would think that the 70-200 f4 would be ideal for you are going to shoot. Alot of people here sell them to get the 2.8 or new for a tad over $500. Do a search for pics from this lens and I think you will like what you see. On your camera it is effectively like having a 80-300 on a 35mm body. Looks like I will be getting the same lens within the next couple of weeks.

[XPHALCON]

For the money and its capabilities I would think that the 70-200 f4 would be ideal for you are going to shoot. Alot of people here sell them to get the 2.8 or new for a tad over $500. Do a search for pics from this lens and I think you will like what you see. On your camera it is effectively like having a 80-300 on a 35mm body. Looks like I will be getting the same lens within the next couple of weeks.


I agree. I have the 70-200L, thinking about selling it for a 2.8. Will probably get the Sig 70-200/2.8, but have to realize it is a bit heavier. For me, the extra stops outweigh the the weight. And like stated, expecting to get approx. $500 for it. (maybe I have a buyer?? ;););))

[BCDH]

Thanks for the replies everyone -- I just want to be sure this is the right buy, so bear with me for a bit. This (http://www.damianbreach.com/Simple/snowmass/index.html) is essentially the type of stuff I will be shooting. Will that lens yield similar results (not necessarily quality-wise, just a similar photo), or no?

[ed rader]

I agree. I have the 70-200L, thinking about selling it for a 2.8. Will probably get the Sig 70-200/2.8, but have to realize it is a bit heavier. For me, the extra stops outweigh the the weight. And like stated, expecting to get approx. $500 for it. (maybe I have a buyer?? ;););))

there is one stop difference between f4 and f2.8.

ed rader

[XPHALCON]

Thanks for the replies everyone -- I just want to be sure this is the right buy, so bear with me for a bit. This (http://www.damianbreach.com/Simple/snowmass/index.html) is essentially the type of stuff I will be shooting. Will that lens yield similar results (not necessarily quality-wise, just a similar photo), or no?

It should. I would also think about using a flash. Just my 2cents.

[Sam]

Thanks for the replies everyone -- I just want to be sure this is the right buy, so bear with me for a bit. This (http://www.damianbreach.com/Simple/snowmass/index.html) is essentially the type of stuff I will be shooting. Will that lens yield similar results (not necessarily quality-wise, just a similar photo), or no?
Yep. Look for a used one and you'll stay in budget.

[BCDH]

Rock on! Thanks for the help everyone. Needless to say... *STOKED*

[XPHALCON]

there is one stop difference between f4 and f2.8.

ed rader

Yeah, I was thinking about that while I was typing it. I was thinking about the earlier lenses that had the f3.2 click on the barrel, two clicks=two stops. But maybe I have one of those "special" lenses.:cool:

[calicokat]

The 200 F/2.8 prime is a great lens for the price, and its F/2.8