Lens for photographing basketball and cheerleading

[philb7777]

I'm a newbie and know little about cameras, much less lens choices. I have had a Canon Digital Rebel XT for about a year now and don't feel I'm doing it justice. I need a lens so I can photograph events for my daughter's senor year in high school this coming fall. She is also a cheer leader and I would love to zoon in from the stands and get good photos of her. My son also plays on an AAU basketball team and would love to get good photos from the seats in the gym. Does anyone have a recommendation for a good zoom lens from Canon for these purposes? Thanks in advance for any info.

[gasrocks]

Probably one of the best indoor sports lenses = EF 85/1.8

[Master Mason]

I have been using a canon 70-200 f/2.8L non IS version for shooting the kids Basketball. It is a great lens. Any of the 4 versions of the 70-200 would probably serve you well, after that, then they start to get expensive.

[kidpower]

The 2.8 version zooms are probably what you are looking for (Canon or Sigma).

I spent the last indoor season photographing basketball (at least 3-4 games a week)) and a ton of cheerleaders and cheerleading competions. I used exclusively a Canon 85 1.8 and 135 F2. I shot from the stands mostly. In most high school gyms I could grab the seat I wanted and move when I wanted. In my opinion, if the focal lengths meet your needs, there are very few lens better suited for this.

Lighting can be a concern, even for 2.8 with ISO cranked, so that might be something to think about.

Anyways, if you are set on a zoom, think 2.8.

[kidpower]

I forgot to mention, I use an XT.

Good luck.

[superdiver]

In MOST gyms and cherleader shows the 2.8 will NOT be fast enough. I have a 70-200 2.8 and love the lens, just not quite fast enough for these dark places. It CAN work, but the 85 1.8 is by far my best performer....

[richardho11]

If you need a zoom, the 70-200 f/2.8 is it. Otherwise the 85 f/1.8 would be a good choice especially with the 1.6x.

[Tee Why]

Good zoom lenses by Canon for indoor sports are gonna cost you.
Probably the best one is the 70-200mm f2.8L IS at about $1700.
Another option is the one without the IS for $1100 or so.
Consider Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 for about $900 or 50-150mm f2.8 (for cropped sensors) for about $600.
Good luck.

[Jay Lowery]

ive used the 70-200 2.8 for cheer leading and basketball and it works great. good for the whole squad or the close ups of the faces.