Looking for a lens recommendation please (indoor Sports)

[DiablesBleu]

Ladies or Gents -

I'm taking a lot of action photos (volleyball) in gymnasiums (many poorly lit) with an Canon EOS 40D. I have some success, but not a lot. I want to use a zoom, not a prime. I also realize that I need a fast lens, but I'd prefer not to buy a lens that costs more than my camera (Like the Canon 70-200 F/2 IS).

My current primary lens is a Tamron XR Di 28-75mm 1:2.8 - Poor Autofocus in low light. Based on a something I read in a Canon forum I tried the Canon Prime 85mm 1:1.8. But I think that recommendation was for a Full Sized Sensor - In a gym setting the only way I could get a full body picture was to stand at one end of the gym or the other; anything from the stands gets too close to show all the action. Nice lens though.

I was going to opt for the new Tokina 50-135 f/2.8 Pro DX ($600 on EBay), but then I read a review that says that even though it takes sharp pictures in all kinds of light, that it is slow to focus - not great volleyball games.

Anyway, if anyone has any suggestions or hands on experience with a Canon/Canon compatible lens in gymnasium settings, I'd sure like to read your suggestions.

Thanks,

[Dennis_Hammer]

I use a 70-200mm 2.8L IS for High School Volleyball

[dmwierz]

Like the Canon 70-200 F/2 IS)


There is no such lens. And, BTW, good glass ALWAYS will cost you more than a 40D. Cameras will come and go, but you will keep your lenses for years (at least that's the theory).

You say the 85 f/1.8 is too TIGHT? I find that extraordinarily hard to believe. I've tried to use this court side several times this year on a 1.3X body and found it way too LOOSE.

Personally I'd stay away from Tokina and Tamron for action. They're fine lenses for studio or other work, but they're not know for their quick AF performance.

What about the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8? I've used one to shoot basketball and it works quite well.

If you're willing to spend $600 on a Tokina, for just a little bit more, you can have the Sigma, and it's a LOT better lens IMO.

[Mbrescio]

You are going to need at least a 2.8 or wider. The HS gym that I shoot in is very dark and yellow. I won't use anyting smaller then 70 -200 2.8L .

[bwolford]

My Sigma 24-70 F/2.8 is very good in low light, although not as nice as my Canon 70-200 F/2.8L IS USM. You are going to have to come to terms with the fact that one of the most important elements to shooting in this environment will be your glass AND, generally, you will spend far more on glass than camera bodies in a life time. The 85mm F/1.8 is perfect for this environment and you'll just have to learn to use your foot zoom. Another good lens is a 100mm F/2. I should have bought the 85, but the 100 works too.

I shoot in gymnasiums 90% of the time for gymnastics and the on-site pros use the 85 on 20, 30, and 40Ds about 80% of the time. When not using that, they use a 50mm F/1.4.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

[Mr B Pix]

If you consistently want good pictures you are really going to be pushed to use a prime lens.

For volleyball, I have heard that if you can get just behind the referee, the 50/1.4 ($310) is a good lens to get. The 85/1.8 ($340) is a great budget indoor sports lens. Other prime options are the 100/2.0 ($390) or the 135/2.0L ($900).

I use the 85/1.8 and 70-200/2.8 for indoor sports. I'd like to get the 135 too, maybe next Christmas for next year's indoor season.

[cptkoi]

I tried the Canon Prime 85mm 1:1.8. But I think that recommendation was for a Full Sized Sensor - In a gym setting the only way I could get a full body picture was to stand at one end of the gym or the other; anything from the stands gets too close to show all the action. Nice lens though.



My 85mm finally got its first real 'indoor' test this weekend, 3 days or action, I have to say I am impressed at how it handled.

I agree, if you want a full body shot close to 'goal' your going to be stood a fair way from the court so positioning could be an issue. However it has so much going in its favour, I would say give it another try.

If you are interested, you can find some of the weekends shots here using the 85mm;

http://www.netballimages.com/gallery.php?gid=73

H

[AdamLewis]

Get a used 70-200 f/2.8 without IS and it will be a lot cheaper.

[vetkrazy]

Based on a something I read in a Canon forum I tried the Canon Prime 85mm 1:1.8. But I think that recommendation was for a Full Sized Sensor - In a gym setting the only way I could get a full body picture was to stand at one end of the gym or the other; anything from the stands gets too close to show all the action. Nice lens though.


Thanks,

I really don't get that. I use my 85mm ( on a 1DMKIIN ) for 90% of my volleyball. I shoot a college gym that is way to dark for a f/2.8 lens of any type, unless you like lots of noise. I shoot from both side lines and both end lines an occasionally the stands. When I want a close up I grab the 135mm f/2 and for fun shots I use my 5D and a 15mm fisheye. The 85mm f/1.8 is by far and away the best low light action lens you can find.

[ooo]

I just shot some indoor sports for the first time yesterday and I'm thinking of buying this lens as well. My 50mm performed the best yesterday out of all my lens.