EF 200mm f/2.8L II and sports?

[Andy1265]

I hate to keep bugging you folks with these questions. Anyone using this lens for Little League and other outdoor sports? I've been using the 28-135 and find that I am at 135 most of the time and am looking for a little more reach. I'm looking at this and the 70-200L F/4. Both of these lenses are at budget with the 200L pushing it just a bit. I like that the 200mm has F/2.8. Last night I had a 6pm game and as the sun started to go down with no clouds in the sky, the F/5.6 started hurting.

Thanks in advance for your advice and patience!

[kidpower]

I don't have the 200 2.8, but if the focal length is in your "zone", it will do an outstanding job for you. Other than the fact that you can't zoom, it is a highly thought of and excellent performing lens.

[gasrocks]

Yes, the 200/2.8 is a great lens. I'd suggest though that you do consider the 70-200/4 or IS version. Run the ISO up if you have to.

[eyusuf]

look for 200 2.8 mark 1. some of them are sold quite cheaply. i got mine for just a little bit above 400 bux.

[oaktree]

I have both the 135/2 and 200/2.8 and use the 135L much more for basketball. The only time I used the 200/2.8 for basketball it also did well. But since I got a Kenko 1.4 TC, I'm using the 200/2.8 even less for other stuff also.

[Andy1265]

Thanks guys. I have the 85 F/1.8 to cover basketball. UPS should have it at my doorstep in the next couple hours :)

Tough decision though on the 70-200L F/4 and 200L F/2.8.

I thought maybe the Sigma 70-200 F/2.8 would be a nice compromise but I can't push the budget that far and I've read that there are some back/front focusing issues. So it's between the two Canons. Ugh....

[oaktree]

Now that you have the 85/1.8 for indoor sports, get the 70-200/4L. Much more useful than the 200/2.8.

[tom s]

Fast-action sports are not be a problem subject for this 200. In fact, sports photography is one of the best uses for this lens. Although an f/2.8 aperture can be marginal indoors, this lens sees a decent amount of use at indoor sporting events.


http://the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-200mm-f-2.8-L-II-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

[4rgentum]

200 L II is a great lens for outdoor. beautiful bokeh. I was able to pick mine up at a used camera shop for $400