Is f/5.6 on the 17-85mm IS too slow for indoor sports?

[Jeff]

Specifically for Volleyball and Basketball. Typically lit HS gyms.

Just wondering if I'm going to get some blur at 85mm and f/5.6. Currently I've been using ISO1600 at f/4 and 75mm and getting shutter speeds about 1/250 which has been borderline for freezing action.

Only reason I'm considering this lens is for the 17-85 range.

[jra]

I would guess that it would be too slow in many circumstances. How about the 85 f1.8?

[Jeff]

I think the 85mm would be a little too long as a prime lens. My 100/f2 is definitly too long and I always feel like I'd like a zoom when I use the 50mm/f1.4.

[timnosenzo]

Yeah, it will be. IMO even f/2.8 indoors can be a little slow for sports. Like Jason suggested, you could pick up an 85 f/1.8 or a 100 f/2, or if money isn't too much of a concern you could go for a 135 f/2L.

EDIT: Just realized you have the 100 f/2, nevermind. :)

[Concorde Rules]

Tammy 17-50 or Canon 17-55 if you want zoom!!

Or the Sigma 18-70 F/2.8 kinda thing?

[gjl711]

Yes, in your example, your shooting at f/4 ISO1600 at 75mm and getting 1/250. With the 17-85 your loosing a stop at 5.6 which means you going to have to bump your ISO to 3200 just to keep the 1/250

The optimal lens would be the 24-70 f/2.8. Then at 70mm keeping the ISO at 1600, and opening the aperture to 2.8 your going to get shutter speeds around 1/500

[Jeff]

Tammy 17-50 or Canon 17-55 if you want zoom!!

Or the Sigma 18-70 F/2.8 kinda thing?

Yea, I think I might go that route. Are there any lenses in the 18-70 length that are faster than 2.8? [That won't get me kicked out of the house;)]

[Jeff]

The optimal lens would be the 24-70 f/2.8. Then at 70mm keeping the ISO at 1600, and opening the aperture to 2.8 your going to get shutter speeds around 1/500


I like this idea!:D These are generally less than a grand used right?

[gjl711]

I like this idea!:D These are generally less than a grand used right? About that. I have seen them for under $900.

[mmahoney]

The fastest zooms are 2.8.

The Tamron 17-50 2.8 is an outright steal if you find a good copy and perfect focal length for the indoor sports you have in mind.

[mattograph]

I shoot lots of volleyball. 85 1.8 is a great lens for it. I haven't head any problems with it being too long on my crop bodies.

I have only found one gym out of about 10 I shoot in that will let me use a 2.8 lens at an acceptable ISO.

[shutterfiend]

Your signature shows the Tamron 28-75. You could use that, couldn't you?

If you're so close that the 85 prime is too long, you might be able to use your 430ex also.

Of course, the players might have something to say about that...

[Jeff]

Do you find the 85mm long enough for shooting the person serving and short enough for players at the net? I can normally sit mid-court (volleyball) front row. Do you end up changing lenses or do you use just the 85?

[Jeff]

Your signature shows the Tamron 28-75. You could use that, couldn't you?

If you're so close that the 85 prime is too long, you might be able to use your 430ex also.

Of course, the players might have something to say about that...


Thats the one I've been using at f/4, trying to get it as sharp as possible.

Yea, I want to stay away from the flash.

[shutterfiend]

Regarding the 85.

LOL. You take an under armpit shot of the person serving. Then you draw a red arrow to highlight the person who returns.

[Bill Roberts]

Seriously the 17-85mm is nowhere near fast enough for indoor sports use.

edit... unless you're talking about chess :rolleyes:

cheers

[oaktree]

Aside from focal length, be aware of focusing speed.

You say that your 100/2 is too long and therefore the 85/1.8 will also be too long for your gyms. But it you just look for fast wider lenses, they may not focus fast enough for volleyball and basketball, 2 of the most difficult indoor sports to shot. For example, your 50/1.4 is fast enough as far as aperture is concerned, but is fairly slow focusing. The 85/1.8 and 100/2 are very fast focusing.

I've used the 85/1.8 in HS gyms and didn't think it was not wide enough.

[mattograph]

Do you find the 85mm long enough for shooting the person serving and short enough for players at the net? I can normally sit mid-court (volleyball) front row. Do you end up changing lenses or do you use just the 85?

Actually, no. I have to work them separately. I get my back row shots just inside the pole. On my net work, I will move about 10 rows up and about half way back off the net. My angles tend to be very similar from shoot to shoot, but the variety of gyms I shoot alleviate some of that monotony.

[bobbyz]

I don't do indoor bb but I don't understand why you say 85mm is too long. Most guys shooting basketaball use one. f2.8 is slow for high school gyms unless you using trsobes. On top of that you need a lens which can focus faster for use in sports.

[basroil]

anything less than 2.8 and iso3200 may get you some major blur issues unless it's a really freaking well lit gym. for everything else, get a 85 1.8. that thing lived on my xt during basketball season. only reason i don't use it now is because my 70-200 on my mkiii with 3200iso looks better and gets me more shots i can use.

[mattograph]

only reason i don't use it now is because my 70-200 on my mkiii with 3200iso looks better and gets me more shots i can use.

I challenge the to a posting!!!:)

Really? Please share a photo.