Sports Photography

[cwmehring]

What is a good lens for Sports Photography? I'm not a rich man so try to keep it within about $800.00. I like the Canon 70-200mm f4L USM (non IS) but I also like the Sigma APO 70-200 2.8. Any suggestions? Experiences with either? Anything I should look out for?

[arkphotos]

You might need to narrow it down a little - indoor basketball / volleyball -> Soccer == very different requirements... Also depends on your access to the action.

Generally folks recommend long & fast for sports.
Indoors - an 85/1.8 to 135 f/2 should work well - if you can live with fixed focal length.
Outdoors - the 70-200 2.8 is usually recommended, but may not be long enough for some sports.

[swjim]

You might need to narrow it down a little - indoor basketball / volleyball -> Soccer == very different requirements... Also depends on your access to the action.

Generally folks recommend long & fast for sports.
Indoors - an 85/1.8 to 135 f/2 should work well - if you can live with fixed focal length.
Outdoors - the 70-200 2.8 is usually recommended, but may not be long enough for some sports.

Agreed, there are too many variables involved. What are you most interested in?

[grego]

As others have said, too many variables. The 70-200 2.8 is probably the most versatile for most situations. However, ideal is dependent upon those variables.

[PhotoJourno]

Shot sideline last season on NFL game.
Most popular and used lens was BY FAR 70-200 2.8. Then Teles, and last Wides.

[caiguar]

in your budget, I would say a sigma 70-200/2.8 is the best bet if you shoot indoor sports

or if you shoot both and want to stay withing that budget a canon 70-200/4 and a 85/1.8