Need advice on a sports lens

[JtheVGKing]

Hey guys, I recently got a job shooting for goPSUsports.com <:D> and I need to upgrade from my 70-200 IS to a lens with a longer focal length (Beaver stadium is kinda huge). I'm thinking of getting the 100-400 IS, using that for day games, and keeping the 70-200 for night games. Do you guys think that's a solid idea, or is there a better route to go? Thanks!

[Jim G]

Have you looked at primes or a 120-300 f/2.8? Just suggesting the alternatives... With two bodies you could get away with a long prime on one and the 70-200 on the other for closer work.

[stathunter]

400 2.8 or a 300 2.8 ---- kind of pricy but the standard in shooting.

[JtheVGKing]

Have you looked at primes or a 120-300 f/2.8? Just suggesting the alternatives...

Nope, that's why I made this thread ;)

So thanks, I'll check those out.

[JtheVGKing]

400 2.8 or a 300 2.8 ---- kind of pricy but the standard in shooting.

Yeah, those r kinda pricey and I'm still in college :cry:

I would say my budget is $2 grand or under.

[bobbyz]

Sigma 120-300mm f2.8 if you can get nice copy. That way you can work with just 1 body.

300/400mm f2.8 are lot better but then you need to have 2 bodies, 1 with the prime and another with 70-200mm f2.8.

[advaitin]

Start going in circles visiting every camera shop you can find, someone will have a piece of glass you can use. Canon cameras can take many other brand lenses via adapters, so you can buy used but good glass, like the Nikon 500mm F4 MF lens, you just have to set your f-stop and manually focus using the AV setting on your camera. You are close enough to make a New York run, also check Roberts Imaging online, they did have a non-IS 400mm Canon for a good price, used with no lens hood, if I recall correctly.

[JtheVGKing]

Thanks for your input guys!

Now, is the Sigma really that good? And is the 100-400 f/4.5 really that bad?

When I was shooting on Saturday I was talking to a guy beside me who was using the 100-400 and he highly recommended it to me. He said it was super sharp and focuses really fast, and that, along with its incredible focal range, really fits all the criteria for a decent sports lens imo. But then again, I've never tried any of the other lenses, however I probably won't get a chance to any time soon (don't know when I'd get the time to travel up to new york as I go to school during the week and shoot during the weekends) and there's no stores nearby, so I might have to just go blindly into one or the other.

Eh.

[FlyingPhotog]

Thanks for your input guys!

Now, is the Sigma really that good? And is the 100-400 f/4.5 really that bad?

When I was shooting on Saturday I was talking to a guy beside me who was using the 100-400 and he highly recommended it to me. He said it was super sharp and focuses really fast, and that, along with its incredible focal range, really fits all the criteria for a decent sports lens imo. But then again, I've never tried any of the other lenses, however I probably won't get a chance to any time soon (don't know when I'd get the time to travel up to new york as I go to school during the week and shoot during the weekends) and there's no stores nearby, so I might have to just go blindly into one or the other.

Eh.

Remember that the 100-400 is f/5.6 @ 400mm...

That's slow-ish even for daytime
You won't get as shallow DOF to isolate players
The AF isn't near as fast as primes

[Qwest905]

why don't u get an extender?

[bobbyz]

OP - What do you plan to shoot?

I had 100-400L and it is quite nice for day time sports. I also have Sigma 120-300mm f2.8. My cpy of 100-400L was better than the Sigma but Sigma can do f2.8 where as 100-400L is good for only f5.6.

Here some shots with the 100-400L

http://bobbyzphotography.com/img/v3/p61185424-5.jpg
http://bobbyzphotography.com/img/v3/p224080459-4.jpg
http://bobbyzphotography.com/img/v2/p8980757-4.jpg
http://bobbyzphotography.com/img/v2/p274911902-5.jpg
http://bobbyzphotography.com/img/v0/p788514355-4.jpg
http://bobbyzphotography.com/img/v1/p841676386-5.jpg

[Fedxpress]

I just got the 100-400 I used it this last weekend at a Airshow. It was overcast and rainy. I could get it up to 2500 ss at times. I am planing on also using it mostly for my sons soccer games. It will be a few weeks before i get to shot on though. For the money it is a great and versitle lens.
Is it the Best? For the money I think so. Now if you hit the lottery, go for the primes.
Check out the thread here on the lens and see the pics.
My 2 cents
Fedxpress