Recommened lenses for indoor sports, such as wrestling.

[Thorrulz]

I hope someone can recommend a good lens for indoor low light photography such as wrestling. Right now I am shooting with a Canon XT with the kit lens. While looking at upgrading to a better lens (under $800.00), I will buy a external flash if that would help.
Here is a link to a Website with pics i have taken of the boys. Some of the pics have some noticeable blurring which I would like to keep to a minumum. I do try to minimize the movement of the camera by anticipating where the action will be headed and already have the camera pointed in that direction.
Any ideas would be appreciated.
http://myweb.cableone.net/thorrulz/

[FOX2PRO]

Well, it all depends on how close you can get to the action. If you can get really close, the 50 1.4 is about $350, and is fast enough for low light.

[rdenney]

The 85/1.8 might be just right for this application. It focuses very fast, has excellent image quality even wide open, and it has a little bit of reach. With the wrestling, you can predict your distance pretty close, so a zoom is probably not essential. But if you wanted a zoom, the only really good one (of Canon make) in your price range would be the 70-200/4L, which might be a bit slow unless you can use flash.

Rick "thinking the 85 and a flash would fit your budget easily" Denney

[FOX2PRO]

f4 will be too slow for all but the best lit gyms.

[woolbr8stl]

I use the 85mm 1.8 for indoor basketball and am very happy using it. I've used it on a 40d, 50d and 5d . nice reach and fast focusing

I also have the 100mm 2.0 when I need a little longer reach

[Thorrulz]

Thanks guys, I think I will order the 85mm 1.8. I can usually get close to the action at matside. It sounds like a good portrait lens as well. I was thinking of ordering a battery grip and external flash as well. Any suggestions on a good online seller. I can't find any stores in my area that carry these accessories. Thanks in advance.

[northpointphoto]

I would suggest something along the lines of 70-200 f2.8. IMO 50mm and 85mm might be a little to short unless you crop a lot.

[Thorrulz]

Since my tax refund was higher than expected maybe I can fit a 70-200 f2.8 in the budget also. Any thoughts on either the Sigma or Tamron versions? I still want to invest in the Canon 85mm 1.8 for closeup action and portraits though. Then maybe next year I can invest in a camera upgrade.
Thanks again guys you have been alot of help.

[oaktree]

Thanks guys, I think I will order the 85mm 1.8. I can usually get close to the action at matside. It sounds like a good portrait lens as well. I was thinking of ordering a battery grip and external flash as well. Any suggestions on a good online seller. I can't find any stores in my area that carry these accessories. Thanks in advance.

Good choice! I've shot HS wrestling with the 85/1.8 and 135/2. Both did very well. Since you can get close to the action, the 85/1.8 should be great. Online, I usually buy from Amazon or Adorama.

[eigga]

If you get the 70-200 it can be used for portraits and close up as well. My suggestion is to add that and save the rest for a Mark IIn

[PhotosGuy]

I would suggest something along the lines of 70-200 f2.8. IMO 50mm and 85mm might be a little to short unless you crop a lot. It's not fast enough for the gyms I've shot in. Even cropped, the 85 f/1.8 images are much better.