24-70 f/2.8L for shooting basketball?

[snyderman]

Anybody have experience shooting basketball with this lens? I have the 85mm 1.8 and it's quickly become my 'go-to' lens for shooting HS basketball. Its only drawback is being too long for action right around the basket.

Just ordered a copy of 'the brick' from B&H and thought I'd give it a go at 70mm setting for baskeball. I'd expect to get more basket, bodies and maybe even some shoes in the frame.

Any experience with this lens and basketball? Thanks in advance.

dave

[LostShootingStar]

I've shot other sports with it, it's not bad. I assume you're going to be courtside? http://m08o1124znfu179.imageshacknow.info/img/2465/o09a0208gstn/POTNsmile.gif
http://m08o1124znfu179.imageshacknow.info/img/3218/n08d1214eybr/1by1.gif
http://m08o1124znfu179.imageshacknow.info/img/3200/n08d1214eybr/1by1.gif

[Thalagyrt]

It'll work pretty much only for the side of the court you're sitting on. I shoot a 28-300 and stick between 28 and 100 when the players are on my side of the court, but will extend out to 200 or so at the other side of the court, sometimes all the way to 300.

[snyderman]

I've shot other sports with it, it's not bad. I assume you're going to be courtside? http://m08o1124znfu179.imageshacknow.info/img/2465/o09a0208gstn/POTNsmile.gif
http://m08o1124znfu179.imageshacknow.info/img/3218/n08d1214eybr/1by1.gif
http://m08o1124znfu179.imageshacknow.info/img/3200/n08d1214eybr/1by1.gif

Yessir. Usually setup shop just inside the sideline (a couple of feet nearer the basket) and about 2' off the baseline. The 85mm is great for drives, but too long to get the basket and a full body in the shot.

Glad to know you've used it with some success. thanks!

dave

[snyderman]

It'll work pretty much only for the side of the court you're sitting on. I shoot a 28-300 and stick between 28 and 100 when the players are on my side of the court, but will extend out to 200 or so at the other side of the court, sometimes all the way to 300.

Good to know. thanks. I also have the 70-200 but it's a bit cumbersome (heavy as well!) changing all the time. My thought was extending to 70mm and letting her rip for the inside action. Looks like I'll be waiting until next November to give it a try.

dave

[Huskers69]

I use the 85 1.8 and the 70-200 2.8 to shoot basketball pictures.

[Mark]

I have used the 24-70 for backetball, but it is usually to get low angle near the basket and shots where they are generally going for the basket..., 70-200 for almost else that happens....

[LennartW]

very good lens for under the basket. but you definately want to use a longer lens (135/70-200) on a second body, to not miss shots outside the paint

http://www.lennartwiedemuth.com/Clients/Giants/Trier/090315_5DII_LW0024.jpg

[snyderman]

I use the 85 1.8 and the 70-200 2.8 to shoot basketball pictures.

Yep. Good choices. Those have been my 2 'go-to' lenses as well. Just not getting enough in the frames for the inside plays like layups, dunks, rebounding, etc.

I'm going to give the 24-70 a go, but keep the other 2 lenses close at hand! Or maybe just put on the 24-70 when I want to concentrate on just those shots stated above.

dave

[snyderman]

Thanks for posting that shot. That's what I'm talking about!!! Something like your shot can always be cropped down if needed. Good example.

dave

very good lens for under the basket. but you definately want to use a longer lens (135/70-200) on a second body, to not miss shots outside the paint

http://www.lennartwiedemuth.com/Clients/Giants/Trier/090315_5DII_LW0024.jpg

[The Moose]

I don't see why not to use it. I'd take the 24-70/70-200 combo any day of the week in a well-lit gym where f/2.8 is fine.

[dennisoralls]

very good lens for under the basket. but you definately want to use a longer lens (135/70-200) on a second body, to not miss shots outside the paint

http://www.lennartwiedemuth.com/Clients/Giants/Trier/090315_5DII_LW0024.jpg
PLEASE tell me with practice I could take a shot like that!:)

[SuzyView]

I use the 70-200 2.8 IS also, but the 85 1.8 for sure if I am courtside. The 24-70 just isn't long enough.

[dman64]

I use a 85 1.8 and 50 1.8 on a 40d with a grip.
My next lens will be 135 2.0L

[wyofizz]

If I have plenty ambient light or strobes I'll use the 24-70 & 70-200.
No strobes and bad light mounts the 85 1.8.
24-70 is great under the basket. I went thru the same thing your going thru a couple of months ago. Have not regretted buying the 24-70.

Dave

[snyderman]

I use the 70-200 2.8 IS also, but the 85 1.8 for sure if I am courtside. The 24-70 just isn't long enough.

Thanks for your insight. Fortunately, I get to stay courtside usually setting up about 2' inside the sideline and 2' back from the baseline. So many of my shots with the 85mm are too tight for the 'in-fighting' under the basket.

I've also been using a 70/200 which seems to be a perfect 'catch-all' lens for basketball however, it can become a bit cumbersome swapping focal ranges as quickly as bball games move. Plus I usually show up at half-time of the JV game and shoot the entire varsity game. This make the lens/camera (gripped) a bit heavy to haul around for nearly 3 hours of shooting!

Going to give the 24-70 a ride next season at 70mm and see what we get!

dave

[snyderman]

If I have plenty ambient light or strobes I'll use the 24-70 & 70-200.
No strobes and bad light mounts the 85 1.8.
24-70 is great under the basket. I went thru the same thing your going thru a couple of months ago. Have not regretted buying the 24-70.

Dave

Dave,

Good to know about the 24-70. Thanks for the vote of confidence with yours. Too bad I'll have to wait a loooong time to try it out next season! I've already been invited back as the team photographer next season as well.

dave

[snyderman]

PLEASE tell me with practice I could take a shot like that!:)

Dennis:

I had a DSLR for one day before shooting basketball. I can attest to the fact that the results of my first couple of outings were dreadful! Maybe got 10 useable shots out of 200!

Posted a lot of questions for help in the sports section. Received tons of help, lots of encouragement. By the middle of the season it started clicking and getting a lot better shots. All ambient lighting shots with 'decent' (not great) lenses and was still getting pretty good results.

It'll come. Get down there on the basline and start shooting. Next season!

dave

[Mike R]

I have to use my 85, The ligting is so poor and I cannot use strobes so I have to shoot at f/2.2 without going over 1600ISO

[Thalagyrt]

I just tried this for a bit last night at Heat vs. Bucks, and while the 24-70 is fine for the end of the court you're on, you'll definitely want something longer to pair it with for the other end of the court, as I'd assumed earlier. A 24-70 and 70-200 and two bodies and you should be fine there, if you can set yourself up that way.

[XTi Guy]

Snyderman, I use both the 24-70/ 2.8 and 70-200/2.8 IS for basketball. I`ll agree with what others have said. Sounds like where your set-up courtside it will work great. reitteratting again, just know going in that it is a little short for the far side of the court. I`ve used mine to shoot several rounds of state playoff`s for highschool basketball and don`t regret using it for one minute! IMO you`ll like using it also.