EF 85 1.2L for indoor sports

[ust82gopher]

Originally Posted by mrclark321

You could sell the 70-200L and get a 85 1.8 and a 135L.

Can't do that. My main sports are fastpitch softball and track. The 70-200 L is absolutely the perfect lens. Here is an example



Just need something to cover me this winter and the price of the 85 f/1.8 makes great sense.

[pprrad]

I was in what sounds like a similar situation in that the 70-200 /2.8 just wasn't cutting it. Just got 85 /1.8 and worked ok today for b-ball. Just will take time for me to adjust to foot zooming! 85mm seemed too long for under the basket and too short for other end of the court (IMO) so I had to move around alot. Kind of wished I had a 50mm 1.4

[grego]

50 1.4, 85 1.8, 100 2 are the primes of choice for basketball(on most of the cameras).
If you are full frame, the 135L is awesome.

You defintely need a shutter of at least 1/400. 1/320 is pushing it.

[RichNY]

I've got the 85 f/1.8 and 70-200 f/2.8 IS. For high school indoor sports on a crop camera will the 135mm be too long a lens? Would it be a mistake to shoot from the bleachers with this lens rather than being along the court with a shorter focal length lens?

[kidpower]

I shoot from the stands a great deal. I see absolutely no problem using the 135L from the bleachers. In fact you may enjoy it more, because you are able to oversee the whole court.

What you will get is a different perspective to your shots as opposed to being on the floor. Depends on what you are looking for in your shots. A lot of people I know shoot a game from both the court-level and the stands. Sure, you have to hustle around a little more, but I always enjoy being in the crowd.

I think it all depends on what kind of photos you want.

[liza]

Originally Posted by RichNY

I've got the 85 f/1.8 and 70-200 f/2.8 IS. For high school indoor sports on a crop camera will the 135mm be too long a lens? Would it be a mistake to shoot from the bleachers with this lens rather than being along the court with a shorter focal length lens?

I shoot from a crouched position along the baseline, mostly where the 3 point line intersects. I also migrate to the sideline and under basket spots, depending on the action. When you "shoot low," it makes the players appear larger.