best rodeo lens?

[c-bass]

i have a friend that team ropes and i want to start taking pics at some ropings and general rodeos. there are four lenses that i am looking at the 85 1.8 usm, the 100mm 2, the 100mm 2.8 macro, and the 200mm 2.8. i don't want a zoom and thought that i could get a 1.4x extender for the two 100mm and 85mm if i needed more reach. i will use this lense for other purposes as well but want to buy based on this subject. i just purchased a 30d and have a 380 speedlight that probably wont help. some events are outdoors and i have the 400 5.6 for day and some will be indoor. also if you have another suggestion for a lens that is prime i would appreciate it.

[4g63photo]

The one time i shoot rodeo it was really dark. I think the 85mm Would be good. The 100mm f2 would work. In my situation, my 2.8 lenses were too slow.

[gasrocks]

When I shot outdoor rodeos, I used my 70-200/4 zoom. You must always sit in the same spot so you know what mm you'll be needing.

[c-bass]

forgot the tc don't work with 85 or 100mm. only the 200 and i already have the 400.

[gasrocks]

I think the 400/5.6 will be too slow, especially indoors. You can get a Tamron SP (Kenko Pro, same thing) TC that will work on any lens.

[PBeeee]

I've tried indoors with my 100-400 and cannot get the shutter speed up enough to stop motion, especially fast rodeo motion. While that makes for some great 'artsy' blurred shots, it does not give the riders the clear shots they want. Most of the arenas I have been in do not allow flash, it can spook the animals. I'm picking up the 200mm 2.8 and you have reminded me of another possible use for it. I think even with the tc you will have a faster lens than the 400 5.6.

[c-bass]

i am not planning on using the 400 for this, i already have it and want one of the other four. leaning towards the 200 3.8 but it the 85 or 100 has fast enough af and crop will not hurt iq too much i would be happy with one of those. at some point i plan on having the 200 2.8 the 85 and/or one of the 100. just don't know which one to start with.

[bob_r]

I shoot a lot of equestrian events, but not rodeos. My favorite lens indoor and out for these events is the 135L. I have used the 85 and it works well as long as the arena is not too large. The 200L will work for the outdoor shots if you have a large arena, but it's too long and a little slow for indoor events. Unless I'm shooting in a small indoor arena, the 135L is my favorite for indoor and outdoor events.

BTW, where in TN are you located?

[HammerCope]

70-200