Best Basketball Lens?

Curious to know what the recommendations are for the best all around basketball lens. I am currently using a 7DM2 and I'm looking for a good all around lens to shoot basketball.

I have read different opinions regarding the best focal length (some swear by a prime 35mm on a cropped sensor to get shots under the net).

I would preffer to go with a zoom only because the fast pace of the players would make it impossible for me to keep up with a semi wide prime lens.

Any suggestions?

70-200

I haven't shot basketball yet but should have the opportunity this Sunday. I will be using my 7d2 with a 70-200. If you have a second body I can see having a 24-70 or other wider lens for closer action and under the net shots.

Might be too short but the Sigma 18-35 1.8 might work if you are courtside.

I know I've heard of people using the 85 1.8

24-70 F2.8 is likely another court side choice

Further back and 135F2

My most used lens is a 70-200 but I put it on a full frame body. When I put it on a crop body I find it a little tight for under the basket so I'd say a 24-70 would be better on a 7DII though you may want to switch to the 70-200 for a while for a different perspective.

Yes, the 70-200 is a bit tight on a cropped body, but it's probably still the best choice. I have found the 24-105 to be a better second choice than the 24-70.

I've used a 24-70/2.8L on a 1.3X body before, and I currently use a 70-200/2.8 IS II on a 5D3 and a 1D4 now for the most part.

The 70-200 range is nearly perfect on FF, and just a little tight on 1.3X especially if there is not a ton of room behind the baseline. If this describes your courts and you will be sticking with 1.6X then I would recommend the 24-70/2.8 II.

Here are a couple examples to start, these are both from along the baseline with a 1.3X sensor. In the first image (an away game) that court has a deep area behind the baseline and I would work the 70-200 no problem (this shot is at 80mm). The second shot is at home, the gym is tight to the wall and the 24-70 was a better choice (this shot was at 60mm). You would especially not like being stuck at 70mm on 1.6X in that gym.

One final note, if you do go for the 24-70, you will find it a bit short for guard play out beyond the three-point line. In the end I think it is a little tough to find the 'perfect' single zoom for basketball with either 1.3X or 1.6X. There used to be a Sigma 50-150/2.8 that struck me as about the idea zoom range, but I don't know if the AF performance of that lens was up to the challenge.

Here's some longer reach stuff which is where you will find the 24-70 to be too short.

Thanks for feedback. Awesome images!

The courts I will be shooting at are tight regarding space. I hadn't thought about a 70-200 as I was thinking of standing closer near the net. Rethinking the layout of the court now I can see how a 70-200 can be effective. Thanks!

bpalermini wrote in post #17824338
My most used lens is a 70-200 but I put it on a full frame body. When I put it on a crop body I find it a little tight for under the basket so I'd say a 24-70 would be better on a 7DII though you may want to switch to the 70-200 for a while for a different perspective.

+1.

I use both of these on crop camera and generally prefer the 24-70 for action under the net. Has anyone tried going with an ultra wide.

kermit4u wrote in post #17827038
I use both of these on crop camera and generally prefer the 24-70 for action under the net. Has anyone tried going with an ultra wide.

Yes, one time and that was enough. Too wide for anything other than a shot or two. Not worth the trouble to carry it.

I take the 16-35 along to games sometimes. It's useless for action, I've never gotten a worthwhile action shot in basketball with anything wider than 35mm.

I do shoot the bench with the UWA. The shots are not especially exciting, but coaches like to have a shot or two that they are in.

thank you, makes sense

kermit4u wrote in post #17827038
I use both of these on crop camera and generally prefer the 24-70 for action under the net. Has anyone tried going with an ultra wide.

Here's a shot at 35mm taken with the 24-70mm Canon on a full frame camera body. It would be hard to imagine needing much wider than this:

IMAGE LINK: http://s137.photobucke​t.com …/ZIVN0426-Edit_1.jpg.html