Budget sports lenses?

I like to take sports photos (running, cycling particularly) and am not sure what to buy next. I'm getting into sport event photography so need good, crisp images

I currently have a 70-200 F4L and it produces stunning results. Is it worth buying the 2.8 version for the extra speed? What other lenses are good for sports?

My budget is around £650 or $1300

The 2.8 version is worth having, however consider a 24-70 f/2.8 canon or sigma first.

I do alot of sports, my favorite lens is the 300 F4, (mine is the older non-IS). It is light fast AF and sharp. I also have the 70-200 2.8 ISand use it as well, but unless I am shooting on a small field, I like the 300F4 better. I also use a 85/1.8 for indoor alot. I use to have a Sigma 50-500, very versital and sharp considering the range, but after I got the 300, i rarely used it.

BTW, the older version of the 300F4 can be found in the $600 range, so it is not a budget buster either.

Joe

In all honesty, buying the 70-200 2.8 will not immediately make your photos even better. The 2.8 will help you to work with faster shutter speeds and better for low light however both seem to be as sharp as each other IMO.

I currently have a 70-200 f/4 and I used to have a 70-200 f/2.8 both Canon. I found the f/4 both sharper and the AF was better. I had a higher hit rate with the f/4. The 2.8 won't make your pictures any better unless you NEED the 2.8 due to lack of light

I recently bought another 2.8 to shoot indoors, maybe this copy will be sharper than my last one. My f/4 is soooo razor sharp and AF is so perfect I'll probably keep it for my outdoor sports. But maybe my f/4 is just exceptional???

George

300 f4

well isn't it obvious?? just order the 1200mm f/5.6L from BH for 99k and you can save money on gas because you'll be stting on your back porch shooting the game!

I think the 300/4 pairs up well with a 70-200 for sports, and it meets your budget.

Add a 1.4X TC down the road and you can shoot 70-200/4, 300/4 and 420/5.6

Canon Soldier wrote in post #5481758
well isn't it obvious?? just order the 1200mm f/5.6L from BH for 99k and you can save money on gas because you'll be stting on your back porch shooting the game!

hahaha. made me laugh.

I thought he was serious and went to B&H's site to check it out.