Is f/5.6 on the 17-85mm IS too slow for indoor sports?

Specifically for Volleyball and Basketball. Typically lit HS gyms.

Just wondering if I'm going to get some blur at 85mm and f/5.6. Currently I've been using ISO1600 at f/4 and 75mm and getting shutter speeds about 1/250 which has been borderline for freezing action.

Only reason I'm considering this lens is for the 17-85 range.

I would guess that it would be too slow in many circumstances. How about the 85 f1.8?

I think the 85mm would be a little too long as a prime lens. My 100/f2 is definitly too long and I always feel like I'd like a zoom when I use the 50mm/f1.4.

Yeah, it will be. IMO even f/2.8 indoors can be a little slow for sports. Like Jason suggested, you could pick up an 85 f/1.8 or a 100 f/2, or if money isn't too much of a concern you could go for a 135 f/2L.

EDIT: Just realized you have the 100 f/2, nevermind.

Tammy 17-50 or Canon 17-55 if you want zoom!!

Or the Sigma 18-70 F/2.8 kinda thing?

Yes, in your example, your shooting at f/4 ISO1600 at 75mm and getting 1/250. With the 17-85 your loosing a stop at 5.6 which means you going to have to bump your ISO to 3200 just to keep the 1/250

The optimal lens would be the 24-70 f/2.8. Then at 70mm keeping the ISO at 1600, and opening the aperture to 2.8 your going to get shutter speeds around 1/500

Concorde Rules wrote in post #5491000
Tammy 17-50 or Canon 17-55 if you want zoom!!

Or the Sigma 18-70 F/2.8 kinda thing?

Yea, I think I might go that route. Are there any lenses in the 18-70 length that are faster than 2.8? [That won't get me kicked out of the house]

gjl711 wrote in post #5491025
The optimal lens would be the 24-70 f/2.8. Then at 70mm keeping the ISO at 1600, and opening the aperture to 2.8 your going to get shutter speeds around 1/500

I like this idea! These are generally less than a grand used right?

jseivert wrote in post #5491040
I like this idea! These are generally less than a grand used right?

About that. I have seen them for under $900.

The fastest zooms are 2.8.

The Tamron 17-50 2.8 is an outright steal if you find a good copy and perfect focal length for the indoor sports you have in mind.

I shoot lots of volleyball. 85 1.8 is a great lens for it. I haven't head any problems with it being too long on my crop bodies.

I have only found one gym out of about 10 I shoot in that will let me use a 2.8 lens at an acceptable ISO.

Your signature shows the Tamron 28-75. You could use that, couldn't you?

If you're so close that the 85 prime is too long, you might be able to use your 430ex also.

Of course, the players might have something to say about that...

Do you find the 85mm long enough for shooting the person serving and short enough for players at the net? I can normally sit mid-court (volleyball) front row. Do you end up changing lenses or do you use just the 85?

shutterfiend wrote in post #5491733
Your signature shows the Tamron 28-75. You could use that, couldn't you?

If you're so close that the 85 prime is too long, you might be able to use your 430ex also.

Of course, the players might have something to say about that...

Thats the one I've been using at f/4, trying to get it as sharp as possible.

Yea, I want to stay away from the flash.

Regarding the 85.

LOL. You take an under armpit shot of the person serving. Then you draw a red arrow to highlight the person who returns.