Basketball - Lens...

For those that shoot BB on a regular basis....

What lens do you find yourself using the most?

I shot a college level game with the 17-40, 70-200, 135 and 300.

I am thinking something between the 17-40 and 70-200 might be nice to have.

Thanks,

Jon

70-200 f/4 with strobes, or the 85 1.8 when shooting ambient. If I had your gear I'd want a camera on every lens and octopus arms.

BTW, isn't your 50 right between your 17-40 and 70-200 ? Looking for something else?

John...

Thanks for the input.

I think next time out I will try the 50. Hope the AF is up to speed for the action.

On a FF body, the 70-200 is perfect for me. I do agree that just a little wider would be nice, but it works well.

I currently use a 50, 100 and 200. I'd prefer to have a 50, 135 and 300 though.

I've been using the 70-200 f2.8 with strobes the most this season.
Will break out the 85 1.8 when I can't strobe.
Have been thinking seriously about picking up a 24-70 2.8 for under the basket. Not sure if the AF speed will handle it though.

Dave

I shoot with a 40D

Depending on the gym, I use either the 70-200/2.8 or 85/1.8.

If only I had a 35-135/2.0, it would be perfect to cover the near half of the court. I imagine a 70-200 is a great range for basketball on a FF.

I shoot with a 70-200f4. I'm hoping for an 85 1.8 soon. Gyms are so poorly lit.

I have a 40d and shoot w/ 85mm 1.8 but under the basket a 35 or 50mm would be best length.

I have an opportunity next week to sit court side at Madison Square Garden during the UCONN v. St. John's game. Assuming I can bring in gear, what do you guys think about the 70-200f4 in that situation. 380EX camera mount flash is the best I have for additional lighting.

Jon, your gear list is like mine minus the 135. I shoot with the 17-40, 70-200 2.8, and 300 2.8 for hoops. If I could add on lens to that lineup it would probably be the 100 f2 that I sold earlier this year. I love how primes force you to pay sharp attention to timing and composition. I think you're set. Shoot with each one to keep things fresh and have fun!

MarkyMark, that f4 should theoretically be okay but word is that they aren't great on replacing lights so be ready for some higher ISO stuff (1600+ potentially) if you are shooting f4 and want to keep it around 1/500-640 which is the minimum for D1 ball.

I almost use my 85 exclusively. I do not use my 17-40 as I have not found the focusing quite fast enough for my liking.

My most used lens for basketball is the 85mm f1.8 followed by the 135mm f2 & 70-200 f2.8.

markymark06824 wrote in post #7032434
I have an opportunity next week to sit court side at Madison Square Garden during the UCONN v. St. John's game. Assuming I can bring in gear, what do you guys think about the 70-200f4 in that situation. 380EX camera mount flash is the best I have for additional lighting.

Using the flash during a game (especially at that level) is not a good idea. If the 70-200 f/4 is all you have then go ahead and try to use it. You may or may not find it fast enough depending on how well lit the court is.

70-200 by FAR