On a budget to buy a new lens.

I'm new to photography, and currently only have the EF 50mm f/1.8 II on a Canon 50D. It works well, but can be annoying when shooting at sports events, specifically wrestling events.

I am interested in buying a lens that is good for sports and action shots, with a budget of $300 or so. I need something with a zoom and a stablizer.

I found a "EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM" for $440 or so, which is a bit above what I currently have; and a "EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM" for $250, which sounds perfect for my budget.

Are there any other lens that would be perfect for my situation and is there anything I need to know before I purchase anything?

Here are a few photos from the wrestling shows I have been to:

For indoor events you're really going to need something with a bigger aperture.

No way will you find a large aperature lens with IS and zoom for under $300.


I would suggest something completely different like the 85 1.8 perhaps? - Would fit your budget. 1.8 is nice and fast so no need for IS and on a crop camera 85 has quite a fair reach

This one is going to be tough my friend. Your 50/1.8 is great because it lets in a good amount of light, but if you're using the lens at 1.8 as in shots 2 and 3, you're going to need to strobe everything, which it looks like you did in number 4. You can buy that 70-300 but all shots will need flash if it's that dark inside. Your camera is going to be at max ISO all the time, and it still might not be enough if you're too far away from the action for your flash to illuminate the subjects. I guess I don't have an answer for ya, maybe just make the best with what you have?

The EF 50mm F/1.8 II is a great little lens but as a sport lens leaves a lot to be desired as the AF focus isn't speed limit breaking.. As a portrait lens on a APS-C sensor body where you set up the shot it excells..

For sport you need a wide aperture, fast focusing lens.. The EF 70-300 just won't cut the cake because it's maximum aperture is too slow.. Look into a tele zoom with a constant maximum aperture of F/2.8 if it doesn't break the budget..

One I can recommend is the Sigma EX 50-150mm F/2.8 APO.. This is my favourite lens.. It's compact, light, a nice focal length range and sharp as a pin..

As everyone mentioned, you need a wide aperture. One suggestion would be to save a bit more and buying a used version of the 200mm 2.8 L lens. You can get this lens used for about $525.

The 200 is a good lens. You'll like it. Save up! I use my 70-200 2.8 IS for anything concert and it's $1700. The 200mm is really a bargain.

The 200/2 IS would be very nice.

those are very nice shots for a $100 lens