Nice Indoor Lens

[Argonx16]

Hello, I've been looking into buying my first DSLR recently, and have settled on the Canon T2i refurbished off of Canon's website, as it is quite "cheap" (only $619). Because of the low price of the 550D, I am looking into buying a decent lens. My price range is about $150-400. I would like a nice lens for indoor sports (eg Gymnastics). I want to hear your suggestions about which lens would be the best.

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by Argonx16

Hello, I've been looking into buying my first DSLR recently, and have settled on the Canon T2i refurbished off of Canon's website, as it is quite "cheap" (only $619). Because of the low price of the 550D, I am looking into buying a decent lens. My price range is about $150-400. I would like a nice lens for indoor sports (eg Gymnastics). I want to hear your suggestions about which lens would be the best.

You'll want something that's both fast and has some telephoto reach, and I hate to say it, but I can't think of anything that'll do it in your price range. Most of these lenses are in the $1000++ range

[Argonx16]

Originally Posted by autofocus

Most of these lenses are in the $1000++ range

:O Oh Dang. Then is there anything in the high 850-999 range?
Also, I'm sorta of flummoxed about what "specific" focal lengths would I need? Would 70-300 be in the right range?

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by Argonx16

:O Oh Dang. Then is there anything in the high 850-999 range?
Also, I'm sorta of flummoxed about what "specific" focal lengths would I need? Would 70-300 be in the right range?

Short of me doing a lot of research to see what's available in your new price range here's what I'd suggest:
1) try to get a lens that has a fixed F/2.8 over the entire zoom range
2) 70 - 300 should be fine, a 70-200 or 250 would be OK as a second choice
3) consider used, or refurbs to get the price down
4) don't discount third party lenses..often very good, and less money, but do your homework on them before buying (Tamron, Tokina, Sigma, etc)

Good luck

[inkista]

(shakes head). Nikon shooters.

The issue here is maximum aperture. With the low light in gyms, and the fast shutter speeds you need, having a larger max. aperture is what you need, as well as the reach. Luckily, there are two Canon lenses right around your budget:

EF 85mm f/1.8 USM: $376 on Amazon right now; or its near identical sibling, the EF 100mm f/2 USM ($430. NOT to be confused with the Macro f/2.8 lenses). [Most Nikon shooters wouldn't think of these two lenses, because their autofocusing zippy AF-S equivalents are quite different pro-level lenses, more on a par with the Canon 85/1.2L and 135/f2L and cost four figures.]

These are prime lenses that don't zoom, but they're longish, quite sharp, and (most importantly) very fast with wide max. apertures. Wider than any Canon-mount zoom lenses.

See also, this POTN thread on recommendations for lenses for gymnastics.

If you're willing to go up to $700, there's the EF 200mm f/2.8L USM, but that's going to be harder to use without a monopod, from the additional length and slower aperture. The EF 135mm f/2.8 Soft Focus is $500 and doesn't have USM and won't autofocus as quickly as the other lenses, and the EF 135mm f/2L USM is about $1000.

Yes, a 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM zoom would be more ideal, but given your budget, the 85/1.8 or 100/2 will at least let you get an unblurred shot you can crop, and both have very zippy-fast autofocus thanks to the USM.

[Michael_2010]

Amazon has that T2i new for $699.00

Amazon.com: Canon EOS Rebel T2i 18 MP CMOS APS-C Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (Body Only): Camera & Photo

[Argonx16]

Originally Posted by Michael_2010

Amazon has that T2i new for $699.00

The Amazon one doesn't include a Kit-Lens, and the refurbished one does. (Oddly, Canon lists its refurbished kit as less expensive then the body its self)