Lens suggestions for sports photography

[evader]

I have decided I am going to focus a bit more on my sports photography. I shot a football game today using a rented 70-22 f/2.8 lens...and I loved it.

I will be looking to purchase a new lens in the near future and I want something that will work best for sports...both indoors (high school and university basketball/volleyball) and out doors (high school and university football/baseball).

I'm just wondering if the 70-200 is the best way to go or if there is something else out there I should consider as well?

As with most people price is definitely a consideration...that being said I also know you usually get what you pay for.

I'm shooting with a D60 and currently have the kit 18-55mm and 55-200mm lenses and also a 35mm f/1.8. I find the 55-200 kit lens is just too slow for shooting sports so that will go as will the 18-55 lens probably as I find myself using my 35mm almost all of the time. I am thinking about picking up the 50mm 1.8 at some point as well.

So, are there any suggestions as to which lens would be best...should I be looking at something other than the 70-200 f/2.8 or is that my best bet?

Thanks

[zona5101]

really, that is a very solid choice. There will be times when you will wish you had more lens but more lens= more $$. the 70-200f2.8vr II will be a couple grand - the bigger glass, 300 f2.8, 400 f2.8 or the 200-400f2.8, are all multiples of that price...

[erickb]

I shoot a lot of motorcycle racing and soccer games and I love my 70-200 2.8, I use it for a lot of other things as well to the point I over use it but it is great for low light and sports. I shoot with a D80

[Almond.Butterscotch]

as others have mentioned, the 70-200 is a solid option.

As for maybe picking up the 50mm f/1.8, know that (1) it wont autofocus on your D60 and (2) the difference in focal length between the 35mm and 50mm is really so small that you may want a slightly longer prime (85mm or 105mm macro perhaps?). Just my 2¢

[lemonjenny]

Another agreement here for the 70-200 f2.8. If you're looking to save some $$$, look at the Sigma version of the lens. That's what I bought, and I've been beyond thrilled with it (especially for a price tag over a thousand less than the Nikon version!) Just make sure you get the HSM Sigma so it autofocuses on your D60.

[danbaileyphoto]

Yes, definitely get the 70-200 f2.8, or something comparable. You will not be disappointed.

I've used the Nikon 80-200mm f2.8 lens for years to do action, adventure, travel and sports photography, and it's my bread and butter lens. It goes with me everywhere and it ALWAYS produces great shots for me, no matter what the subject.

[mary23]

I have the same as you d60 with the twin lens kit, and with 3 sporty sons most of my photos are of them playing football and while I am still what Id call a novice, I am findind the lens at times lets me down,.I also am thinking of upgrading my lens, also thinking of getting the d90 to go with it.

good luck with the shopping, I will be interested to hear what you end up getting.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

Originally Posted by mary23

I am findind the lens at times lets me down

are you sure your lens is the 70-200mm f/2.8 and not the 55-200mm f/4-5.6 or 70-300mm?

[mary23]

Originally Posted by Almond.Butterscotch

are you sure your lens is the 70-200mm f/2.8 and not the 55-200mm f/4-5.6 or 70-300mm?

hi almond butterscotch
sorry if you have misunderstood my comment, if it is me that you are querying?
evader says he has the twin lens kit, and one of the lens is the 55-200.I stated that I have the same lens as he does.
He is thinking of getting the 70-200.. f2.8, .
cheers

[Almond.Butterscotch]

Ahh- I did misunderstand. I thought you meant the 70-200. Yeah- the 55-200mm isn't the best performer in my bag either- slow to focus, hunts a LOT, doesn't have the best color or contrast, lit goes on.