Need Advice on Which Lens for Action Shots

[24Freak]

I am interested in shooting sports in which the subject is moving at very high speeds and is a considerable distance away from me (i.e., dog agility). I was originally looking at the 75-300mm, however now I'm not so sure.

What lens would you recommend for my situation? I want a long zoom lens to get close to the subject, but also one that autofocuses fast. Anything without IS is not an option because I do not have a tripod and also because I just prefer to have IS on my lenses.

Any helpful tips and links would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

[RichardTaylor]

(1) What sort of lighting will you be shooting in?
(2) What ISO are you willing to use?
(3) How far away will you be from the subjects?

[JFSanders]

Welcome Mezz, It is great to have you here.

Photographing moving animals is just like photographing football. So look at the types and size lenses that the photogs use to shoot those games.

That being said, I do hope you have a sizable bank account as the best lens for this type of thing will easily run you $7000 for a Canon L 500mm or at a bit less with less reach but fantastic image quality and speed is the 300mm 2.8L.

You can get by with less but it will require you being closer and able to use your brain as you work to anticipate the shot and be in the right place at the right time for the tools you have to work at their best. But none of it is gonna just fall into your lap. Good luck, and I bet you are the one with the red toe polish?!

Jim

[24Freak]

Thank you both for replies.

Richard,
1) Outdoors
2) My camera goes up to 1600 ISO and I am willing to use that, but would prefer not to
3) It really depends on the situation how far away I'm going to be. Im open to any lens recommendations that are longer than my 18-55mm kit lens.

Jim, I really don't have a large bank account and definitely not for $7000. That being said, I am just interested in the basic zoom lenses, nothing fancy, as I am doing this purely for fun and don't need anything professional. And I'm afraid that despite my red hair, I do have blonde roots (figuratively, not literally) and so the red toe polish comment flew over my shoulder.

[JFSanders]

Mezz, well it will be good for you to work within the limits of your tools. As for the red toe polish it has to do with your blog...

Jim

[Zdaman]

I'd say you should look at a Tamron 70-200 F/2.8. You can get it either for Canon or Nikon, and it's cost is around 700-800 dollars. It will give you a nice zoom, and an aperture that will provide good bokeh, (background blur), and allow you to shoot at faster shutter speeds to freeze motion. Good luc with your search!
- Zach

[ceremus]

One of the Canon 70-200mm lenses would be a good option if 200mm is long enough for you. The 70-200mm f/4 IS is a possibility when you're working outside in the daylight. The non IS version is almost half the price so that lens is an excellent value, up to you if you want to spend the money on the IS version. Both lenses are renown for being exceptionally sharp zoom lenses, even when shot wide open.

Again, that's only if 200mm gives you enough reach, if not you might try one of the 70-300mm lenses, or even possibly the 100-400mm L. If you're not sure what you need, I'd recommend renting one of the above for a few days and see what works for you. The 100-400mm L is one of the most popular serious wildlife and sports lenses Canon sells, so you might start with that.

[RichardTaylor]

+1 on ceremus's advice.

I own the Canon 70-200 F4 L and the Canon 100-400.
If you don't want something the 70-300 F4.5-F5.6 IS lens may meet your needs however it doesn't focus as fast as the above two lenses. (I also own one of these)

[24Freak]

Thank you so much for the advice, I'm definitely going to look into the 70-200mm now.

Jim, gotcha. The other tootsies belong to my niece.

I really appreciate all the tips! I'm looking for fast focus so I guess the 75-300mm isn't for me at this moment.