What’s Your Preference?

autofocus · #1 (**permalink**) 11-20-2011, 01:29 PM

A friend, and Canon shooter, wants to purchase an "affordable" zoom lens to use for photographing her son's outdoor sports events, and has asked for my opinion. Being that I really don't do any sports photography, I'd really love to hear from you folks that do, and for some recommendations. The obvious requirements in no order are:
*zoom range
*ability to resolve sharp images
*fast focusing
*third party options OK
*price
*image stabilization
She shoots with one of the Rebel series, and the 70-200, f/2.8, an obvious good choice, but un-affordable and can't be considered. I would love to give her 1 or 2 good choices to consider. Thanks for your help.

oldwolf · #2 (**permalink**) 11-20-2011, 02:16 PM

Which sports and how close can she get to the action? What time of day are the sports taking place?

What's their budget? 3rd party options are pretty good.

autofocus · #3 (**permalink**) 11-20-2011, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldwolf

Which sports and how close can she get to the action? What time of day are the sports taking place?

What's their budget? 3rd party options are pretty good.

Probably soccer from the sidelines...mid afternoon would be my best guess, Maybe $400 - $650

oldwolf · #4 (**permalink**) 11-20-2011, 02:49 PM

If they can get $650 together then I'd suggest this one:

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Lens 2578A002 B&H Photo Video

If they really think they'll need the f/2.8 then they'll need another $50 for this:

Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD (IF) Macro AF Lens AF001C-700 B&H

If they want more reach and a general purpose walk around lens then I'd suggest this but it's not a fast lens at 270mm:

Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD AF Lens AFB008C700 B&H

Neither the Canon nor the Tamron 70-200 have any type of image stabilization so they'll have to use a monopod, tripod or just watch their shutter speed.

Those are just my personal choices for that price range though.

ishootRAW · #5 (**permalink**) 11-20-2011, 06:11 PM

Same, But I wouldn't get the Tamron 70-200. Its AF is crap from what I hear. I would go with the Sigma 70-200 2.8. OR, you could try to get a copy of the Tokina 80-200 2.8.

Also, If IS is important (she is using it for things other then sports) My 70-300 4-5.6 actually has quite good AF.

Just my $0.02. I do not shoot a lot of sports.

oldwolf · #6 (**permalink**) 11-20-2011, 07:39 PM

The Sigma is out of their price range even for the non-IS version, it's $150 over their price range. I have the IS version and it's a great lens but that's more than twice their budget.

RichardTaylor · #7 (**permalink**) 11-20-2011, 07:49 PM

I shoot motor sport with Canon lenses, but havn't shot soccer.
Prices are from Adorama ($639)

+1 on the Canon 70-200 F4 L - Super IQ - even wide open, and super qiuck focussing (I own one). Is a 70-200 long enough for soccer.

The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM will give her a bit more reach and is an OK lens but not as good as the 70-200. I own one ($549 without a lens hood).
Also makes for a good general purpose, good light, tele. I also own one of these.

autofocus · #8 (**permalink**) 11-21-2011, 04:01 AM

Quote:

+1 on the Canon 70-200 F4 L - Super IQ - even wide open, and super qiuck focussing (I own one). Is a 70-200 long enough for soccer.

I like the sound of this..IQ is always important, but can't say if it's long enough for kids soccer. No IS though?

Quote:

The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM will give her a bit more reach and is an OK lens but not as good as the 70-200. I own one ($549 without a lens hood).
Also makes for a good general purpose, good light, tele. I also own one of these

. another possibility if the 200 doesn't give her enough reach. Thanks Richard

Hill Country Hack · #9 (**permalink**) 11-21-2011, 04:08 AM

I use the 70-300 non ISO kit lens and do pretty well in good light. I do have to be mindful of my SS/focal length ratio. It is not very good in low light and can be soft at both extremes of focal length. I do find the focus a bit slow at times (or my tracking technique?). I use back button focus and that helps a lot. Check out my flickr Sports section. They were all shot with this lens, with the exception of the volleyball. That was the nifty 50. I should upgrade, but I am still satisfied with what I have and I'm redoing the kitchen at the moment.