Asked to photograph Challenger baseball

[mikerob2334]

Jim Bryant, this ones probably a good one for you.
Last week my wife's aunt asked me to photograph her son's Challenger baseball games. I've done his games in the past (just photos of him, not the whole team) and they've turned out great. The problem this year is it looks like they may be playing closer to dark. I'm ordering a 70-300mm f/4-5.6 lens to allow for some closer shots. But I'm worried about the lighting at the park, it's not the best in the world. Those of you that do sports/action photography, @ a 5.6 aperture and raising the iso, should I be able to have a fast enough shutter speed to stop the action in this low lighting situation? Any recommendations on iso setting?

[gturner]

I would seriously look at a 70-200 F4 L
much faster focusing and a wider aperture and a better IQ... i promise!

[mikerob2334]

Originally Posted by gturner

I would seriously look at a 70-200 F4 L
much faster focusing and a wider aperture and a better IQ... i promise!

If I had a Canon that would be ok. As far as this Olympus with the 4/3rd, the only lens in that range with a wider aperture is a 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 for around $1,200 (or a 90-250mm f/2.8 for 6 grand). I'd prefer to stay under $600 on any lenses I buy for this Olympus as I'm planning on adding Canon to my arsenal within a year.

[Jim Bryant]

Nope..the lens is too slow and you'd have too sacrifice using a slower speed, which would give you blurry pictures. what you need is a 70-200 f2.8. Maybe a Tokina or sigma lens would work on your camera system.

[mikerob2334]

Thanks for the info Jim. I was afraid of that. I've looked @ Sigma and Tokina lenses as you suggested and I'm beginning to think I should have just gone ahead and bought my Canon. Lenses for 4/3rds system are somewhat limited as far as mid-range pricing. I guess I'm going to pass on his games this year and just put that lens money toward my Canon. Thanks again!