Canon Sports Lens Suggestions for Beginner Please

boucher28 · 03-07-2010, 09:43 PM

Hello. Well I have decided on my camera, a used Canon EOS Xti in excellent condition I'm getting tomorrow for $300. I'm also getting a used Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM lens that is also used/excellent condition for $100.

I'm now looking for an economical fast/low light lens. I am a beginner, looking to shoot youth sports. I have 6 children ages, 4-14, so I am not looking to shoot extremely fast paced college/pro action. Can anyone with Canon lens experience, lead me in the right direction of a fast/low light lens that is economical? Just a decent lens that can capture some action that is fair priced and would allow me to take decent photos, that I would not be embarrassed to give to other parents or possibly sell.

I thank you ahead of time for your help!

DRoberts · 03-07-2010, 09:50 PM

Any 2.8 zoom will be better. If cost is a factor look at the Sigma line. Even though Sigma is not a "brand" name lens, you can get good quality shots for the price. I would recomend the 70-200 2.8

Sw1tchFX · 03-07-2010, 09:59 PM

85mm f/1.8

Faster than the f/2.8 zooms, generally sharper, and a hell of alot less expensive.

burstintoflame81 · 03-07-2010, 10:03 PM

^^^^^^ +1

If you don't mind it being a prime lens you are using, the 85 is a great lens.

boucher28 · 03-07-2010, 10:15 PM

The 70-200 suggested is much out of my price range at this time, as well as the 85mm 2.8. I do appreciate the suggestions. I know it was a hard question for me to ask, and hearing "cheap but good" probably makes most cringe here.

i have been looking at this lens. Might this get a beginner by for shooting some action on the youth level for starters?

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

Amazon.com: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens: Camera & Photo

philaw123 · 03-07-2010, 10:16 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by DRoberts

Any 2.8 zoom will be better. If cost is a factor look at the Sigma line. Even though Sigma is not a "brand" name lens, you can get good quality shots for the price. I would recomend the 70-200 2.8

While I agree on his recommendation that a 2.8 zoom will be better, I have to disagree with the statement that Sigma is not a "brand" name. Sigma is one of the biggest sellers of lenses and have built an excellent reputation. Others you might look at would be Tokina and Tamron. I'm sure you'll find the prices in their pro lines very nice compared to Nikon or Canon and the quality not too far off.

If you're looking for a low light zoom shooter, you'd probably want to look at the mid-range (70-200/2.8) zooms. Sigma's EX mentioned above is quite good. Look also at AT-X PRO 80-200 of Tokina.

If you want an ultrazoom, Sigma has a couple, the 50-500 and 150-500. I haven't used either but seen some pics taken by others of kids playing soccer. They should cost around a grand to a grand and a half, depending on whether you want optical stabilisation (OS) or not. If that's out of your budget, the Tokina AT-X 80-400 can be had for less than $500. Check reviews of this lens for confirmation but one advantage of this lens is that it's comparably light (considering its reach) so you can handhold it when taking your kids to their games.

Oops. the ultrazooms I mentioned don't go down to 2.8.

Good luck in your quest and hope our recommendations help

DRoberts · 03-07-2010, 10:18 PM

Only problem with the primes is you have to be right on top of the action. They are good lenses, but very limited on reach with sporting events.

boucher28 · 03-07-2010, 10:19 PM

i have been looking at this lens. Might this get a beginner by for shooting some action on the youth level for starters?

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

Amazon.com: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens: Camera & Photo

[/QUOTE]

I guess I should add, that when using this prime lens, I will be fortunate enough to be close enough to the action, and wouldnt need a prime zoom. And YES, everyone has been very helpful...and thats an understatement!

boucher28 · 03-07-2010, 10:22 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by DRoberts

Only problem with the primes is you have to be right on top of the action. They are good lenses, but very limited on reach with sporting events.

May I ask what range (in yards) would take me too far away for these primes to be useless? Thank you.

BKMOOD · 03-07-2010, 10:28 PM

I shoot college sports, indoors and out. Before you start running around buying this lens or that lens, you need to determine where and when are you shooting. If you are shooting outdoors on Saturday afternoons at 1pm, you really don’t need a 2.8 anything right now. A 5.6 will do. If, on the other hand, you’re shooting in the evening or in school gyms, that’s a whole other set of lenses. You’ll need the 2.8s and 1.8s and so forth. When are you shooting? Where are you shooting?

DRoberts · 03-07-2010, 10:29 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by boucher28

Quote: Originally Posted by DRoberts

Only problem with the primes is you have to be right on top of the action. They are good lenses, but very limited on reach with sporting events.

May I ask what range (in yards) would take me too far away for these primes to be useless? Thank you.

You can figure a 5' tall subject at 10 yards (30') distance would require a 133mm (135) lens...for a good detailed shot.

This link will help you understand the marriage of angle and focal lengths. It also has a calculator that can help you determine your needs

Understanding Camera Lenses

JimmyO · 03-07-2010, 10:30 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Sw1tchFX

85mm f/1.8

Faster than the f/2.8 zooms, generally sharper, and a hell of alot less expensive.

This

Another great lens i can praise enough is the tokina 50-135mm 2.8. At about 500 bucks brand new its sharp as hell and is alot smaller and lighter then 70-200's. BTW 50-135 is the equivalent to 70-200mm on a film camera.

JimmyO · 03-07-2010, 10:32 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by DRoberts

Only problem with the primes is you have to be right on top of the action. They are good lenses, but very limited on reach with sporting events.

Yeah i wish my 400mm f/2.8 Wasnt so limited in reach

boucher28 · 03-07-2010, 10:34 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by BKMOOD

Before you start running around buying this lens or that lens, you need to determine where and when are you shooting. If you are shooting outdoors on Saturday afternoons at 1pm, you really don’t need a 2.8 anything right now. A 5.6 will do. If, on the other hand, you’re shooting in the evening or in school gyms, that’s a whole other set of lenses. You’ll need the 2.8s and 1.8s and so forth. When are you shooting? Where are you shooting?

My kids play indoor/outdoor/day/night sports so I'm trying to put together a few lenses that would suit all needs. Im getting the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM Telephoto today and now trying to decide on faster lens for indoor/evening.

DRoberts · 03-07-2010, 10:36 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by JimmyO

Quote: Originally Posted by DRoberts

Only problem with the primes is you have to be right on top of the action. They are good lenses, but very limited on reach with sporting events.

Yeah i wish my 400mm f/2.8 Wasnt so limited in reach

Yeah I know what you mean.

03-07-2010, 09:43 PM	#1
boucher28 TPF Noob! Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 13 My Photos Are OK to Edit Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts My Gallery: (0)	Canon Sports Lens Suggestions for Beginner Please Hello. Well I have decided on my camera, a used Canon EOS Xti in excellent condition I'm getting tomorrow for $300. I'm also getting a used Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM lens that is also used/excellent condition for $100. I'm now looking for an economical fast/low light lens. I am a beginner, looking to shoot youth sports. I have 6 children ages, 4-14, so I am not looking to shoot extremely fast paced college/pro action. Can anyone with Canon lens experience, lead me in the right direction of a fast/low light lens that is economical? Just a decent lens that can capture some action that is fair priced and would allow me to take decent photos, that I would not be embarrassed to give to other parents or possibly sell. I thank you ahead of time for your help!

03-07-2010, 09:50 PM	#2
DRoberts I spend too much of my life on TPF! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Springfield, Missouri Posts: 764 My Photos Are OK to Edit Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts My Gallery: (0)	Any 2.8 zoom will be better. If cost is a factor look at the Sigma line. Even though Sigma is not a "brand" name lens, you can get good quality shots for the price. I would recomend the 70-200 2.8 __________________ Canon 1Ds mk III/Canon 5D mk II/Canon 50D, Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM, 70-200 f/2.8L USM, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM, 23-185 f/3.5-5.6 IS USM, 50mm f/1.8 II, 70-300 f/4-5.6, UVs and Polarizers for all, 580EX II, BG-E2N x 2

03-07-2010, 09:59 PM	#3
Sw1tchFX TPF Junkie! Join Date: May 2006 Location: Portland! Posts: 5,864 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit Thanked 42 Times in 29 Posts My Gallery: (0)	85mm f/1.8 Faster than the f/2.8 zooms, generally sharper, and a hell of alot less expensive. __________________ MyFlickr Quote: Originally Posted by no dogs dragon man! Well if it is lyk raining the cannons are really good for that but nikon is like all black so maybe good for sniperz?

03-07-2010, 10:15 PM	#5
boucher28 TPF Noob! Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 13 My Photos Are OK to Edit Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts My Gallery: (0)	The 70-200 suggested is much out of my price range at this time, as well as the 85mm 2.8. I do appreciate the suggestions. I know it was a hard question for me to ask, and hearing "cheap but good" probably makes most cringe here. i have been looking at this lens. Might this get a beginner by for shooting some action on the youth level for starters? Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Amazon.com: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens: Camera & Photo Amazon.com: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens: Camera & Photo

03-07-2010, 10:16 PM	#6
philaw123 TPF Noob! Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Baguio, Philippines Posts: 14 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts My Gallery: (0)	Not a "brand" name? Quote: Originally Posted by DRoberts Any 2.8 zoom will be better. If cost is a factor look at the Sigma line. Even though Sigma is not a "brand" name lens, you can get good quality shots for the price. I would recomend the 70-200 2.8 While I agree on his recommendation that a 2.8 zoom will be better, I have to disagree with the statement that Sigma is not a "brand" name. Sigma is one of the biggest sellers of lenses and have built an excellent reputation. Others you might look at would be Tokina and Tamron. I'm sure you'll find the prices in their pro lines very nice compared to Nikon or Canon and the quality not too far off. If you're looking for a low light zoom shooter, you'd probably want to look at the mid-range (70-200/2.8) zooms. Sigma's EX mentioned above is quite good. Look also at AT-X PRO 80-200 of Tokina. If you want an ultrazoom, Sigma has a couple, the 50-500 and 150-500. I haven't used either but seen some pics taken by others of kids playing soccer. They should cost around a grand to a grand and a half, depending on whether you want optical stabilisation (OS) or not. If that's out of your budget, the Tokina AT-X 80-400 can be had for less than $500. Check reviews of this lens for confirmation but one advantage of this lens is that it's comparably light (considering its reach) so you can handhold it when taking your kids to their games. Oops. the ultrazooms I mentioned don't go down to 2.8. Good luck in your quest and hope our recommendations help Last edited by philaw123; 03-07-2010 at 10:20 PM. Reason: The ultrazooms I mentioned aren't 2.8

Canon Sports Lens Suggestions for Beginner Please

used cannon sports camera lens

canon sports lenses

03-07-2010, 10:03 PM	#4
burstintoflame81 I spend too much of my life on TPF! Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 740 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit Thanked 16 Times in 16 Posts My Gallery: (0)	^^^^^^ +1 If you don't mind it being a prime lens you are using, the 85 is a great lens.

03-07-2010, 10:18 PM	#7
DRoberts I spend too much of my life on TPF! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Springfield, Missouri Posts: 764 My Photos Are OK to Edit Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts My Gallery: (0)	Only problem with the primes is you have to be right on top of the action. They are good lenses, but very limited on reach with sporting events. __________________ Canon 1Ds mk III/Canon 5D mk II/Canon 50D, Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM, 70-200 f/2.8L USM, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM, 23-185 f/3.5-5.6 IS USM, 50mm f/1.8 II, 70-300 f/4-5.6, UVs and Polarizers for all, 580EX II, BG-E2N x 2

03-07-2010, 10:19 PM	#8
boucher28 TPF Noob! Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 13 My Photos Are OK to Edit Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts My Gallery: (0)	i have been looking at this lens. Might this get a beginner by for shooting some action on the youth level for starters? Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Amazon.com: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens: Camera & Photo Amazon.com: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens: Camera & Photo [/QUOTE] I guess I should add, that when using this prime lens, I will be fortunate enough to be close enough to the action, and wouldnt need a prime zoom. And YES, everyone has been very helpful...and thats an understatement!

03-07-2010, 10:22 PM	#9
boucher28 TPF Noob! Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 13 My Photos Are OK to Edit Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts My Gallery: (0)	Quote: Originally Posted by DRoberts Only problem with the primes is you have to be right on top of the action. They are good lenses, but very limited on reach with sporting events. May I ask what range (in yards) would take me too far away for these primes to be useless? Thank you.

03-07-2010, 10:28 PM	#10
BKMOOD No longer a newbie, moving up! Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Earth Posts: 82 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit Thanked 18 Times in 8 Posts My Gallery: (0)	I shoot college sports, indoors and out. Before you start running around buying this lens or that lens, you need to determine where and when are you shooting. If you are shooting outdoors on Saturday afternoons at 1pm, you really don’t need a 2.8 anything right now. A 5.6 will do. If, on the other hand, you’re shooting in the evening or in school gyms, that’s a whole other set of lenses. You’ll need the 2.8s and 1.8s and so forth. When are you shooting? Where are you shooting? __________________ Celebrating a half century of creativity!

03-07-2010, 10:29 PM	#11
DRoberts I spend too much of my life on TPF! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Springfield, Missouri Posts: 764 My Photos Are OK to Edit Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts My Gallery: (0)	Quote: Originally Posted by boucher28 Quote: Originally Posted by DRoberts Only problem with the primes is you have to be right on top of the action. They are good lenses, but very limited on reach with sporting events. May I ask what range (in yards) would take me too far away for these primes to be useless? Thank you. You can figure a 5' tall subject at 10 yards (30') distance would require a 133mm (135) lens...for a good detailed shot. This link will help you understand the marriage of angle and focal lengths. It also has a calculator that can help you determine your needs Understanding Camera Lenses __________________ Canon 1Ds mk III/Canon 5D mk II/Canon 50D, Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM, 70-200 f/2.8L USM, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM, 23-185 f/3.5-5.6 IS USM, 50mm f/1.8 II, 70-300 f/4-5.6, UVs and Polarizers for all, 580EX II, BG-E2N x 2

03-07-2010, 10:30 PM	#12
JimmyO Banned Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 2,111 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit Thanked 14 Times in 14 Posts My Gallery: (0)	Quote: Originally Posted by Sw1tchFX 85mm f/1.8 Faster than the f/2.8 zooms, generally sharper, and a hell of alot less expensive. This Another great lens i can praise enough is the tokina 50-135mm 2.8. At about 500 bucks brand new its sharp as hell and is alot smaller and lighter then 70-200's. BTW 50-135 is the equivalent to 70-200mm on a film camera.

03-07-2010, 10:32 PM	#13
JimmyO Banned Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 2,111 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit Thanked 14 Times in 14 Posts My Gallery: (0)	Quote: Originally Posted by DRoberts Only problem with the primes is you have to be right on top of the action. They are good lenses, but very limited on reach with sporting events. Yeah i wish my 400mm f/2.8 Wasnt so limited in reach

03-07-2010, 10:34 PM	#14
boucher28 TPF Noob! Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 13 My Photos Are OK to Edit Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts My Gallery: (0)	Quote: Originally Posted by BKMOOD Before you start running around buying this lens or that lens, you need to determine where and when are you shooting. If you are shooting outdoors on Saturday afternoons at 1pm, you really don’t need a 2.8 anything right now. A 5.6 will do. If, on the other hand, you’re shooting in the evening or in school gyms, that’s a whole other set of lenses. You’ll need the 2.8s and 1.8s and so forth. When are you shooting? Where are you shooting? My kids play indoor/outdoor/day/night sports so I'm trying to put together a few lenses that would suit all needs. Im getting the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM Telephoto today and now trying to decide on faster lens for indoor/evening.

03-07-2010, 10:36 PM	#15
DRoberts I spend too much of my life on TPF! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Springfield, Missouri Posts: 764 My Photos Are OK to Edit Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts My Gallery: (0)	Quote: Originally Posted by JimmyO Quote: Originally Posted by DRoberts Only problem with the primes is you have to be right on top of the action. They are good lenses, but very limited on reach with sporting events. Yeah i wish my 400mm f/2.8 Wasnt so limited in reach Yeah I know what you mean. __________________ Canon 1Ds mk III/Canon 5D mk II/Canon 50D, Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM, 70-200 f/2.8L USM, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM, 23-185 f/3.5-5.6 IS USM, 50mm f/1.8 II, 70-300 f/4-5.6, UVs and Polarizers for all, 580EX II, BG-E2N x 2

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