Best lens for a gymnastics competition?

[KyPink]

I'm going to be photographing a friend's daughter's gymnastics competition in January. I will be renting a lens to do this as all I have in my possession is a canon 18-135mm and a 24-105mm. Can anyone recommend a lens?

 

[kathyt]

Canon 70-200 2.8L

 

[KyPink]

Thanks Kathy!

 

[Robin_Usagani]

Fast long prime. Depending where you will be standing.

 

[KyPink]

I wish I had access to the venue before that day... I have no idea where I will be standing in relation to what's going on. It's a two day competition so I plan to show up when it starts and scope out the when and where's. I'm just trying to get a general idea of what I really will need. I knew I needed fast... faster than I have anyway.

 

[jwbryson1]

I'm going to be photographing a friend's daughter's gymnastics competition in January. I will be renting a lens to do this as all I have in my possession is a canon 18-135mm and a 24-105mm. Can anyone recommend a lens?

What camera body do you have?

 

[Superdaantje]

I love to use on Full Frame the 24-70 f/2.8 II for more tele I use the 70-200f/2.8 IS II.

On a crop body I would use an 17-55 and 70-200 f/2.8 (IS or Non IS) It all depends of the light you have. You can also try the 24-105 with an tele like 70-200

 

[kathyt]

I am the ultimate prime lens lover, but for something like this I would what a variety of different focal lengths so that is why I think the 70-200. If you could also take a prime too, that would be a bonus!

 

[fjrabon]

Gymnastics 70-200 f/2.8 IS MKII L.

Best range for that type of environment, fastest focus, sharp. Really that lens is unbeatable for gymnastics.

 

[Robin_Usagani]

if you are renting, go all out. Shoot some portrait while you are renting it too. It will be epic.

Canon Telephoto EF 200mm f/2L IS USM Autofocus Lens 2297B002 B&H

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/732108-USA/Canon_4411B002_EF_300mm_f_2_8L_IS.html

 

[gsgary]

I would probably use my 300F2.8L and 70-200

 

[JohnTrav]

70-200 f/2.8 is an awesome lens for sports. If you can afford the IS version even better. The non IS is still a great lens though and will satisfy you. I use it for sports

 

[Derrel]

Depends on how close you can get. Canon 85mm f/1.8 or Canon 135/2 would be my suggestions. Both of those lenses are pretty snappy focusers, and are very sharp and well-corrected for wide-aperture work.

 

[Tony S]

I'm with Derrel on the 85mm, you are going to need the speed to capture the action in what will be questionable lighting.

 

[fjrabon]

The problem with f/1.8 for a gymnastics competition is the RAZOR thin DoF on quick moving subjects. Even though the extra stop and a half of light is nice, I'd still go for 2.8 and a zoom.

I've shot several gymnastics competitions and for tumbling especially you couldn't pry the 70-200 f/2.8 out of my hands.

The exception would be if I were shooting from the stands and needed a 300 or 400 fast prime. But if you have floor access a 300 prime will be too much reach unless you also have a 2nd body with a mid range zoom.