Budget friendly camera for sports pics?

[o hey tyler]

Not saying that a 50mm couldn't be used to shoot baseball, but the standard for sports seems to be the 70-200 f2.8, which can be bought for $200-300 but it's as hot as lava. Can't typically find a 70-200 f4 for less than $500.

Can you link me to a 70-200 f/2.8 for 200-300 bucks?

No I can't, which is why I said it would be hot as lava.

Oh, it sounded like you actually saw that deal... Which I couldn't wrap my head around!

 

[ronlane]

Can you link me to a 70-200 f/2.8 for 200-300 bucks?

No I can't, which is why I said it would be hot as lava.

Oh, it sounded like you actually saw that deal... Which I couldn't wrap my head around!

No, that's one of those "dark ally late at night, I've got a deal for you" things. [Which I try to avoid dark allies late at night]

 

[techniker]

My canon sx110 IS is a great little camera. 10x optical zoom, manual, AV, TV, program, adjustable ISO. It's not what I would expect someone taking photography courses to use but unsurprised myself with what I was able to accomplish. Biggest downfall if you have to menu dive to change some manual setting, no viewfinder, zoom was hard to find tune and considerable shutter lag.

I would reccomend an entry level dslr.

 

[Sarmad]

Not saying that a 50mm couldn't be used to shoot baseball, but the standard for sports seems to be the 70-200 f2.8, which can be bought for $200-300 but it's as hot as lava. Can't typically find a 70-200 f4 for less than $500.

I use a 300f2.8l and that is only just long enough rugby, football (soccer) not long enough for cricket without an extender and a bit of cropping not long enough for surf without extender

why is it long enough for rugby and football but not cricket? ( i am unfamiliar with cricket)

That's a cricket field, And I also think that 300mm might be just a little short if you want to shoot a fielder at the opposite end of the field!

 

[gsgary]

<img src="http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=34566"/>

That's a cricket field, And I also think that 300mm might be just a little short if you want to shoot a fielder at the opposite end of the field!

I shot cricket and needed to use a 2x on my 300, where i live we have one of the nicest cricket pitches in the world its small compared to most 300mm and 2x just gets you to the wicket on a 1D

 

[jake337]

Not saying that a 50mm couldn't be used to shoot baseball, but the standard for sports seems to be the 70-200 f2.8, which can be bought for $200-300 but it's as hot as lava. Can't typically find a 70-200 f4 for less than $500.

Can you link me to a 70-200 f/2.8 for 200-300 bucks?

No I can't, which is why I said it would be hot as lava.

Maybe for a seriously beat up 80-200 f2.8 push/pull....

 

[Village Idiot]

Bull**** /cough

I bought my girl an Canon XT and brand new 50 f/1.8 for $260.

OP - Look for used DSLRs. Check Digital camera photo galleries, gallery database, info and forums. You have to sign up to view their classifieds but it's a huge site and have a ton of stuff ton of used gear coming and going. Check e-bay, craigslist, Fred Miranda, and other online classifieds.

**** me 50mm will be perfect for baseball should be able to take some pictures of the crowd

No, but a 75-300 Tamron for $165 should work well enough. That would be $315 for $150 Canon XT and 75-300 lens. $200-$300 won't get you a what?

 

[Village Idiot]

you are in need of a different font.

$200-$300 is a very poor budget for sports photography.
not saying it is impossible, but you would need to find an older film camera like a canon AE-1 or nikon FM...something super cheap for a body and then get an old compatible tele-zoom or long prime lens.

Which in turn would be a terrible idea for a digital photography class.

 

[gsgary]

No, but a 75-300 Tamron for $165 should work well enough. That would be $315 for $150 Canon XT and 75-300 lens. $200-$300 won't get you a what?

$15 over budget, i wouldn't want to be stuck with that lens

 

[jake337]

Nikon Digital D 40 6.1 MEGAPIXEL BLACK WITH BATTERY & CHARGER (SD CARD ) DIGITAL SLR INTERCHANGEABLE LENS CAMERA - KEH.com


There are a lot of zooms on this link but I have no idea which budget ones will perform the best.

Nikon Autofocus Non-Mfg Zoom Lenses - KEH.com


Here's an ugly zoom for 8 bucks lol!
Nikon Autofocus 75-200 F3.8 SIGMA (55) (N2020, 4004) WITH CAPS, 35MM SLR AUTO FOCUS ZOOM TELEPHOTO LENS - KEH.com

 

[Village Idiot]

No, but a 75-300 Tamron for $165 should work well enough. That would be $315 for $150 Canon XT and 75-300 lens. $200-$300 won't get you a what?

$15 over budget, i wouldn't want to be stuck with that lens

I wouldn't want to either, but being stuck with a budget dictates what gear you get stuck with. That lens on an entry level DSLR will probably offer better optics (or the chance to buy/rent/steal better optics) and control than a bridge camera with non removable lens. It's totally possible to get a lens and camera combo for his budget. He could spend less on the camera. I picked up a near mint XT for that price with a bunch of extra batteries.

 

[gsgary]

I wouldn't want to either, but being stuck with a budget dictates what gear you get stuck with. That lens on an entry level DSLR will probably offer better optics (or the chance to buy/rent/steal better optics) and control than a bridge camera with non removable lens. It's totally possible to get a lens and camera combo for his budget. He could spend less on the camera. I picked up a near mint XT for that price with a bunch of extra batteries.

Not in the UK, when you say $300 it usually equates to £300 her

 

[table1349]

To the OP, you need to be aware that the term "Budget Friendly" and sports photography are generally not found in the same sentence. Sports photography is a very demanding discipline, not only on the photographer but on the gear needed.

I would suggest that you find what cameras fit in your budget and then see what areas of sports photography you might be able to successfully use each of those camera's for and make your selection there.

 

[brunerww]

help!! I am currently in an Intro to Digital Photography class and am in need of a new camera (the Nikon that I have is too automatic). I need manual controls (shutter, aperture, and IOS). I would also like to be able to take Great pics of my son playing baseball.
I have read a zillion reviews on a zillion cameras, and I am at a loss. I don't have much to spend, 200-300.
What do u suggest??? My instructor suggested Canon or Nikon??

Hi 27cancan - Here is someone who got pretty good results shooting night football with a Panasonic FZ150 ($329.17 at Amazon Warehouse Deals):

Steve's Digicams Forums - View Single Post - Night Football FZ150

Here is a day football shot from this camera:

In addition......: Panasonic Compact Camera Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

And these were taken at a professional baseball game:

Steve's Digicams Forums - View Single Post - Baseball players - Dodgers Stadium (FZ150)

The FZ150 has full manual control and shoots RAW. If you care about video, it has a mic jack and no video clip length limit. I own this camera and it is a great value for money at this price.

Hope this is helpful,

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution

 

[canonbraden]

I suggest the Canon Rebel T3 kit with the 18-55mm and 75-300mm. This is what I use to shoot baseball and it works quite well. Take a look at it