For anyone who shoots action....

[SNBniko]

What lenses do you use? My kit lens seems to hold up to the fps, but I wouldn't say that it is particularly clear. Camera is a Canon 7D, kit lens is a 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 (whomp whomp... say that like a sound effect, it makes much more sense)

I shoot: dogs, cars (drag), and horses (really any event, mostly jumping)

A lot of times these events are held indoors with cruddy lighting. If you had to pick a lens for me (or two!), what would it be? Or if you have experience here, what do you use?

Thanks!

ETA: May as well include a few photos... these were taken with the kit lens

Crappy exposure...or too high shutter speed. Regardless, not enough light.

And again.

Yuck.

And yuck!! Ha. User error is a b*tch. =(

 

[reedshots]

you have a great camera, but if you had a 70-200mm F2.8 and a 24-70 F2.8 you would then have a great combination for taking the shots you want.

 

[SNBniko]

Oh! That's the one I'm looking at... the 70-200 f2.8. I hadn't gotten the suggestion of the other one... is that to fill in for ranges the 70 can't go to? I'll look into it further... thanks!

 

[SNBniko]

I entered some photos in a competition recently, and got to speak with a judge on my photos and equipment. He also recommended the 70-200 f2.8, but he also said that I should get a 2x extender or something along those lines... does anyone have any experience with those pieces of equipment?

 

[reedshots]

With the two lenses you have the fast L glass and a nice focal range for shotting most things in and out doors. they are however quit a lot of $$. the sigma 70-200 F2.8 is some what cheaper, but not quit the same quality ether.

 

[Fern]

70-200 will get you close ups and also can make the background fuzzy; the other wide is for wider shots like a horse in a pretty field running.

 

[reedshots]

The 2X is OK, but you will lose 2 F stops and the IQ will be reduced as well I would opt for the 1.4X you will only lose 1 F stop and better IQ. Still keeping the fast glass fast.

 

[SNBniko]

Okay. I will definitely be selling the kit lens if I spring for these... along with anything else valuable I find in my horse equipment shed, ha. For the zoom, is it necessary to have the f2.8, or can I skimp and go for the f4? (I think I know the answer to this, haha.) Am I correct in saying that the smaller the 'f' value, the better the lens will perform in low light? (I just read some conflicting information in a review, hence the stupid question).

Thanks so much for the replies.

 

[reedshots]

The 70-200 F4 IS is still a great lens but if you put the 2X or 1.4X you will lose to much and may as well use the kit lens. You could use the F4 and slow the sutter down a bit, but if you can swing it again the F 2.8 will give you the fast glass (low light) quality. O = 2.8 - o = any thing else.

 

[SNBniko]

Got it. Thanks! I'll have to see what I can swing... know of anyone selling one of these lenses used? haha

 

[reedshots]

I have mine and I'm not letting them go. Check the for sale on this site or crages list, but I would be carfull buying glass used.

 

[imagemaker46]

70-200 2.8 and a 1.4 converter, it's sharper than the 2X .

 

[SNBniko]

I figured that anyone who has them wouldn't be selling them, ha. I don't think I'd buy off craigslist, and I already checked the for sale section here. Darn. I'll scope ebay, with guarantees etc. Does Canon sell refurbished stuff?

 

[gsgary]

I use a 300mmF2.8L ,70-200F4L ,200F2.8L, 24-70, but a 300F4L is good

Dogs

Horses

motorsport

 

[GAP Photo]

I think that you have the message, but in reality, you can't do action sports, especially indoor without this F2.8 70-200mm lens.