lens for D200

[basketballmom]

I recently bought a D200 and absolutely love it, but am still using the lenses from my old Nikon film camera. The one I use most for sports shots (inside gyms) is a 70-300mm 4-5.6 G

Is there a newer lens that would fit my needs and give me better results for action shots? Thanks for any and all help you can give.

 

[Tiberius]

The 80-200 f/2.8D or 70-200VR would do a much better job with indoor lighting.

 

[basketballmom]

Thanks. I've looked into all of those and even borrowed a friend's 70-200VR. It was very nice and I want to try it again without a flash. I just used my pop up and am wondering if I could eliminate the flash all together with such a lens.

I was really hoping to find something a little less pricey, but may have to break down and get that one if the others don't meet my needs.

 

[dsp921]

For indoor sports you need f/2.8 or faster. Check the shots you've taken and see what the focal length is, maybe an 85mm f/1.4 or f/1.8 will work for you. It might be a little long when the action is close to you, but you may be abe to work around that. I know a few people that use that lens for basketball and do pretty well. The f/1.8 is under $400. If you don't like the prime idea and don't want to spring for the 70-200 there are quite a few 80-200s on the used market. Fast zooms don't come cheap.

 

[Glen C]

I picked up a nearly new 80-200 f2.8 AF-S for $900 CDN. It's an excellent lens and I've used it for sports and photojournalism in various lighting conditions. You might get lucky in the used market so I'd give it a shot.