Long range sporting events

[bfreemandyp]

Hi All,

I am a newby with a Nikon D60 that I am still learning to use. My son will be playing in his first college football game soon and I would like to be able to get good shots, facial expressions especially if I can afford the lens that would allow this. The stadium seats about 22,000 so it's not huge but it's of decent size. I don't know what lens I should be looking for but I've tested my 55/200 and it's not quite getting it done. What lens, used or new under 1K might get the shots I'm looking for?

Thanks!!

 

[Derrel]

You need pure focal length. My suggestion would be the Sigma 80-400 OS zoom, which has optical stabilizer, and is a pretty sharp lens. or, the Nikon 80-400 VR. Ohhh....just realized...D60 has no internal focusing motor...

 

[Tomasko]

I think the easiest (and by far the cheapest!) thing to do would be to get a permit to shoot from a closer distance.

 

[Malone]

Maybe something like this?

737306 Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG APO OS (Optical Stabilizer) HSM AutoFocus Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon AF Cameras - USA Warrant
y

 

[gsgary]

Maybe something like this?

737306 Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG APO OS (Optical Stabilizer) HSM AutoFocus Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon AF Cameras - USA Warrant
y

Focus with that lens and body will be very slow and if it is a dull day you will have no chance , i don't think it can be done for 1k, because i would be looking for a better body as well as a good lens, for similar in the UK i use a 1Dmk2 and 300mmF2.8L sometimes fitted with a 1.4x

 

[bfreemandyp]

Thanks all, you gave me several options.

 

[Alan92RTTT]

the 55-300 or the 70-300 might give you the length you need. IMO the 70-300 is the better of the two.

Some comparison shots from the 70-300

Shot from the top of a grand stand at a race track at 70mm

Shot from the same spot at 300mm

You can use the blue/white bus for distance comparison.

Shot of the grandstand so you can gauge height. http://3sng.org/2011/images/DSC_0945.JPG