I'm looking for advice on a lens for high school basketball photos. I have a D50 nikon and the lens that came with the camera (28-80mm f/3.3-5.6) does not let enough light in for me to use a fast shutter speed without underexposing the photo. I have permission to shoot anywhere by the court I want. I spent a lot on the camera and dont have a lot to put into a good lens right now. Would the nikon 50mm f/1.8 work ok right next to the court? Thank You

70-200 f2.8 is the normal sport photogs lens.

BTW, check out the sports forum, this is the stuff we deal with there.

JS

Depending on the lighting in your gym, the 50/1.8 will probably let in enough light, but the focal length might be a bit on the short side for some situations. I've used one with good results, though, and on a budget it's hard to beat. You might also wish to consider the Nikon 85mm f/1.8D AF lens, which will give you plenty of light just like the 50mm, but with a bit more reach. I've used that one too and its a good lens.

Regardless of uses for indoor sports, the 50/1.8 is a deal that is nearly impossible to beat, so I'd suggest you get it anyways.

The 50mm f1.8 isn't a very good choice for sports, it's very limiting your better off with the 70-200 f2.8 as that will give you everything you need range wise for most sports. A 50mm limits your shots too much and it isn't that great a lens for sports, in fact, I don't know anyone (pro wise) who uses one for anything but team shots. With the 70-200 if you need more light use a flash..
Another good range is the 70-135 but with it you will need flash.

JS

the 70-200 is a bit expensive for a casual user, even for some of the more advanced shooters like me who only work part time and freelance.

I'm looking at the 80-200 f/2.8. It's about half the price and shoots great pictures. A bit on the heavier side, but with a tripod or mono pod, it's probably not a huge issue.

Try to find one of the AF-S ones and don't get the push/pull versions.

They're about 700-900 and sometimes cheaper used.

Another choice that doesn't have zoom, but I hear is a great lens is the 180 f/2..8