Contemplating new lens??

I'm looking to pick up a new lens that would primarily be used for sports photography, mainly basketball and hockey. It is going to be used mostly indoors, so the wider the apeture, the better. And since it will be used for sports, it has to be a zoom lens.

I've heard that 70-200mm lenses are commonly used by Sports Photographers, so I've looked into two lenses that fit that category - the Canon f/2.8 with L glass (not the one with IS) and the Sigma f/2.8. Cost is an issue, but since will probably be trading in my digital rebel body to help reduce the cost, I would be willing to spend a little extra for the better lens.

What would the readers of this board recommend. I know the Canon lens is good - I see a number of professionals use it. But is there a huge drop-off between that lens and the Sigma one? Which gives me the best picture for my buck?

Trade in the Canon 75-300 IS lens as well and you might be able to afford the lens with IS as well, you should be then really happy with the images, retain the IS feature and in the long term get a 1.4 converter and you have a lens that is 156.8 - 448 mm f/4 with IS as well.

Something to think about.

I think the Canon 70-200/f2.8L is a top choice. Another suggestion might be the new Canon 70-300 IS - check out the News and Reviews forum below for details. Looks like a much better lens than the other 70-300 and 75-300.

Liz

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Originally Posted by masdog

I'm looking to pick up a new lens that would primarily be used for sports photography, mainly basketball and hockey. It is going to be used mostly indoors, so the wider the apeture, the better. And since it will be used for sports, it has to be a zoom lens.

I've heard that 70-200mm lenses are commonly used by Sports Photographers, so I've looked into two lenses that fit that category - the Canon f/2.8 with L glass (not the one with IS) and the Sigma f/2.8. Cost is an issue, but since will probably be trading in my digital rebel body to help reduce the cost, I would be willing to spend a little extra for the better lens.

What would the readers of this board recommend. I know the Canon lens is good - I see a number of professionals use it. But is there a huge drop-off between that lens and the Sigma one? Which gives me the best picture for my buck?

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If you're shooting indoor sports, you'll want the fastest lenses possible. Not that you'll necessarily shoot at f2.8 but the extra light available through the lens really helps with the AF ability of any EOS camera. The 70-300 IS DO lens mentioned here, has received good reviews on other sites as well, but I'll take the extra stop of light any day over the extra reach for indoor action. My vote goes to the 70-200 f2.8L IS (OK, I'm a little biased-I have this lens and it stays on my camera 70% or more of the time). ;)

Just to clarify - this is the "new" 70-300 IS lens I was referring to. Actually your statement stands true with this one also - the 2.8 is the better choice.

This is a brand new - just announced this week - lens. It is supposed to be much improved optically, IS, and other ways over the other 70-300 or 75-300 IS lenses.

From PJ News and Rumours - scroll to 2nd lens - I want the first one. Someday!

http://forums.photographyreview.com/...ad.php?t=13858

Liz

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Originally Posted by Lionheart

If you're shooting indoor sports, you'll want the fastest lenses possible. Not that you'll necessarily shoot at f2.8 but the extra light available through the lens really helps with the AF ability of any EOS camera. The 70-300 IS DO lens mentioned here, has received good reviews on other sites as well, but I'll take the extra stop of light any day over the extra reach for indoor action. My vote goes to the 70-200 f2.8L IS (OK, I'm a little biased-I have this lens and it stays on my camera 70% or more of the time). ;)

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Liz

Just to clarify - this is the "new" 70-300 IS lens I was referring to. Actually your statement stands true with this one also - the 2.8 is the better choice.

This is a brand new - just announced this week - lens. It is supposed to be much improved optically, IS, and other ways over the other 70-300 or 75-300 IS lenses.

From PJ News and Rumours - scroll to 2nd lens - I want the first one. Someday!

http://forums.photographyreview.com/...ad.php?t=13858

Liz

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Guess I'm really behind the times :o I assumed you were all talking about the slightly overpriced 70-300 f4-5.6 IS DO lens. Guess I need to browse the photo sites more often, and do more photography (yeah, right, what time :D )

Another vote here (and one from my friend Mike) for the 70-200 L IS 2.8
We wouldn't be without it.

Thank you for your responses. Flashman, I think I might trade in my 75-300mm IS as well, but I don't think that will drop the 70-200 IS into my price range. I'll be trading in a Digital Rebel with battery grip, extra battery and kit lens along with the 75-300mm. I think I might be able to get $700 for all that if I am lucky.

Then again, the camera is still under warranty at Best Buy...if I break it, they will give me a new one in box. Damn...no devil smiley. :D :D And no, I wasn't being serious there.

The new Canon 70-300 with IS sounds interesting, but I think I would rather go for the faster lens.