Tamron 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di LD

[Tom_Proctor]

Well I'll be wanting this lens for horse racing shots from a distance because I can't get close t o the gate. And I'll be wanting it for some light sports shots. I don't have a couple grand to dish out on a F2.8 lens

Most of my sports shots will be on sunny days. I have a F3.3 lens right now but it's only 28-80. It's fast enough for the sports I currently do, and I'm guessing the step up to 4.0 isn't that much difference.

[another view]

I'm guessing the step up to 4.0 isn't that much difference.

F4 is only about 1/3 stop slower (remember the two meanings...) than f3.3 - but when you're zoomed out to 300mm, f5.6 will be 1-1/3 stop difference. During the day it should still be fine. Things that move in a predictable pattern are easier on an AF system, even car racing where the speeds are much faster. My Fuji S2 did pretty well with car racing one time - I was using an 80-200 f2.8 but the AF system sure can't be any faster.

If it is for a Nikon (guessing by your link), then check out a used 80-200 f2.8. There are several versions and I have the two-touch version (turn ring to zoom instead of push-pull) with a tripod mount. It's a great lens and should be in the $4-500 range used. The latest 70-200 with VR is about three or four times that price.

[Tom_Proctor]

Thanks for the help and suggestions, but I'm looking not to spend over $300, as I don't really have money right now