Basketball Photography

[krg1962]

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

[JSPhoto]

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

[deckcadet]

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.

[JSPhoto]

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

[dinosaur_hotel]

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