newbie upgrade questions

[mckee80]

Hi all,

I have just started taking sports photos after being "elected" team photographer for my son's pee wee football team. I found that I really enjoy it. I am using a Nikon D50 with a 70-300G lens. I'm finding that 1) I need a faster lens. I have trouble when its cloudy. 2) A lot of my pictures the focus is off. I suspect that the AF is not very fast on the D50?

I was thinking about getting the sigma 70-200 2.8, but I'm worried that I'll miss the extra 100mm and about the speed of autofocus for the lens. I'm also not sure if upgrading the body will help the focus speed (it is set to centerweighted AF-C)

The first pic here worked out, but the second one has the focus problem. If anyone has any experience or thoughts on my camera / lens situation, I would appreciate it. Thanks.

[fidgety]

Both of the photographs are soft. I'm not a Nikon guy but having a camera with excellent auto focus and tracking does help quite a bit. The issue of holding the camera as still as possible also comes into play, especially for newer shooters. My thoughts are looking into the Nikon 70-200 2.8 lens and if you need the extra distance get an teleconverter.

[racedraper]

get the 70-200 2.8 lens is a awesome lens for sports and everything else. then get a monopod for the new lens cause it has the mount with it and be amazed in your pics. start buying the best glass and get used to your body then upgrade when your ready. dont be afraid to play with the manual settings or set your camera .

[mckee80]

Thank you both. I think I'll use a tripod / monopod instead of paying the extra $800 for the VR version of the 70-200 lens. I'm sure you are right about the hand holdiing. I have a long way to go with my technique, I didn't even think of that. That being said, hockey season just started and with the lighting at the rink, I've never been able to get anything with the 70-300.

[fidgety]

I don't think you need a monopod with a 70-200. It's just a matter of learning how to hold it as steady as you can and working on metering the situation to get the best images you can.
I do agree with racedraper though in that investing in good glass will make a difference in your work. Good glass lasts for a long time and is well worth the money you put into it.