lenses for sports

[mckee80]

I've been shooting my kid's sports with a nikon 70-300G, which has been mostly OK outdoors. With hockey season starting, I need something faster. I've been looking at the nikon 80-200 2.8 and the sigma 70-200 2.8. The nikon is not AF-S and I'm concerned that the AF will be too slow for sports. The big advantage of the sigma is the AF speed, although it is supposed to be softer at 200. I know there aren't too many nikon shooters on here, but if anyone has experience with these, it would be helpful to hear your experience. I know dhmn69 has been taking great hockey shots with the sigma. Thanks.

Sean

[dhyravy]

The 80-200 is a benchmark lens in the Nikon lineup. Mine has been very sharp and the focus is plenty fast enough. I always use AF-C for sports and track the action so I don't get too concerned about the lens "snapping" to focus. It's built like a tank (although also heavy) and mine has lasted through 3 bodies so far. Many people don't like the single touch (slide zoom) model but I've grown to really like it and haven't had any issues with dust etc that have been supposedly experienced by others. Another plus is that it can be had for about half the price of a new 70-200 version which is also attractive.