Lens dilemma

[Rich Peters]

Hello,

I wonder if anyone could advise me on a lens ( Nikon D300 ) for rugby matches. ( usually daylight ) Up until now I have been using a 70-300VR with mixed results but often this means letting the auto ISO go up to 1600 to maintain high shutter speeds. I am not keen on the noise though I do have neat image and CNX2 for PP.

I borrowed my friends Siggy 120-400 which was OK but as I am close in to the touchline often the 120 end was a hindrance being so close. Fine at the 400 end but a bit soft. Still at high ISO though.

My budget is £700 or £800 max, was thinking a prime perhaps, any suggestions?

 

[HoppyUK]

You need f/2.8. There is no other option. What focal length? New or used? Image stabilisation or not?

 

[Rich Peters]

Well someone has mentioned the 80-200 F2.8 which will help with lower light, not too fussed about VR but wondering if the AF would be fast enough to capture a forward running at me and darting from side to side. It seems to get good reviews the later versions, just wondering how much advantage the 80-200 would have over the 70-300, if enough there I would sell the 70-300

I wonder if anyone here has used it for sports?

 

[fracster]

Nikon 80-200 F2.8 AFD or AFS or even the expensive 70-200 VR F2.8 are plenty fast enough for sports,as is the sigma 120-300 F2.8.