Lens for Rugby

[Welshy74]

Looking at adding this to my D500 for mainly shooting rugby. Any thoughts would be grateful. Can currently get one in excellent condition for £2k
Nikon AF-S 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR
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[Dave Canon]

There is a significant difference in photographing amateur and professional rugby. It is much easier to predict action with professional rugby. For example, line-outs they throw to the one jumping and the opposition may also compete whereas for amateurs, it can seem a little random. However, for premiership matches, you may need a press pass. Sadly my local premiership club will no longer allow photography with an interchangeable lens camera. Generally I have found that my 70 -200 is ideal from the touchline.

Dave

 

[toohuge]

If you’ve already got a 70-200 then the 300 2.8 is a good addition. I have seen 400 2.8’s go for similar money and I would choose an afs 400 over 300 any day for sport.
Also - you won’t be needing vr if you’re shooting sport - but a 2k 300 2.8 vr is a good deal

 

[Welshy74]

Just hired one for the weekend. I've calibrated it to my D500 but I've noticed there is quite a prominent whirring sound when focusing and seems to stay on for a few seconds after the shot is taken. Is this normal for this lens???

 

[AdamSi]

Just hired one for the weekend. I've calibrated it to my D500 but I've noticed there is quite a prominent whirring sound when focusing and seems to stay on for a few seconds after the shot is taken. Is this normal for this lens???

That is the VR operating and is normal on the bigger lenses

 

[Icee]

I always used a 300mm f2.8 and a 70-200mm f2.8

 

[Lucien]

My folks are from Rugby and it's as boring as hell so any lens will do, just leave the lens cap on

 

[Box Brownie]

My folks are from Rugby and it's as boring as hell so any lens will do, just leave the lens cap on

 

[Welshy74]

Just seen a used on from LCE for £1800 with a 4/5 star rating. So tempted!!!!

 

[sk66]

A Sigma 120-300/2.8 is a great sideline lens (but it doesn't work as well with TC's as the 300/2.8 does, if that matters).

 

[Duagerreotripe]

As others have said be careful about whether interchangeable lens cameras are allowed in the ground without a press pass. That’s the case at Bath Rugby. (You may have that covered of course)