sport lens advice

[Noodles]

I am going to try my hand at sports photography in the future as sport is one of my biggest passions. specifically I'm interested in Rugby and cricket. I am planning to get a EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM to complement my only current lens (the EF-S 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS USM). Would this be a good lens for these sports? or should I save for something else? my two main concerns are that I need a fast lens for rugby cause of light in the winter, but I also need the range for the cricket.

does any one on here have experience in cricket photography? as I can't find any examples of it on here.

thanks

 

[Marc]

I took this with a Sony 75-300 f4 - f5.6 kit lens last year, so I don't think you'd have too many problems with cricket. To get really sharp shots in winter lighting though, you're probably looking at an f2.8 lens (70-200) and they don't come cheap.

 

[Freester]

I currently have a cheapo Tamron 4.0-5.6 70-300 (no IS), which I use for Rugby. It does struggle a bit at the long range with my 400D (fastest ISO 1600) at the end of those dark winter afternoons but the IS on what you're considering is worth a stop or two? Also I guess also depends on your camera and fastest ISO setting?

 

[Craikeybaby]

IS does get you a stop or two, but it isn't really for moving subjects...

I'd suggest the 70 - 200 f2.8 for the rugby and maybe an extender to give you a bit more reach for the cricket, as that is played at a brighter time of year (don't they stop playing if the weather's bad too?)

 

[Noodles]

thanks for the advice guys, i think I'll stick with purchasing the EF-S 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS USM for now and practice shooting sport then look to get a 70 - 200 f2.8 none IS with a 2x extender at the end of the yeat, start of next year. Thanks again for those who took the time to respond, greatly apprciated

 

[kelack]

I've got a 70-200mm f2.8 (Sigma) which is perfect for rugby for me. I had a F4 but it was quite slow and as rugby is played in the winter, dull conditions ensue. I have the added advantage of being able to stay on the touchline though, in front of the spectators so get quite close to the action - sometimes too close as I found my self underneath 3 burly players after not getting out of the way of a tackle fast enough

As the rugby season is nearly over, and cricket season will start, you should be alright with the f4 and start saving those pennies for the f2.8. (Speak to Kerso, I recommend the sigma)