Lens Purchase Advice for Junior Athletics

[SeanW]

Hi,

I have a 7d MKII which I have recently purchased as an upgrade to a 500D and I have now been nominated as photographer for my daughters athletics club. My trusty Tamron 18-270 which I purchased years ago, doesn't do the 7D2 any justice and is very tired now. I also own a Sigma 150-500, which is great, but too long for most athletics use. So I was thinking, maybe a Sigma 120-300 F2.8 or Tamron 24-70 and Canon 70-200 F2.8 with maybe a 1.4TC. The pair works out similar money to the Sigma and will give me more versatility for other photography projects.

Any advice greatly received.

Sean

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Athletics is a very broad term, and different sports, indoor / outdoor often need a different solution, particularly if you are looking for a inexpensive lens.

Tell us more about the sport(s) involved.

Indoor sports may need extra lighting, or a fast lens, while outdoor sports need longer focal lengths, and perhaps wide apertures for nightime use.

If you want a super zoom, you will be limited in low light and in image quality, so its best to get the correct focal length and aperture for your situation. Obviously, a f/2.8 lens would be wonderful, but a long telephoto will cost $$$. A f/5.6 or 6.3 zoom lens will not have a wide enough aperture to allow use of very fast shutter speeds for many sports, and IS is no help with fast moving subjects.

Something like a 300mm f/4 L might be a good compromise where you need long focal lengths, or a 70-200mm f/4or f/2.8 is another good choice. It depends on what you need and are willing to pay.

I'd avoid those superzooms like the 18-270. Be aware that a lens like the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 is very big and heavy, so budget for proper support, and that could equal the price of the lens, depending on your strength

 

[SeanW]

Thanks.

The usage is outdoor, daytime and evening, so low light/fading light can be a big factor. Mainly track based events, everything from 100m upwards, so some fairly fast moving people.

Of the events I've photographed to date, getting close-ish to trackside isn't an issue, but focus tracking is with my current lenses.

 

[Loswr]

When someone mentions Sigma lenses then talks about a need for accurate focus tracking, I cringe a little. But the 120-300/2.8 is one of their better lenses.

 

[SeanW]

Thats what I was wondering about, having the 150-500 I know its not great and was trying to get some feedback on the 120-300. But the weight will probably be an issue. I may hire one and see how I get on.

Thanks

 

[bholliman]

My recommendation is to get a Canon 70-200 f/4 IS. For outdoor use you wont really need the f/2.8 II. The f/4 IS is an excellent lens that will nail autofocus on your 7D2, with or without a 1.4x extender. Much lighter and easier on the wallet than the f/2.8 II as well. If you plan to use the lens indoors or for portraits, go f/2.8.

I have no real experience with Sigma tele lenses, but their reputation for AF issues would keep me away.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

On the 7D MK II, I'[d strongly consider the 70-200mm f/2.8L Non IS or the newer MK II version with IS.

 

[tayassu]

I would opt for the 70-200/2.8 IS II. I think that is the perfect combination of FL and aperture for the job and also a very good performer in every other photographic field.
A Tamron 24-70 to complement that is a good idea, but you need to get a well adjusted one. I had severe problems with mine that are now solved after two times sending it to Tamron. I used that lens with success for bicycling.
I wouldn't trust the 120-300's AF as my main lens for sports.

 

[wsmith96]

I use the 70-200 F2.8 IS USM MkII for my kids sporting events (baseball, track, diving) as well as for sideline work for high school football. I can highly recommend this lens for your purposes. During the day time, adding a 1.4 mk III teleconverter works well also. The only time I have issues is for night football games when the sun goes down. I switch an 85mm f1.8 for that, but that is a camera/noise related problem, not a lens related problem.

 

[SeanW]

Thanks everyone for the advice. Will go for one of the Canon lens options and give the Sigma a miss.

 

[LesC]

I've taken lots of junior athletics pictures as my son was a very good runner & on occasion stood in for the athletics club's main photographer. I used the Canon 70-200 F4l IS with a 1.4x converter and found it covered most eventualities. It's a very sharp lens & even with the converter very manageable.