Primes vs. Zoom for Indoor Sports

[Cory]

There's not enough "prime vs zoom" threads so what's your thoughts on a Canon 100 2.0 and 200 2.8 II, lets say, vs a Canon 70-200 2.8 non-IS (on full frame if that matters)? And then, consequently, your thoughts on the 70-200 2.8 image quality vs that of the 70-200 2.8 IS II with the IS turned off.

:-\

 

[RGF]

I have the 70-200 f2.8 IS II and my only compliant is the weight. Optically excellent. I don't either of the other lenses you mentioned, so I can not compare them

 

[steliosk]

i played a bit with the 70-200 2.8 IS II, its BIG and HEAVY. BUT you won't miss a shot.

Calculate also this factor with your thoughts, because changing lens in action scenes might cost you some nice shots, unless you carry two bodies.

In terms of quality i've also tested the 200L 2.8 II and the 70-200 2.8 L IS II seemed sharper at 200mm both at f/2.8!

Check this out too

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=687&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=3&API=0&LensComp=245&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

can't say much about the 100 2.0, haven't tested it

 

[Rienzphotoz]

Once in a year (or two) I get a chance to shoot Tennis, Moto GP, Drag Races & Speed boats (when they happen in this country) ... unless one is a professional who gets to sit/stand in a good spot, I think zooms are more convenient ... I once tried shooting a tennis match (Maria Sharapova vs Vera Zvonareva) with EF 300 F/4 lens but kept hunting for the players because I couldn't locate them with just one large focal length .. also tried with 100 f/2 but found it too short ... the 70-200 is a great lens for hobbyists like me who don't always get to sit in perfect spots ... although IS does not really matter when you are shooting at faster shutter speeds, it is reassuring when what you see in the view finder is stable (with the IS on) and your focus point is exactly where you intend it to be.
Obviously a prime would give better results (only if you know where/how far you will be seated from the action) but a zoom ensures you don't miss a shot, due to its versatility.