Norm11 Loc: San Rafael, CA

When my daughters were playing, I'd shoot from the sidelines. Usually as low as I could get to the ground. For one, the girls were little back then and two, the resulting images are much more dramatic. My cameras were various Nikons. When they got into high school, I had to shoot from farther back, not sitting on the side of the pitch for most games. I use a Nikkor 28-300 for just about everything these days. It's sharp, plus with that focal length spread, there's not much action I'm going to miss. Don't forget that wide angle will allow you to get the action that approaches you, yet with the 300 you have more reach than your current 70-200.

newvy

I have used an 80-200f2.8 for years. Then I bought a Nikkor 300f4 and a Kenko 2x tele converter ( it hunted less Than the nikon converter) I shot that combo with a D700, D4 before selling it all and upgrading to mirrorless. I’m thrilled with my new system but lack the reach of 600mm. The 300f4 can be had used for not too much money. A 2x converter same. Then you have a 140-400 lens (on your existing zoom. A 300 prime and out to 600 when you need it.

Photocraig

I think shooting Soccer, like Basketball and Hockey, is best done from the corner of teh court/field (pitch). Using the 1.4 or 2 tele-extender on the existing 70-200 on an APS-C body will bring the best images. In fact the best shots will be no longer than 5-0-100 feet away.

Switching ends for photos is best.

The question about seating and field accessibility is crucial. If you can't get within 10 feet or so of the sidelines, your chances of an unobstructed, by spectators, shot are small. Midfield shots seem somewhat boring because they plays are usually short passes and the players are looking downfield or away. You want them coming or facing toward you--unless your player is a defensive player--Fullback or Keeper.

Unless you're an accomplished Sports Photographer, yielding, even a compact 500mm lens, is a skill to be developed before you show up at a tournament.

Have fun and capture the players making a good play, showing their faces and having a great time. Don't forget the spectators, they're as interesting as the game.

Remember, fill the frame with faces and action.
C

trackmag

Good comments Photocraig, especially on the crowd shots.

And you probably will be disappointed if you are not really, really familiar with your equipment. It is really hard to beat a 70-200. We own several of them . . . and have for years. While we get newer versions, we never discard the older ones that are still working.

A. T.

I own both the 70-200 2.8 and the 200-500 5.6 and I would most definitely go with the 200-500....sharp throughout the focal length, fast focusing and great color rendering.

Focus in Texas

I'm a canon guy and I am cheap.Might try 2x extender. Usually soccer is at least cloudy bright so you will have the light but you won't have the short DOF. I used a 100x400 zoom for years from the ends of the fields. Good $$.

fdnave Loc: South Jersey

I know you're not gonna like my answer but my Sony RX10 IV 24-600 bridge camera does a great job with both video and stills at Soccer, Baseball and Basketball.

mundy-F2 Loc: Chicago suburban area

Enjoy!
Mundy

mundy-F2 Loc: Chicago suburban area

Very nice picture.
Mundy

Josephakraig

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Knowing what camera you are shooting with would help me know what to recommend but the 200-500 is a very nice lens. I have taken my Tamron 150 to 600 to my grandson's games and my granddaughter's games. Yes the 150 is a little long on occasion when the action is right up against you but the portraits I have gotten from across the field are spectacular. From one end of the field you can easily cover the entire field, you seldom have to move. I say go long or stay at home.

Mileagemaker Loc: Jackson NJ

I would use at least a 300 preferably higher. I shoot soccer games at speeds of 2000 on burst. F8 ISO automatic. No tripod or you will miss to many good shots of your grandchild.

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

That is sure a fabulous shot - and camera ✳️🍀🍀✳️

cascom Loc: Redmond

How did your photos turn out? I also use the 70-200 f2.8 with a 1.7 extender but I also own a 300 f2.8. I have mentioned it before I found ON1 Nonoise to be a godsend. You can also nearly shoot in the dark (using Raw) or just double or triple your shutter speed. The ISO of this image is 11500.