StLouie1970

My daughter plays 11v11 soccer and I'll be traveling to CO for a tournament.
Games over 5 days could be anywhere from 8am-7pm
I'm using BorrowLens.com to rent a telephoto lens.
I already own a Nikkor 70-200 2.8, but I'm contemplating renting something with more reach (not knowing the field/parent restrictions)
I am torn between these two....any suggestions?
1. Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G AF-S ED VR Lens - about $130
2. Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E AF-S ED VR Lens - about $80

My thought was #1 is kind of doubling up on the focal length I already have, but may save me from switching lens.
Then again, #2 can get me across the field more (as I dont know what seating will be like)

Thoughts?

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

70-200 f/2.8

StLouie1970

Yes, I already own that one. I'm looking for something with more reach...

Craigdca Loc: California

Take a look at Thomas902‘s work as he has some amazing soccer photos using Nikon gear.

pwrxprt Loc: Beaumont, California

I occasionally shoot my grandchildren's soccer games. Unless you walk up and down the sidelines, which I find difficult with so many spectators and players on the sideline that I usually set up as close as I can to mid-field without being in the way of others, put my 200-500 lens on with a tripod...it gets heavy after shooting for a bit. Granted you'll miss some shots that are too close to you, but you'll get some really good shots otherwise. Remember, it will probably be a sunny bright day so set your exposure and shoot away. My setup is usually ISO 200, an F stop somewhere around F8±, and keep my shutter speed around 1/640 to 1/800. That pretty much stops the action and I got some good shots. Good luck...don't get caught up trying to take every picture you'll miss the game as I did. When you see the action in your lens it is sometimes really fun to shoot a "blast" and then pick out the best action shot. Good luck, we look forward to seeing the results.

chasgroh Loc: Buena Park, CA

I use a 200-400 f4 for my field pageantry work, but have acquired the 200-500 during the pandemic and have found it's a great lens (that extra 100mm makes a difference shooting across the field). You'll be shooting in sunlight most of the time so the consistent f5.6 and stretch would definitely serve you well using the 200-500. It's a bit heavy so a monopod would help, too.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

200-500 will make you happy with the images you create.

Bill_de Loc: US

I may have missed it, but I didn't notice any mention of what camera will be used.

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CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Agreed, our OP needs to identify the camera. Adding a 1.4x or 2x to their 70-200 on a cropped body would be sufficient from near the sidelines. The longer 200-500 might prove to be too long on a cropped body from directly on the sidelines.

Ltgk20 Loc: Salisbury, NC

I've shot very little soccer, but what I have I've used something in the 70-400 range. I setup at the end my niece's team will be trying to get to to score in. I don't really have the reach to cover the full field, but most of the action at three other end is my team's backs. From the sidelines I get mostly side profile shots, but from the end I can get their faces and shots. 200mm would be to long for the way I shoot.

Orphoto Loc: Oregon

Another possibility is the 300 f4 PF, can go for extended times without needing additional support like a monopod.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

I bought a 200-500 in late 2015. I have 14-24-70-200-500. I find the 24-70-200-500 get the most use. Depending on the subject, I do a lot with the 200-500 shooting events and I think it would do well for action shots.

One thing I like about the 200-500 is the VR. Probably not too important for action shots but it performs much better than the VR on lenses I bought around 2005-2010. The only real limitation I have come across is the minimum focus distance, which is something like 6 ft. That makes it a bit iffy for indoor work unless you're in a large space.

Never had a 80-400 to try out.

Personally, I don't find it particularly heavy. I carry it all day at events. Most of the time I hold it by the mounting foot, but when I need both hands for something I bend my left elbow and stick the lens in there and press it into my body. I can then use both hands to do something (or rest my carrying hand). For sports I think a monopod might be useful but I'm not a sport shooter so I can't say for sure.

If you're a strap user (I'm not), put the strap over your shoulder so the lens faces inward rather than outward. That will force the lens to hang down and there will be less bumping against things. You can do that on the 70-200 also and even the 24-70.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Interesting question considering all soccer fields are the same size. If you have been getting good images with your 70-200 why would you think the field changes for the tournament?
Have you been shooting her soccer games with the 70-200?
Are the results good?
If this is true then I am really confused why you are asking the question.
But if your asking my opinion, I have always shot my soccer games with the 70-200 2.8. But if your shooting from the ends of the soccer field then go with the 80-400 because it will cover the action both close and far. The 200-500 will not cover the shorter distance stuff (the action that gets close to the net) if your shooting from that end.
I also suggest that if you rent you get it a few days early so you can test it and feel good using it BEFORE shooting the actual tournament.

kymarto Loc: Portland OR and Milan Italy

Depends on how far you are sitting from the pitch. The pros are at field level and all use 400s or 600s. I personally would take the 200-500. You don't double focal lengths that way. Otherwise you have 80-200 on both lenses.

Charlie C Loc: North Liberty, IA

200-500