bearwitme Loc: VA, USA

Please bear with me...OK.. Here goes.. I have a Nikon D7100 (and I also have the Sony A6000 which I am still learning how to work with.)

I tend to shoot a little of everything...Birthday parties for folks that reach milestones (50, 60 etc) I also shoot some fitness events. I can usually use flash but I am also starting to shoot some dance recitals and such, where flash is not allowed for obvious reasons. I shot a dance competition on Saturday, not for pay but for practice.
I think I need a lens that will give me a bit more light. I need to increase my shutter speed to catch some of the action. I would prefer a zoom because sometimes you just can't get in and out with out getting in the way.
I see Tamron has SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Zoom Lens for Nikon which is 1400.. Which is not cheap, but would not mind paying the price if it will do the job...So those of you that have this lense...Is it too heavy to use hand held??? Do you know of someting just a bit smaller that would fit the bill...But still having the 2.8 aperture capability.
Yes I did a search on the lens in the forum.. I see that most are satisfied with it. What do you shoot with the lens??? Also, I did go to the Nikon site and did a chat and within my budget he recommended the 70-200 F4 Lens... He said it was a constant F4. HHMMM.. Could not one keep the Fstop constant with Aperature priority?? What am I missing..??Thanks in advance...

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Tamrons 2.8 70-200 is highly rated. Constant aperture means, unlike, say a f4-5.6 lens, the lens will maintain the aperture you select wheather you are at 70 or 200 or anywhere between. It is pretty heavy but can be handheld but using a monopod is helpful for holding the lens on subject for long periods of time. ;)

bearwitme Loc: VA, USA

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Thank You...

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

I added to my post while you were answering. ;)

bearwitme Loc: VA, USA

_______________________________________________OK.. Got it.. Thanks...Rebate going on now so I will have to decide soon...Thanks Again...

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

I have the Nikon 70-200mm f/4 lens. What the tech means is that f/4 remains the widest aperture through out the 70-200mm range. The lens will stop down to f/32. I use the lens mainly for shorebirds.

bearwitme Loc: VA, USA

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Thanks!

MarkD Loc: NYC

All 70-300 f/2.8 lenses weigh around 3 pounds. They are heavy but I see people hand holding them all the time. If you want a lighter lens, I have a Sigma 50-150 f/2.8 II HSM. This is the non-OS version. It is no longer made, but it is available used. Try keh.com. There is a newer version with OS, but it weighs the same as the 70-200 f/2.8.
My Sigma 50-150 f/2.8 is very sharp and weighs much less than the 70-200 f/2.8.

bearwitme Loc: VA, USA

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Thank You...

MarkD Loc: NYC

Sorry, double post.

katbandit Loc: new york city

i have the tamron 70-200mm 2.8 and i can hand hold it..i also use it with the d7100 and the lens is fast and i love that i can choose the aperture..the f4 isn't fast enough and you're going to want to be able to control your f stop ..i love the lens..oh and tamron often has rebates ..there may be one going on now till the end of february for 100 dollars on this lens..and a 6 year warranty ..

bearwitme Loc: VA, USA

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Thanks ..I did order it and yes $100 rebate... :D In the Brown truck to be delivered tomorrow!!!

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Ok.

What lens are you using now that didn't work out and can you post an example that didn't work out along with the exposure information?

A "fast" lens is a matter of interpretation and it could be that you are asking the impossible or that you could benefit by a change of settings or mindset. Or it could be that you really need a faster lens...

bearwitme Loc: VA, USA

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I am not home at the moment, but will try to post something later on this evening.. Thanks for the response...

Don, the 2nd son Loc: Crowded Florida

I have the Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 on my Sony Alpha 580 and shot my grand daughter's high school play with it. Results were very good, better than I could have asked for. I used spot metering to get the exposure right on their faces and used that setting in manual mode so it wouldn't wander off. The lens is the original non-is model which sold for $700 and change. With our new bodies capable of acceptable high iso work (like D7100) that would likely work for you as well. I shot two rehearsals to find the best settings and locations. Actually the rehearsals were best because of shutter noise being an irritant for the nearby audience during performances. After the fact I built a blimp but she has graduated, so it sits in my closet. That lans is now my favorite, by the way.