Which lens
Jan 25, 2016 10:22:33 #
Captryan
Loc: Massachusetts
I have recently succumbed to my GAS problem and bought a 7d mark II. I have followed the recent posts re shooting basketball games in gymnasiums . My kit lens , F4-5.6 is not fast enough. I have the opportunity to buy either a 70-200 F4 IS USM, or a 70-200 F 2.8 non IS. Both are used and about the same price, around $800, which is all my budget will allow. My question is which is more important for shooting my grand kids' B-Ball games, the faster lens F2.8 non-IS, or the slower F4 with IS ?
Jan 25, 2016 10:38:51 #
Well, the f/2.8 is one f-stop faster than the f/4, but manufacturers at least claim that IS is the equivalent of at least 2 f-stops faster. Others may have different views, but I'd say the f/4 is the better choice of the two for the intended use.
Jan 25, 2016 10:39:09 #
Old Timer
Loc: Greenfield, In.
You need the 70 200 F2.8/ I have the f 4 version and with a speed light I can get good results. I use it for portraits when I need. You can not probably use a speed light.
Jan 25, 2016 11:05:52 #
Also, the f4 is a lighter lens even with the IS which allows you to shoot for more time before the muscle fatigue and shakes set in.
Jan 25, 2016 11:22:03 #
WoodnMetalGuy
Loc: MN
I would definitely go with the 2.8. The image stabilization is not going to be a factor for you shooting basketball, as you'll want your shutter to be 1/250 or faster to stop the action. IS would be helpful in other situations, of course. -- Dave
Jan 25, 2016 12:29:31 #
For indoors I would go with the f/2.8 non-IS. The weight difference is considerable- 750g (f/4) vs 1370g (f/2.8) which should be a consideration. It takes a bit of practice to steadily hold the heavier lens.
Jan 25, 2016 13:37:18 #
haroldross wrote:
I'd go the f/2.8 as well. Look at a monopod to help with stability.For indoors I would go with the f/2.8 non-IS. The weight difference is considerable- 750g (f/4) vs 1370g (f/2.8) which should be a consideration. It takes a bit of practice to steadily hold the heavier lens.
Jan 26, 2016 06:02:55 #
Mightymouse
Loc: Long Island NY
I had the f4 is and upgraded to the 2.8 II. The f4 was not fast enough in gymnasiums. I think the 2.8 would be a better choice it will also tone your arms! : )
Jan 26, 2016 06:09:06 #
no comparison,the 70-200 2.8 the best lens canon ever made,
look for one with IS the first version is fine,the version 2 is better
but not worth the double price tag in my eyes,
look for one with IS the first version is fine,the version 2 is better
but not worth the double price tag in my eyes,
Jan 26, 2016 06:59:38 #
You need the 2.8 and more speed to capture the motion. IS will help to keep the gym sharper but without as much speed as you can get the players will blur. I don't think DoF will be an issue. You'll be far away and want to separate your subject anyway.
Jan 26, 2016 07:53:45 #
Captryan wrote:
I have recently succumbed to my GAS problem and bo... (show quote)
In this specific case, considering the gym is likely dim and IS does not freeze action I would go th f2.8 lens. Personally I prefer the 100-400 for nearly all situations as it is far more versatile. But for your purpose and budget the 2.8 lens with no flash will give you a better chance of getting a usable shot. IMO only. Listen to everybody and make your decision on all comments.
Jan 26, 2016 08:21:47 #
I think the fast F2.8 non-IS would be better. However, a monopod would help steady the gear.
Have fun. I love shooting basketball.
Mark
Have fun. I love shooting basketball.
Mark
Captryan wrote:
I have recently succumbed to my GAS problem and bo... (show quote)
Jan 26, 2016 08:36:33 #
I got a 70-200 f 2.8 and a 24-70 f 2.8 just for low light sports. The 70-200 has IS but the 24-70 does not. If you are shooting sports IS doesn't mean much. You have to use high shutter speeds to stop the action so IS doesn't help.
Any action sport is going to require at least 1/400 sec. speeds so you are above the handhold threshold of a 200mm lens.
I got rid of a 70-300 4-5.6 lens because it just wasn't fast enough for low light. In some gym and high school field situations I still have to shoot f 2.8 @ 1/400 or so at 3200-6400 ISO to get properly exposed images.
Bill
Any action sport is going to require at least 1/400 sec. speeds so you are above the handhold threshold of a 200mm lens.
I got rid of a 70-300 4-5.6 lens because it just wasn't fast enough for low light. In some gym and high school field situations I still have to shoot f 2.8 @ 1/400 or so at 3200-6400 ISO to get properly exposed images.
Bill
Jan 26, 2016 09:12:01 #
Absolutely the 70-200 f2.8. Gyms are surprisingly low light, and you'll need all the speed you can get. Since flash is typically inappropriate, you'll need to be shooting at 1/250th or 1/500 sec., (often at ISO 1600 or higher), and as others have mentioned, IS isn't going to be a help at those shutter speeds. The monopod is a great suggestion also as this lens is heavy, but I've found that bracing your left elbow against your chest is helpful.
Jan 26, 2016 09:17:43 #
Captryan wrote:
I have recently succumbed to my GAS problem and bo... (show quote)
I think a lot depends upon how steady your hand are. If rock steady you don't need the IS. The 7d2 allows for higher ISO so the 1 stop doesn't matter that much.
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