slclog Loc: Illinois

I have an opportunity to take pictures for several days of dog training and the related Working Certificate testing. I am part of the training group and I have enjoyed mixing my interest in photography with my dog related pastimes.

Usually I have to stay at the line, but this opportunity will involve me being in the field, in specific fixed locations for a reasonable amount of time, most likely in a blind. This different angle I think will be fun because not only can I shoot the training runs, but I can also shoot back at the handlers and spectators to get some more candid shots, something it is usually tough to do.

I shoot a Canon 20D and am planning on renting a high quality lens for the time I am doing this. I will be as far as 75 yards and potentially as close as 10 yards, with most of the pictures I expect to be in the 25-60 yard range.

I have checked out the sites recommended on this forum for lens rental so I have a feel for the price and I'm OK with that.

What I would appreciate is some recommendations from the outdoor shooters here on what would be a good lens to use for this "assignment". I would like to choose a lens that I can leave on while I am in the field to avoid getting all the dust from the field in the camera or lens.

Thanks for your thoughts!

MWAC Loc: Somewhere East Of Crazy

try the 24-70 L, it's a nice fast lens and should give you the reach your looking for.

Gary Truchelut Loc: Coldspring, TX

I would recommend the 70-200 f2.8 IS. It will have the reach required for those longer shots and still can be used in fairly close quarters.

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

Ditto

Turbo Loc: Raleigh, NC

The 24-70 will be a bit short with dogs at 200 feet !

I think the 70-200 F 2.8 is just about perfect for you.

Itpurs Loc: Carson City, NV

Right on. That 70-200-2.8 is one sweet lens. Best buy I ever made.

allen finley photography Loc: Sunshine State.

Try the 24-105mm f4 L . Great IQ, light weight,rugged,fast focusing and will give you a pretty good range. 75 yards you will need a BAL (big azz lense) 300 or 400mm. Also go with the 70-200 f4 IS, lighter weight, super sharp.

Jer Loc: Mesa, Arizona

I agree. I use the 24-70L 2.8 more than any lens I have.

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

I use mine a lot too, great lens. But at 75-180 feet away like the OP says he'll be most of the time, I think you'll be too far away. Since you don't want to change lenses, and you can't get any closer, I'd stick with the 70-200. You can always back up if you are too close. If you have to do any cropping after using the 24-70 (meaning you aren't able to fill your frame with the shot you want), your file size might be pretty small with the 20D if you plan on doing any printing.

larrycumba

24-70 if you want them to look like chihuahuas. Better 70-300.

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

Even better. Sounds like you'll be outside, and with any luck you'll have plenty of light to work with.

Swamp Gator Loc: Coastal South Carolina

Yup.
Or maybe even consider the 100-400, which should cover the distance nicely.

At the distances you mention the dogs will look like dots with a 24-70 or similar lens.

alggomas Loc: Wales, United Kingdom.

Not down to money?
Then canon 70-200 f2.8L IS £1600 in uK !!!!!
Non IS is about £900
The lens is heavy, better to rest on something or monopod.
Advantage? Good for low light can use teleC. Heavy.

Not shooting in the dark? then the f4L, Very light ,very sharp pics and [only!] £500.
Look at review for this lens.
Rent one to see !

Jer Loc: Mesa, Arizona

I have both the 24 to 70 and the 70 to 200. The best zoom is still your feet.

the f/stops here Loc: New Mexico

The answer is: rent a Sigma 150-500mm lens! I just went out and photographed a friend with his Italian Greyhound at 60 feet, 120 feet and 180 feet from my 7D with a 70-200mm canon lens and then the Sigma 150-500 lens. The 200mms was fine at 60 feet but lacked the power to bring the subjects in when further to show detail. Rent a good tripod as well and have fun. J. Goffe

Remember, The f/stops here!