Opinion on Lens Choice: Hello Folks, I'm asking for any opinions that may offer some help in perhaps purchasing a lens to be used for indoor sports. mostly Grandkids school...

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Opinion on Lens Choice

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Mar 10, 2022 10:50:10 #

Mondolinni Loc: Long Island, New York

Hello Folks,
I'm asking for any opinions that may offer some help in perhaps purchasing a lens to be used for indoor sports.
mostly Grandkids school basketball/other events.
I'm shooting Nikon D500 with the 16-80 2.8-4
I was looking for something with more reach and fast enough for the indoor lighting; without flash obviously.
Any recommendations would be appreciated.
I know Nikon costs could be a factor, but maybe another manufacturer could be an option. ??

Thanks,
Frank

Mar 10, 2022 11:04:47 #

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

You probably want a 70-200 f/2.8 lens. The Tamron version is great, as are the more expensive Nikon options.

Mar 10, 2022 11:06:16 #

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

I agree with Paul.

Mar 10, 2022 11:14:55 #

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Mondolinni wrote:

Hello Folks, br I'm asking for any opinions that m... (show quote)

As you evaluate the suggestions that are going to come, remember that your 16-80mm lens is f/4 over almost all of its zoom range. Also...based on your experience, let me ask you to tell us how much more focal length you feel like you need. I've photographed robotics tournaments in "decently" lit gyms with the 18-200mm Nikkor zoom on my D500, but that's not going to work the same for basketball or volleyball. The 70-200 f/2.8 is a good choice, but its size and weight make it as much a commitment as a choice.

Mar 10, 2022 11:16:21 #

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I agree with Paul but would stick with Nikon lenses. From what I've learned about their manufacture, they are worth the money.
--Bob

Mondolinni wrote:

Hello Folks, br I'm asking for any opinions that m... (show quote)

Mar 10, 2022 11:18:29 #

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

CHG_CANON wrote:

You probably want a 70-200 f/2.8 lens. The Tamron version is great, as are the more expensive Nikon options.

Maybe your biggest concern will be fast and accurate AF.......the 85 f1.8 may be your cheapest way out and CROP if need be. The older discontinued Sigma 50-150mm f2.8 II lens used from a reputable seller may be another possibility. A fast focus 100 2.8 is something else to think about. The older 100mm 2.8 Tokina IF macro lens might also be a candidate.
.

Mar 11, 2022 01:15:56 #

Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

Mondolinni wrote:

Hello Folks, br I'm asking for any opinions that m... (show quote)

Sports often have a pretty rigid requirement to shoot. Mainly;

1. Low light capability
2. Fast & accurate focus
3. A wide zoom range
4. Flicker compensation
5. No flash
6. Good reach (at least 200mm)
7. A high frame rate & adequate buffer/memory card.

That said, I find using 2 cameras to be the ideal set up. One with a wide angle for the very close actions and see everything compositions and another for the reach, usually a 200mm zoom.
Since you already have a Nikon D500 with the 16-80 2.8-4, may i suggest another camera matched with a longer lens. A D7200 with Tamron or sigma lenses are a bit cheaper, but good alternative. 2 cameras also gives you a fallback if something goes wrong with one gear.

Mar 11, 2022 05:48:58 #

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Like Bob I also favor lenses made by the manufacturer of the camera. Lenses made by Panasonic to use with Olympus camera is an exception but we all know both companies have a joint venture by which lenses from one company fit the cameras of the other.
Indeed Nikon lenses are of excellent quality....if money is not an issue.

Mar 11, 2022 06:51:19 #

Tomfl101 Loc: Mount Airy, MD

Yes the 70-200 is your best choice. Your 16-80 will work well for sideline huddle shots and wide shots of players near the net.

Mar 11, 2022 06:54:47 #

ELNikkor

See CHG_CANON...

Mar 11, 2022 07:27:44 #

dgwoodward2

I am firmly in the camp of the 70-200 @ f2.8. I shoot using a full frame and need the 200mm to shoot from one end of the court to the other (great for defensive shots of the intended targets). And I believe the best aperture is going to be at least an f2.8. So balancing the need for zoom range, and speed of lens, the 70-200 fits the bill. As others have said it is definitely a heavier lens and requires the commitment of lugging it around. Luckily shooting basketball does not require a lot of walking up and down the field of play. Just need to be able to hold it up while shooting which can sometimes be a chore. If you afford the price, I always stick with the OEM lens. The 3rd party manufacturers do a good job, I just tend to stick with the OEM.

Mar 11, 2022 08:50:56 #

starlifter Loc: Towson, MD

I just used a Tamron SP 70-200 2.8 Di VC USD G2 which is a full frame lens on my granddaughter's basketball game with excellent results. I was using a D850 so your D500 would have a little more reach.

Mar 11, 2022 09:49:41 #

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Mondolinni the UHH Main Forum is likely not an ideal place to broach this query.
Why? Far too many pontificators without a clue of what they are proposing...
You'll notice that absolutely none will post images to validate their inferences...

Best Advice? Post this query in the Sports Photograhy Forum
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-103-1.html
Here you'll get valid feedback from folks who actually shoot commercially rather than wannabe Camera Sales folks...

Here is a post which speaks to your query...
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-731581-1.html
Please review this post to see what a high end Sigma can do for indoor sports...

I believe the APS-C Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Art is one of the only fast APS-C zoom optics that is exceptionally sharp wide open... It is a workhorse of commercial shooters...

Nikon simply ignores APS-C wanting you to migrate to FX in order to obtain excellence in it's Nikkors...
This is a Nikon thing and the reason I buy Sigma APS-C glass...
Albeit the Nikon D500 is an epic APS-C sports camera!

Wishing you all the best on your journey Frank

APS-C Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Art on a Nikon D500

Mar 11, 2022 09:56:58 #

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

Mondolinni wrote:

Hello Folks, br I'm asking for any opinions that m... (show quote)

I use your lens for most of my indoor stuff. You should really consider a Nikon SB-800, SB-900 or 910 flash. you are really missing out on a lot of opportunities.
If you go this route and buy an SB flash, private message me and I will give you suggestions on a quick set up.
Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.
Also, the Nikon 1.8 series of lenses are really great for indoor stuff. Nikon makes a 24, 28, 35, 50, and 85. I own the 28, 50, and 85, the 85 is one sweet inexpensive sharp, sharp lens.

Mar 11, 2022 10:20:17 #

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"...the (1.8G variant) 85mm is one sweet inexpensive sharp, sharp lens..." Totally agree with Bill here but not for indoor sports where the action changes lightening fast... unless you have two bodies hanging from your neck.

There are compelling reasons for zooms in this scenario...
Albeit the 85mm 1.8G nikkor (FX) yields an exceptional 127.5mm prime on an APS-C Nikon body.

btw, please show us you indoor sports imagery and lens used Bill, k?
Thanks! Thomas

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