Need fast lens for my Nikon D500
Feb 14, 2020 10:51:28 #
My retirement gift (to myself) was purchasing the Nikon D500. I wanted something that I could photograph high school sports. It has been superb! I am presently using the Nikkor 70-20 mm f/2.8 ED VR II lens for my sporting events. My problem is that when shooting indoor basketball competition, even 70 mm is too strong for some of the shots taken directly under the hoop.
What would your readers recommend for an alternate lens? I've heard that Tamron has some lenses that might fit the bill, but I need the help of hard core photographers. Any suggestions would be welcome!
While I rarely comment on UH, I love reading the comments in your forum. So many quality photographers!
What would your readers recommend for an alternate lens? I've heard that Tamron has some lenses that might fit the bill, but I need the help of hard core photographers. Any suggestions would be welcome!
While I rarely comment on UH, I love reading the comments in your forum. So many quality photographers!
Feb 14, 2020 10:57:15 #
djb663
Loc: Massachusetts
The sigma 50-100mm 1.8 is my absolute favorite lens on the D500. I too use the 70-200 vrii but the sigma is even sharper. At least my copy anyway. The 50mm may be a little tight also but if not, you'll love the lens.
Feb 14, 2020 11:10:39 #
david vt
Loc: Vermont
I agree with the above recommendation in terms of currently available lens.
With the crop body (you D500, me D7200), the 50 end is good under the basket. I researched and found an older Sigma 50-150 f2.8. I use this the same way you would. If you are going to shoot wide open, you need to be sure your focus point in spot on. 50mm, at f1.8 at 10 ft gives you just +/- 5 inches DOF, so be precise, which can be hard with fast action. I might be more inclined to to shoot this lens just off of wide open, at 2.2 or 2.8 for a little more forgiving DOF, which would be still good.
the only reason I went for the older 50-150 instead of the current 50-100 crop of lenses was to be able to shoot from the corners of the court on those courts I could not get under the basket. At that point, shooting between 20-30 ft away, the 100 was not quite long enough. If you can regularly get just behind the paint, the 50-100 should do you well
Good luck
With the crop body (you D500, me D7200), the 50 end is good under the basket. I researched and found an older Sigma 50-150 f2.8. I use this the same way you would. If you are going to shoot wide open, you need to be sure your focus point in spot on. 50mm, at f1.8 at 10 ft gives you just +/- 5 inches DOF, so be precise, which can be hard with fast action. I might be more inclined to to shoot this lens just off of wide open, at 2.2 or 2.8 for a little more forgiving DOF, which would be still good.
the only reason I went for the older 50-150 instead of the current 50-100 crop of lenses was to be able to shoot from the corners of the court on those courts I could not get under the basket. At that point, shooting between 20-30 ft away, the 100 was not quite long enough. If you can regularly get just behind the paint, the 50-100 should do you well
Good luck
Feb 14, 2020 11:16:49 #
david vt wrote:
I agree with the above recommendation in terms of ... (show quote)
That older Sigma 50-150 is one of my favorite crop sensor lenses!
Feb 14, 2020 11:31:08 #
Feb 14, 2020 12:18:33 #
A newer camera such as the D500 performs quite well at higher ISO'S and I'm one of those who are not afraid to crank it up when necessary. I get pretty good results indoors with my Nikkor 28-300 on my D500 and with my Canon 28-300L on my 5DIV. One big advantage to the Nikkor 28-300 is its size; smaller and lighter than the faster lenses but still quite versatile if you know how to use it.
Feb 14, 2020 12:53:40 #
You're right, I also have used extremely high ISO and got great results. Thank you for your assistance!
Feb 14, 2020 17:20:03 #
with a 70-200 2.8 on one camera, and a 24-70 2.8 on another camera you are covered.
Feb 15, 2020 07:09:46 #
zenagain
Loc: Pueblo CO
Tokina 28-70. 2.8 ATX Pro II . is a discontinued lens. But can be found on ebay, KEH. or Adorama for around $200.00-$300.00 i got mine at Adorama for $248.00. It is a tank of a lens made out of almost all metal. And has great reviews. (For good copies) i heard from one reviewer that some copies have off centered "sweet spots". But mine is awesome. Love it and unless it breaks (highly unlikly) or stolen i don't have any desire or reason to replace it. (And i am prone to having gas attacks at times)
Check out some of the reviews on youtube about it.
I use it on both the D7200 and D810.
Check out some of the reviews on youtube about it.
I use it on both the D7200 and D810.
Feb 15, 2020 07:27:58 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Maddigan2 wrote:
My retirement gift (to myself) was purchasing the ... (show quote)
I used to shoot "under the hoop" for high school year books. My favorite lens was the Nikon 24mm 2.8 AIS manual lens.
Today, it would be the Nikon 24mm 1.8 G. And, this lens get rave reviews, you can read some here.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1175036-REG/nikon_af_s_nikkor_24mm_f_1_8g.html?sts=pi&pim=Y
Feb 15, 2020 07:33:50 #
mas24
Loc: Southern CA
I first attempted to do a High School basketball game, with a Nikon 70-300mm lens on a Nikon crop sensor DSLR. I was sitting on the upper lower seating level, and had a flash unit. I was unaware, that flash units are not allowed, by security there. The gym lighting was not good either. And the 70-300mm did not pass the test. I later bought a prime lens. A FX Nikon 50mm f1.8G. I felt I would not need a flash with that lens. And, have a 75mm FOV with that lens. I never did use it for High School basketball. But, found it perfect for outdoor kids soccer games during the summertime, from the sidelines. The D500, which is Nikon's best DX camera, has the anti-flicker features for both video and still photography. Definitely an advantage to other Nikon DX cameras, that don't have both..
Feb 15, 2020 08:07:17 #
As you casually mention the you are using one of the premier lenses available, you seem to be asking if there is anything comparable (FX; f/2.8) with a wider zoom range. The answer is probably no. The 28-300 is about the only NIKKOR FX with the range you require, and that is not as fast or as sharp as your 70-200. You have more choices in DX lenses and third party lenses, but you could be sacrificing IQ. IF you seek to maintain the superb IQ of your current rig, I reluctantly support the two body solution mentioned by Jim above.
Feb 15, 2020 08:07:19 #
Feb 15, 2020 09:10:30 #
Feb 15, 2020 09:12:38 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
gvarner wrote:
When shooting action and wide open, be sure to use BBF.
BBF is not a requirement for shooting action. The standard shutter button works just as well for all action sequences.
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