Momphotos wrote:
Hello. New here. I have a canon T8i. I photograph my daughters HS basketball. Used 18-55mm kit lens. Photos aren’t bad but would like better quality. Just purchased Sigma 135mm f2. I did not like the challenge the lens gave me following the ball. I only shoot up to 3-point line from baseline. I move to other end of gym at HT. Now I’m considering the sigma 24-70mm 2.8 or sigma 70-200mm.
My daughter is a junior so I’d like to be able to use this lens as a multi-purpose lens when she graduates.
Any input would be very appreciated!
Most of our gyms are newer so lighting isn’t much of an issue.
Photo taken with my 18-55mm kit lens.
Thank you !!
Hello. New here. I have a canon T8i. I photograp... (
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The most direct upgrade from your 18-55mm is the more premium Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM. It's one to two stops "faster" than your 18-55mm (depending on focal length you've selected with the zoom). It's also better built, faster focusing and has better image quality. Of course, it's more expensive, too.
If you want a longer focal length, the most logical would be an 24-70mm f/2.8 or an even longer 70-200mm f/2.8. That's about the upper limit of focal length you will need on an APS-C camera inside a gym. These both get you up to two stops more light, as well as more "reach" than you have now. The Canon EF versions of these are all premium L-series, which means they will be excellent, but quite expensive. The Sigma are a somewhat more reasonably priced alternative, with good overall performance though not quite as good image quality as the premium Canon lenses. All these 24-70/2.8 and 70-200/2.8 are full frame compatible lenses, which means they will be relatively large and heavy (your 18-55mm and the EF-S 17-55mm are both "crop only" lenses, which allows them to be smaller and lighter).
Comparisons (info from B&H Photo):
EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM ($250), approx. 2.5" x 2.5", 215 grams (7.6 oz.)
EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM ($879), approx. 3.25" x 4.25", 645 grams (22.7 oz.)
Note: The EF-S 17-55mm lens is not an L-series, so doesn't include the lens hood. That's sold separately for $50. OTOH, this lens has been around for a while and is widely available at lower prices on the used market.
EF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM II ($1899), approx. 3.5" x 4.5", 805 grams (28.4 oz.)
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM III ($2099), approx. 3.5" x 8", 1480 grams (52.2 oz.)
In general, Sigma lenses tend to be "over built" and among the heaviest.
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM ($1099), ~ 3.5" x 4.25", 1020 grams (36 oz.)
Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS USM ($1379), ~ 3.75" x 8", 1800 grams (63.5 oz.)
I use several lenses around the size and weight of the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 above, usually hand held and for long periods of time (shooting sporting events). The cameras I use them upon are bigger and heavier than a T81 (a pair of 7DII and a 5DII). Plus I have battery grips on my DSLRs, further increasing their weight and mass. I feel it makes the balance better with larger lenses (among other advantages). There isn't a battery grip option for the T8i, so I'm not sure how "comfortable" it will be with some of the heftier lenses.
While personally I'd want the fastest zoom possible... f/2.8... to shoot sports indoors, you mention light in your gym is pretty good. So to save size and weight might want to consider a Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L lens and EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM II. The 24-105mm would be a bit more versatile than a 24-7- thanks to the 30mm longer telephoto focal lengths in it's zoom range. Or, if you felt the need for a longer lens, the 70-200mm might serve well. Both these are a stop faster than your 18-55mm at it's 55mm setting, but a stop slower than the f/2.8 lenses above.
Compare with the above lenses:
EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM II ($1099), approx. 3.25" x 4.75", 795 grams (28.5 oz.)
EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM II ($1299), approx. 3.15" x 7", 780 grams (27.5 oz.)
Note: The EF 70-200mm f/4 lenses do not include a tripod mounting ring. It's sold separately, if wanted. But it's also part of the reason the f/4 lens appears so much lighter than the f/2.8 version. Canon Tripos Ring AII(WII) for the above f/4 lens costs $165 and adds about 140 grams (5 oz.) to the weight of the lens. Of course, when not needed it can be removed to lighten the lens and make it more compact.
I hope this helps with your decision!