Is this a good lens for up close sideline/goal basketball games
Bensson
Loc: Maple Ridge/Athabasca Oil Sands
Depends on what you want to fill your frame with. If the action is close enough to you perhaps. Look at what the media guys are using and copy them if those are the types of shots you are after.
Second or front row with the action nearby, I should imagine it would be OK if you panned, the F/1.4 would be marginally better.
With the right seat and the right skill set I am sure you could get some great shots but it would be hard work.
I know I couldnt do it.
The lens everyone says the pros use is the 70-200mm F/2.8 IS/VR.
But thats $150 vs $2700.
I'd give the $150 a try because I think everyone should have a nifty fifty and the Nikon version is so much superior to the Canon in build quality. The Nikon is smaller, stronger and feels like it will last forever. It's a little tank!
here is a review on Nikon primes, including the 50 1.8
http://photographylife.com/which-nikon-prime-lens-to-buy-firstUsing the 50 at a basketball game would depend on where your seat is. I used to shoot for a daily but I was near the net on the floor- 35mm or 24mm on film (full-frame). For mid-court...may have used the 105 or 180. No 70-200 2.8 AF back then. All maual focus and exposure. I couldn't even begin to do that today.
I have a d7000 and a d300
I use the 79-200 vrII from the bleachers or the sidelines on one camera and the 50 1.8 for behind the basket.
i always introduce myself to the refs before the game and am sure to watch which side they will be on when they move down the court...and I slide over to the other, to stay out of their way. Usually they have no problem with me as long as I respect the job they have to do.
The 1.8 works but is marginal for depth of field in the low light gyms, so I don't know that a 1.4 would be an advantage.
By the way...I shoot high school & middle school games.
oops finger glitch...that was 70-200
I would think the 50mm 1.8 would be too wide for all but the closest action. I think I would go to a game with my 55-200 VR and sit where I could see myself taking the most of my shots from, and take some photos checking to see what focal length was used the most. I am thinking that you will wind up at about 85mm. There are some nice 85mm 1.8's around for under $300. Ken Rockwell says the 85mm AF (not D or G) focuses fastest and that might be where you wind up !!!
GC likes NIKON wrote:
I would think the 50mm 1.8 would be too wide for all but the closest action. I think I would go to a game with my 55-200 VR and sit where I could see myself taking the most of my shots from, and take some photos checking to see what focal length was used the most. I am thinking that you will wind up at about 85mm. There are some nice 85mm 1.8's around for under $300. Ken Rockwell says the 85mm AF (not D or G) focuses fastest and that might be where you wind up !!!
Definately come back, tell us what you bought and how it works out so we all can learn from you experience !!!
The 50mm on the d7000 & d300 equals a 75mm full frame and I shoot from the floor behind the basket...just behind the line so it is in fact not wide enough for even vertical basket to floor action. But it does great for the "two heads and a ball" shots.
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