DWilling

I am a new amateur and have gotten a Nikon D7100 after reading many comments here.

I am going to the World Cup of show jumping and dressage in Las Vegas in a few weeks and would love to do some pictures. It will be indoors, and probably fast action, hence I need something for low light. And finances are an issue. I currently have the 18-55 and 55-300 kit lenses.

What lens do you recommend? I am wondering about an 50 mm f1.8, but wonder how it is on a DX? Is there something better, but not out of the question financially, for this purpose. Or is this the best idea?

Thank you for your assistance.

DW

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

The 50mm would do OK for you but it would seem a longer zoom would do much better. The Tamron SP 28-105 2.8 is a great lens for about $350 used only - preferably from KEH. Sigma made a great 50-150 2.8 - the first two (of the 3) versions are cheaper, smaller and lighter - available used only - about $400.+ .....

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

the 50/1.8 is light, inexpensive and would well with the D7100.
It is much better quality than the 18-55 and there are a million $50 used ones out there looking for homes..

Bret Loc: Dayton Ohio

If you can get fairly close to the rail....maybe try a 85 1.8 D. The older version's you can get used for a pretty good price.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

You could also rent a lens from LensRentals.com .....

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

I am going to the World Cup of show jumping and dressage in Las Vegas in a few weeks and would love to do some pictures. It will be indoors, and probably fast action, hence I need something for low light. And finances are an issue. I currently have the 18-55 and 55-300 kit lenses.

What lens do you recommend? I am wondering about an 50 mm f1.8, but wonder how it is on a DX? Is there something better, but not out of the question financially, for this purpose. Or is this the best idea?

I don't know if this applies to all Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 lenses, but the one I have apparently works on DX and FX bodies. So, if you decided to go full frame in the future, there's your first lens.
Also, on a DX camera the 50mm approximates a 75mm lens.
Lastly, the Nikkor 50mm lens is a pretty sharp lens at an affordable price. I am going to the World Cup of show jumping and dressage in Las Vegas in a few weeks and would love to do some pictures. It will be indoors, and probably fast action, hence I need something for low light. And finances are an issue. I currently have the 18-55 and 55-300 kit lenses.

What lens do you recommend? I am wondering about an 50 mm f1.8, but wonder how it is on a DX? Is there something better, but not out of the question financially, for this purpose. Or is this the best idea?

I don't know if this applies to all Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 lenses, but the one I have apparently works on DX and FX bodies. So, if you decided to go full frame in the future, there's your first lens.
Also, on a DX camera the 50mm approximates a 75mm lens.
Lastly, the Nikkor 50mm lens is a pretty sharp lens at an affordable price.
My apologies. I thought you were asking about getting a 50mm. Reread your original post and now see that you're asking about the 50mm for a show jumping event.

In that case, go with the 55-300mm and bring a monopod.
Sorry.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

You could also put a kenko or tamron 1.4X teleconverter with the 50mm for a 70mm f2.5 - or a 2X for a 100mm 3.5.......

Kevin.M Loc: Forked River, NJ

I would rent a Nikon 70-200 r11.

coj Loc: NJ, USA

Do you know how close you will be to the horses you want to shoot? This is important, because if you are not really close a short lens will make your subjects look like miniatures. A zoom may be in order. Maybe you can rent a real nice one, because a good quality zoom is fairly pricey.

DWilling

We will have reserved seats in about the middle of the rows/bleachers(?). I don't know what the setup will be but can't go down to the rail. My concerns are inside so not great light, some distance, and mostly moving horses. That'swhy I am wondering about an F-1.8 or 1.4. I am assuming that the lower f-stop will allow for faster shutter, but maybe I am wrong here.

Thank you all for your suggestions.

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

if you are shooting down from the bleachers, that 50mm will be to short.
My go to would then be a rented 70-200/2.8

coj Loc: NJ, USA

In that case you definitely need a zoom lens. Try renting one that is at least 200 - 300mm. Or you can buy a Nikon 18-300mm for aroud $1000, or a tamron that reaches 600mm for around the same price. But, that's a lot of cash for a single photo shoot. On the upside, you will have a great lens if you buy one, which is what we all want here, that is, great lenses.

sloscheider Loc: Minnesota

You can get an older 80-200 2.8 for about $600. They don't have focus motors in them but your camera does so you're in good shape.

mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA

Check these out. You will need a zoom and as low an aperture as possible. If budget is a concern and it's a one time shoot, great option without heavy investment. You will get an effective reach of 300mm on D7100. Use a monopod for more stability.

http://www.lensrentals.com/rent/nikon/lenses/telephoto/tamron-70-200mm-f2.8-sp-di-vc-usd-for-nikon

PhotoKenetic

For something light, fast, very sharp and inexpensive, I would vote for Nikon's 35mm f/1.8. On the crop-sensor it is pretty close to a lens with a "normal" field of view. It is about $200 new.