Nikon 300mm 2.8: Looking at Nikon 300mm 2.8 lenses. I have a D750 and D7200. Anyone using the older AF model for sports ? Would the older AF models auto focus fast enough for night...

dannac Loc: 60 miles SW of New Orleans

Looking at Nikon 300mm 2.8 lenses.

I have a D750 and D7200.

Anyone using the older AF model for sports ?

Would the older AF models auto focus fast enough for night football ?

vino2nite Loc: Bluffton, SC

I have an older AF model and it's been pretty good depending on the quality of the lights on the field. Bump up the ISO and keep fairly tight photos and you should be pleased with the results. The other option is to shoot manual focus, but be prepared to adjust and fire. I bought my Nikon 4 years ago with case and 1.4X teleconverter for $700 and love it.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

I have an older Nikon 300/2.8 AF-S and it is a fine lens for sports. When I can, I now prefer to use the newer 300/4 PF lens due to the weight savings, better high ISOs available on the new bodies and the fact that it's much easier to handhold. Love that new lens!

vino2nite Loc: Bluffton, SC

Either lens, you're going to be using a tripod (landscape) or monopod (sports). I do handhold occasionally for some impromptu shots.

dannac Loc: 60 miles SW of New Orleans

vino2nite wrote:

I have an older AF model and it's been pretty good depending on the quality of the lights on the field. Bump up the ISO and keep fairly tight photos and you should be pleased with the results. The other option is to shoot manual focus, but be prepared to adjust and fire. I bought my Nikon 4 years ago with case and 1.4X teleconverter for $700 and love it.

Thanks for the reply.

What body do you use with your AF model lens ?

dannac Loc: 60 miles SW of New Orleans

cjc2 wrote:

I have an older Nikon 300/2.8 AF-S and it is a fine lens for sports.

Thanks for the reply.

I realize the AF-S is a little newer and faster ... but more than I wanted to spend.

Was hoping my D750 or D7200, being fairly new,
would be good enough to auto focus the old AF lens ... if that lens is in descent shape.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

dannac wrote:

Thanks for the reply.

I realize the AF-S is a little newer and faster ... but more than I wanted to spend.

Was hoping my D750 or D7200, being fairly new,
would be good enough to auto focus the old AF lens ... if that lens is in descent shape.

There is no reason why it wouldn't. Both bodies have built-in focusing motors for the older lenses, although newer lenses, with an internal motor, will focus faster. Bear in mind that one day, years and years ago, sports were photographed with Manual Focus lenses. I just wish I was as good as those guys/gals!

vino2nite Loc: Bluffton, SC

D3 Especially at night.

And... D300 for the extra natural reach during the daytime.

dannac Loc: 60 miles SW of New Orleans

cjc2 wrote:

There is no reason why it wouldn't. Both bodies have built-in focusing motors for the older lenses, although newer lenses, with an internal motor, will focus faster. Bear in mind that one day, years and years ago, sports were photographed with Manual Focus lenses. I just wish I was as good as those guys/gals!

I've only been at it a couple of years now ... can't imagine trying to shoot most sports without auto focus.

Thanks for the reply and feedback.

dannac Loc: 60 miles SW of New Orleans

vino2nite wrote:

D3 Especially at night.

And... D300 for the extra natural reach during the daytime.

Thank you !