Best Lens

[Kevin C. Haggard]

I have a Canon 30D, and am starting to get quite a few jobs for a local newspaper shooting High School Sports. I am wanting to know, what would be the best Lens to use for shooting Sports?

[Michael Lyons]

70-200 2.8

[thelegend1472]

with the IS.

[L Stegall]

The 70-200 f/2.8 IS is a great choice for high school sports.

[srwatters]

Originally Posted by thelegend1472

with the IS.

Does IS help more with sports than the Nikon VR?

From what I understand, IS and VR are more for static subjects than moving ones.

Educate me...

[Wes]

I'll echo the others: 70-200 f/2.8. Use it wide open so that you can get the fastest shutter possible, plus to separate your subject from the background.

Scott - you know more about Nikon lenses that I'll ever know, but I'm guessing that VR/IS isn't really a factor at fast shutter speeds. However, if I were going to recommend something in the 70-200 range I would always suggest stabilization. I think it just makes for a more completely rounded lens.

[darktiger]

70-200 2.8 IS or without IS are both good lens...

[zepp]

Originally Posted by srwatters

Does IS help more with sports than the Nikon VR?

From what I understand, IS and VR are more for static subjects than moving ones.

Educate me...

Yes, IS is killer when taking sideline or dugout face shot pictures of athletes with the 400mm f/2.8 alone or with 1.4X converter. I leave mine configured where I engage IS via one of multiple switches at the end of the barrel of the lens.

It's a very handy feature to have even in a sports shooting environment.

[RandySmith]

Kevin,

Either of the 70-200mm lenses will provide you with a good range to cover HS sports. I've used it a lot. However, do consider getting a 50mm f1.4 as well. That lens lives on my camera during volleyball, basketball season. I do switch out occasionally with the zoom, however, under the basket and close to the VB net, I prefer the 50mm.

Randy

[Kevin C. Haggard]

Everything sound Great!! I will take all this into concideration. Now to find one of the Lenses at a Reasonable Price. Either Used or New.

Any Suggestions?

[Wil_Bloodworth]

IS/VR works (very well) for both static and moving subject. The 'active' switch (on the Nikons) is for panning from R/L or L/R or for when you're in a moving vehicle (such as a boat). I think Canon labels their switch "Panning"? I don't own one of those so I'm not sure.

- Wil

[Daniel Bates]

Ditto the 70-200 f/2.8L IS (or non-IS if you need to save some money). A 300/2.8 and 400/2.8 would also be great sports lenses, depending on your budget.

[zepp]

Originally Posted by ParkImaging

-snip- I think Canon labels their switch "Panning"? I don't own one of those so I'm not sure.- Wil

Canon labels their IS modes 1 and 2.

1 is for static subjects and 2 is for panning.

[Kevin C. Haggard]

Originally Posted by Daniel Bates

Ditto the 70-200 f/2.8L IS (or non-IS if you need to save some money). A 300/2.8 and 400/2.8 would also be great sports lenses, depending on your budget.

So What kind of Price Ranges am I looking at???

[Jay Henley]

B&H

and the 300 here