Looking for a lens that will capture my boys football &amp; rugby at about 30yds+, outdoors. Is this the lens for that purpose? I own a D3200. Thanks.
878159
Sorry, it should be no. 800mm is too much zoom and the f/8.0 aperture is not fast enough. Also this is a MANUAL focus lens. For fast action/sports you would want an Auto Focus lens, probably 70-200mm and something wider than f/8.0.
984156
I am mostly using this lens for outdoors pictures (landscapes) on a Nikon D7000, since almost 6 months. I have taken a thousands pictures. Image quality has been so far most of time superb with my D7000. For sure, this lens are perfect choice for D7100 as well ... but don't expect the same performance of a Nikkor 17-35 2.8 or a Nikkor 14-24 2.8. You get what you pay for.
1669170
I shoot a canon mark III, and a very heavy, canon 300mm. It works like a dream. I shot sports and have to roam around a lot!
941929
They make a Nikon version..a number of people have commented on low speed for sports. Most. Lens of this focal length have similar F-stop range
98305
I do not know about sports, but have taken wildlife moving and it has done well. Best reviews and info can be found here: http://www.dpreview.com/products/pentax/lenses/pentax_smc_da_55-300_4-5p8/user-reviews
2058092
I am using this lens primarily for sports - synchronized swimming. So far only outdoors (wish you would ask it a few months out -the indoor meet is coming up then). It is a beautiful lens for landscaping or nature shots, but so far i cannot say i am 100% satisfied with it for sports. Based on what i see, i can imagine it might be problematic with low-light conditions and sports as even outdoors it still hunts that focus point. But off course reflections can be the cause, at least for me. It probably as good as we can go at this price point, but definitely do not expect flawless photos. As to comparing it against Tamron - sorry, no experience there. I am using this lens primarily for sports - synchronized swimming. So far only outdoors (wish you would ask it a few months out -the indoor meet is coming up then). It is a beautiful lens for landscaping or nature shots, but so far i cannot say i am 100% satisfied with it for sports. Based on what i see, i can imagine it might be problematic with low-light conditions and sports as even outdoors it still hunts that focus point. But off course reflections can be the cause, at least for me. It probably as good as we can go at this price point, but definitely do not expect flawless photos. As... » Read More I am using this lens primarily for sports - synchronized swimming. So far only outdoors (wish you would ask it a few months out -the indoor meet is coming up then). It is a beautiful lens for landscaping or nature shots, but so far i cannot say i am 100% satisfied with it for sports. Based on what i see, i can imagine it might be problematic with low-light conditions and sports as even outdoors it still hunts that focus point. But off course reflections can be the cause, at least for me. It probably as good as we can go at this price point, but definitely do not expect flawless photos. As to comparing it against Tamron - sorry, no experience there. « Show Less
547719
This is a lens for outdoors in good light. It won't work in low light. Get a lens with a lot f stop to do low light photography. Eg 20mm 1.7f
725618
I use mine mostly outdoors at Motocross races and sporting events, I love it for the price. If doing large groups then you will definitely need a back up lens for that. I have had mine for about a year now and its still working great!
1770836
I have not taken any macro photos with this lens. For me, it is basically a zoom telephoto lens and will not focus well on close-up items. When I have attempted to use it for close-ups, it continues to cycle and will not focus properly. As a telephoto zoom, it is great for sports photos and brings in long distance subjects clearly. I am sure there are other lenses that are better designed for macro use. John Craighill
52953
I need help deciding on a new lens for my Canon XSi. I have the 18-55mm that came with it and also a Sigma 100-300. I use the camera for high school sports and need something that gets good close up pictures when I'm not close.ThanksCR
1759798
I dont know about "ideal" for sports in any sense. Sure, it's a great lens but for sports you'd be better off with the flexibility of the 70-200 IS Mk II. If your game is landscape... This is also not your lens, as 135mm is just far too long a focal length for probably 90% of lanscape applications. You want the 16-35 F4 L for that. Now.... If you want the best lens ever made for portraiture.... Trade money for this lens immediately. I own all the lenses Ive mentioned. Perhaps tell me more about what you're really looking to do with this lens and I'll be happy to offer suggestions. To be clear this is a jaw dropping amazing piece of glass.... im just concerned it may not be what you need based on the question you asked
623350
It all depends on what shots you are wanting to get. If you want clear wide-angle shots of sports then this lens is for you. However, the drawback is you can't get in very close (hence 16mm). If you are wanting more close-up isolated shots of your subject, a telephoto zoom with a large aperture would be preferable. With this lens, you would only have the option of wide-angle shots at 16mm.
518863
I have this lens, I used it for several months before upgrading to the 75-300 IS USM. If you don't want blurry pictures then you will have to spend the money on better tools. I take a lot of bird pictures and was able to track them using the non IS lens but it was very difficult and unless the pools where the competitions are held are in bright light you won't get sharp pictures. I did try using this one at our dance hall, (poor light for pictures) I eventually had to go to a 50 mm 1.4 that does great in low light. You wanting telephoto though, for the money the 75-300 IS at about $450 was the way that I decided to go and I really like what I get now. I have had my t2i for nearly two and a half years. Hope this helps you a little bit. If you want to see a few of my shots with the IS lens. My flickr page is lightninrod49.
1089498
I have used this camera for shooting my little brother's basketball games. It has done the job pretty well. It has the shutter speed to take clear, crisp pictures, even during quick basketball games. The camera also has a sports setting designed to shoot multiple successive pictures while holding your finger down. All-in-all, it's done the job for me nicely. That being said, I have not used a telephoto lens yet because I haven't been that far away from the action. It's my next goal. Hope this helped a little bit!
1547551
This lens is not a sports lens. You'll be too far from any action to even when cropped. The 70-200 f2.8 is one of the best sport lenses for up close. If you want even closer I'd recommend buying the 300mm or 400mm but its might be easier to buy a tube extender that will increase the range of your lens. This lens is great for landscape, portraits, and Weddings.
795051
great lens for sports. Your a little slow with the f/4 but just increase your iso or lower your shutter speed a bit and youll be fine. It might be a bit short for professional sports.
1547553
I don't take a lot of sports photos but I find that on my 40D it focuses quickly and produces sharp images. With the wide aperture, you should be able to use a faster shutter speed, which would help stop the action. So I would think this would be a good lens for sports if you were close. If not, then your 70-200 mm would be better.