Please tell me if this lens is a good option for indoor (low light) sports. I am considering this one vs the Tamron 70-200 f2.8. please compare the lenses if you can. Thanks in advance!
2058086
I have the Pentax lens and absolutely love it. I do not have, nor have never used, the Tamron lens. However, Pentax forums has some very good reviews of it (http://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/tamron-70-200mm-f2-8-di-ld-macro.html). You might want to ensure that's the exact lens you are looking to buy.You lose one stop with the Pentax. Depending on the camera you have, that may be a big deal. I've found I can use the 60-250 with a TC in bright light without problems (it's a 5.6 lens when the TC is used with it) for action photography. I use mine for wildlife and sports photography (outdoor mainly) and it does everything I need. I have the Pentax lens and absolutely love it. I do not have, nor have never used, the Tamron lens. However, Pentax forums has some very good reviews of it (http://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/tamron-70-200mm-f2-8-di-ld-macro.html). You might want to ensure that's the exact lens you are looking to buy.You lose one stop with the Pentax. Depending on the camera you have, that may be a big deal. I've found I can use the 60-250 with a TC in bright light without problems (it's a 5.6 lens when the TC is used with it) for action photography. I use mine for wildlife and sports... » Read More I have the Pentax lens and absolutely love it. I do not have, nor have never used, the Tamron lens. However, Pentax forums has some very good reviews of it (http://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/tamron-70-200mm-f2-8-di-ld-macro.html). You might want to ensure that's the exact lens you are looking to buy.You lose one stop with the Pentax. Depending on the camera you have, that may be a big deal. I've found I can use the 60-250 with a TC in bright light without problems (it's a 5.6 lens when the TC is used with it) for action photography. I use mine for wildlife and sports photography (outdoor mainly) and it does everything I need. « Show Less
2058087
The Tamron lens is faster so may be better in low light situations and stopping fast action sports. It is only 1 full stop faster so this may not make much difference except in certain situations. However I'm pretty sure that Tamron does NOT make this lens with a Pentax mount so if you have a Pentax camera it won't work. The sharpness and overall quality of the Pentax lens is considerably better than the Tamron. That's why it costs nearly twice as much. I recommend that you read Bryan Peterson's book Understanding Exposure to help you with many photography questions. Hope this helps
2058088
It is a lovely lens, but I cannot see it (or any lens) doing really well with low light and fast action. I use it for landscape photography, where things kindly hold still.
2058089
The quality of the 60-250 is stellar but low light sports is not it's best use. If the Tamron has excellant optics, the f2.8 should be better for your needs. Check The lens reviews to see how the Tamron performs wide open. DXO Mark is informative.
2058090
My mistake, Amazon does list the Tamron 70-200 lens for Pentax. The Tamron website lists only Canon, Nikon and Sony mounts.
2058091
I cannot honestly answer this question. I bought the lens for outdoors, shooting airplanes, ships, trains, wildlife and scenery in daylight - usually at ISO 200 or perhaps ISO 400.The image quality is simply outstanding - with impeccable colors, great sharpness and resolution, contrast, and no trace of CA. Focusing is fast and quiet (on my K-7).There is not way for me to compare with the Tamron...
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
2058093
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.
2058094
Hi There! Sorry, but I haven't used this lens indoors and I am new to photography. I bought this lens for my trip to Africa and for my daughter's outdoor sports. I live in the Pacific NW where it rains often so that's the main reason I bought this lens is because of the weather proofing. So far I have been extremely happy with it's performance. I shoot with with the K5 IIS. Sorry I can't really comment on the numbers or stats of my pictures. All I know is the pictures I've taken have been pretty amazing. Cheers!
1150470
I'll second that, I use the Canon 85mm 1.8 for indoor basketball on my 1d mkiii. Ihave the 85L but that is too slow in focusing. That is my primary portrait lensindoor basketball go for the 85 1.8, about $350 used
1364459
This lens is perfect for outdoor but for low light indoor will not be good. I bought me a 70-200 f2.8 lens that will work with the right settings.
1787338
Any thoughts for general / home photography? I have a Digital Rebel XSI and recently bought the 70-200 mm F2.8 IS version mainly to photograph school events without the annoying flash, and take closeups of my rapidly-growing kids. I have been going back and forth between the two lenses (24-70 F2.8 vs. 24-105 F4.0 IS) but my instinct is that F2.8 is much better than F 4 even with IS. Any guidance appreciated from a professional.
1526808
Have not tried the tamron the cannon 24-70 2.8L II . Is a a purchase I'll never regret. It holds up against my friends zeiss primes plus blazing fast auto focus
2256205
I use it on the North Shore of O'ahu for surfing pics. It is perhaps the most widely used lens there. Works great in sunny conditions, but tends to struggle when it's overcast as it is only an F5.6. If you plan on using it for indoor sports, it is not "good". It is OK at best.
736775
The 70-200 f4 IS can used in lowlight situations if you have the right camera. Indoor situations with this lens require high ISOs in the range of 800-3200 to get decent fast enough shutter speeds to prevent subject blur. Camera shake blur is handled pretty well by the lens image stabilization when handheld but care must be taken to keep camera as still as possible when zoomed in. This lens has worked well for me in concert band situations with low light even using the Rebel XSi cameras max ISO of 1600. This lens begins to fall down if you try and use it for indoor sports action.
98308
This lens is not great for sports, although it would be OK if you push your iso up. It just doesn't focus terribly fast and is a "slow" lens. That is to say that at the long end, the aperture only opens to f5.6 and your shutter speed will tend to be slower as a result. Out doors, in good light it would be OK. I am not sure about the second part of your question. You can use it at any distance, but obviously the farther you stand from your subject, the smaller they will be.
170019
Jason, I am a newbie to taking pictures using anything other than a point and shoot!! But, I love this lens. I used it last night for my grandchildren's Christmas program at church. The church was dimly lit with the stage lit. I used no flash with it set on night scene. The pictures are great, even for an amateur like me. As far as the motor, all I know is that I just screw it on the body and start taking pictures. I love the range of the zoom. I could zoom out and get the entire group or in and get my precious ones. I would buy it again with no hesitation. It is much lighter than my Tamron low light lens, so if either will work for the situation, I choose this lens. Jason, I am a newbie to taking pictures using anything other than a point and shoot!! But, I love this lens. I used it last night for my grandchildren's Christmas program at church. The church was dimly lit with the stage lit. I used no flash with it set on night scene. The pictures are great, even for an amateur like me. As far as the motor, all I know is that I just screw it on the body and start taking pictures. I love the range of the zoom. I could zoom out and get the entire group or in and get my precious ones. I would buy it again with no hesitation. It is much lighter than my Tamron... » Read More Jason, I am a newbie to taking pictures using anything other than a point and shoot!! But, I love this lens. I used it last night for my grandchildren's Christmas program at church. The church was dimly lit with the stage lit. I used no flash with it set on night scene. The pictures are great, even for an amateur like me. As far as the motor, all I know is that I just screw it on the body and start taking pictures. I love the range of the zoom. I could zoom out and get the entire group or in and get my precious ones. I would buy it again with no hesitation. It is much lighter than my Tamron low light lens, so if either will work for the situation, I choose this lens. « Show Less
1372697
Dennis, It depends on what you deem effective. � I've shot mine wide open at f/4 but it may be a little soft in the corners for your liking, doesn't bug me. As long as you have plenty of light f/5.6 is pretty amazing with your subject at about 40-60 feet. f/8 is great as long as you have either the sun or if you don't mind pushing the ISO to keep you shutter speed above at least 1.5x the focal length. I find 1/500th-1/800th ish is plenty, and I don't have the hands of a surgeon by any means. Some of my sharpest images have come from this lens.On Full Frame I use it with the Tamron 1.4x TC to achieve the length you have already with the D7100 beinng DX. Dennis, It depends on what you deem effective. � I've shot mine wide open at f/4 but it may be a little soft in the corners for your liking, doesn't bug me. As long as you have plenty of light f/5.6 is pretty amazing with your subject at about 40-60 feet. f/8 is great as long as you have either the sun or if you don't mind pushing the ISO to keep you shutter speed above at least 1.5x the focal length. I find 1/500th-1/800th ish is plenty, and I don't have the hands of a surgeon by any means. Some of my sharpest images have come from this lens.On Full Frame I... » Read More Dennis, It depends on what you deem effective. � I've shot mine wide open at f/4 but it may be a little soft in the corners for your liking, doesn't bug me. As long as you have plenty of light f/5.6 is pretty amazing with your subject at about 40-60 feet. f/8 is great as long as you have either the sun or if you don't mind pushing the ISO to keep you shutter speed above at least 1.5x the focal length. I find 1/500th-1/800th ish is plenty, and I don't have the hands of a surgeon by any means. Some of my sharpest images have come from this lens.On Full Frame I use it with the Tamron 1.4x TC to achieve the length you have already with the D7100 beinng DX. « Show Less
352468
For indoor go with the fast glass. On a DX sensor the 17-50mm is perfect. Tamron for the money is half the price of the equivalent Nikkor. Also the Tamron produces nice bokeh for portrait work.
1276663
I've been using the 14-24mm f2.8 for a year now. Tack sharp! No lens creep. I was worried about no filters to protect glass also. Built in lens hood protects front element well enough. Lens cap fits OVER hood when not in use. I am comfortable with that. No VR doesn't seem to be an issue, as a lot of light comes through the glass and allows higher shutter speeds I feel. I generally shoot with a standard ISO of 400 to kick it up the speed a bit. Great lens. I also use the 24-70mm and 70-200mm lenses, both at f2.8 as well. Throw any pic from these three lenses on you monitor and you could cut yourself on the sharpness. LOL. I've been using the 14-24mm f2.8 for a year now. Tack sharp! No lens creep. I was worried about no filters to protect glass also. Built in lens hood protects front element well enough. Lens cap fits OVER hood when not in use. I am comfortable with that. No VR doesn't seem to be an issue, as a lot of light comes through the glass and allows higher shutter speeds I feel. I generally shoot with a standard ISO of 400 to kick it up the speed a bit. Great lens. I also use the 24-70mm and 70-200mm lenses, both at f2.8 as well. Throw any pic from these three lenses on you monitor and you could cut... » Read More I've been using the 14-24mm f2.8 for a year now. Tack sharp! No lens creep. I was worried about no filters to protect glass also. Built in lens hood protects front element well enough. Lens cap fits OVER hood when not in use. I am comfortable with that. No VR doesn't seem to be an issue, as a lot of light comes through the glass and allows higher shutter speeds I feel. I generally shoot with a standard ISO of 400 to kick it up the speed a bit. Great lens. I also use the 24-70mm and 70-200mm lenses, both at f2.8 as well. Throw any pic from these three lenses on you monitor and you could cut yourself on the sharpness. LOL. « Show Less
1825169
I agree as well with the others. I own the Tamron and love the lens. Very sharp and works great for general use but the 50 I have heard is a great lens. If you don't mind using your feet instead of a zoom you should be good starting with the prime.
1611417
I've owned this lens for a couple of years now... And honestly I would've liked to save up for the IS.. No mistake it is an excellent lens for no motion images.. Things get blurry when capturing movement in low light.Thinking on selling it as soon as I save up for the IS version
1028371
This is a great lens, but sports is not really it's thing. Out it might do alright. Sigma has always been the winner for sports, either the 50-150 2.8 or the 70-200 2.8. Don't just take my word for it. Look at the Pentax forums website under the tab lens database. Real helpful reviews.
1463261
Did you ever get a lens? I'm making the same decision now. If so, what did you buy? Are you happy with your decision? Is there anything else you would add that would help me make a decision. Thanks!
795054
This lens is great for bright daylight sport photography. Although it is a constant aperture F4 lens, it may not be fast enough (i.e. collect enough light to keep your shutter speed high) to be able to stop sports motion. Also the image stabilizer will not help you to stop motion, it is only designed to prevent camera shake which it does well. Keep in mind the other comparable lens is the significantly more expensive EF 70-200 2.8L but it is 1 stop faster (i.e. doubles your shutter speed or you can lower your ISO). So it is possible to take good sports photography with this lens but you'll need to crank up your ISO but 1 stop more than you normally would with a F2.8 lens. This is especially true with the newer camera sensors where you can crank up the ISO without much of a noise penalty.