How does this lens do for shooting sporting events? I would be using on a Pentax K30.
1292638
I don't shoot sporting events, but I would think you would need a longer lens. I am not crazy about this lens because of chromatic aberration.
1292639
While this is an excellent all around lens, it is, in my opinion, too short for sports.
1292640
Too short a tele range for sports I would say. I use it for a walk around/travel lens. Weather resistant, good image quality, light.
2176752
POTN is the best Canon-centric (sortof!) site on the internet! Great post, Norman!Oh, and I took a ton of shots with the 70-200mm f/4L (non-IS) lens and my 40D at a friend's kid's football game. You can see one of them here: http://kalla.net/POTN/_MG_0938-Edit.jpgIt was my first attempt at a sporting event, so my composition left something to be desired, but you can't fault the quality of the lens!
736776
I do not own this lens anymore do to the fact that I started shooting indoor events. I loved the lens but with a 4 aperture it doesn't take in enough light. I would recommend the 2.8 version of this lens or a prime lens for your needs. You will be able to keep your shutter speeds up and ISP down.
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
1270623
Hi, before buying this 55-200 I would rent the lens and try. After checking if this is enough for softball games, I would decide what to buy.You might be able to find similar prices for the 100-300mm as well.
446211
NOOOOOOOOOOO . First, you typically don't want a prime lens for sports unless your part of s team of shooters. Second, you definitely don't want s manual focus lens. You will hate life only minutes into the game because you're teying to manually focus on fast moving action. Sure that's how they used to do it back in the day, but unless you have a LOT of practice manually focusing (and even still...) this won't satisfy your sports photogrsphy.
1044865
It's quite fast - worked well for us for our kid's basketball games (amateur), but I'd suspect would probably need something better for professional/high-end sports enthusiasts. The lens pack is well-worth the options; however again they are "starter" lenses - not high-ends/super-pro type lenses.
767674
Oh, and the larger aperture allows you to play with depth of field and shoot in low light conditions without having to crank up the ISO and the associated noise. It's really nice for portraits. If you are looking for top quality in a "normal" lens(like a 50mm was in film formats) you can pay alot for the great Pentax 31mm or (right now) about the same as the 50mm for a DA 35mm that is still a very nice lens. BTW: Pentax is planning on putting out an "improved" series of fixed lenses at a higher price so you might want to take advantage of the clearance sales now.
1967898
medal, this is really nice if you do events and don't want to hold the camera the entire time. i used it yesterday for two basketball games, of course i never sit down but it's easy to move with it on the sidelines. I have a 40d Canon which with longer lens is heavy.
827152
I don't have the 35mm 2.4 but I do have the 35mm 2.8 macro which I like very much (though the price difference is considerable). The 50mm is an excellent lens and is one of the first ones I grab when I go shooting. I will say though neither the 50mm or 35mm are good for sporting events of any kind. You really can't get the distance shots with either so you might want to reconsider using them for those purposes. The 50mm and 35mm are good for family photos, street photography and candid portraits. I hope that helps.
370470
I haven't tried it on sporting events so can't really comment but I would be concerned about the speed resulting in blurred shots.
691052
I am alos looking to buy a rebel xti and want to photograph my son playing sports. What lens did you buy for sporting events?
827133
It's a good lens for my needs. I have found the 18-300mm type lenses just don't do all that well, I think too much range to cover but this does well and being a f/2.8 it's better for darker shots. Heavier than a kit lens but worth it in my opinion.
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!
2064344
Thanks for your reply. I need a good lens to photograph swim meets and football, both for children. Maybe I should consider the 70-300. I want sharp pictures.
1945787
I used this lens for evening HS football games with a D800E. I did use with a monopod, and ran higher ISOs to keep the shutter speed as hi as possible.
1878420
Currently use this lens on both my K7 Pentax cameras. It has become my all around - carry one lens option. Very pleased with its output.