I'm looking for a new zoom lens to use for my sons sporting events (baseball, basketball, wrestling). I know this lens is good for close ups of things like flowers and insects, but would it also work for my purpose? If not, do you have any suggestions...
2034642
I would not use my 85mm for sporting events, I would use my AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED. And use the sports mode on the dial. I am not a pro though.
1476725
I'm using this lens for long range stills... like a shot of a full moon I have it mounted on a Nikon D3100 with a doubler 2X making it a 1000mm Zoom lens. The first thing I noticed was that I couldn't hold it still enough to take a picture without some sort of stabilizer (recommend a tripod), the second thing is the light was really low, which for my purpose was perfect. I haven't tried it for any moving objects.
1763823
This is a good quality lens for the price, but what you have to take into consideration is the distance you are shooting. To get true 1:1 you need to get very close with this lens (Use a filter to not mark the lens, yes that close.). For the flowers it will probably work great, but if you want to do the eyes of an insect it might not be the best choice look at a 105 or a 150 macro. Still I really like it both as a "normal" lens and as a macro for flowers.
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
1652038
With out question this is a great lenses for portraits and close ups. For portraits that are razor sharp of your subject with booka in the background this your lense. For closeups of jewelry, and any small objects this lense excels. Also, the price is good too. Hope this helps. JRA
1241574
I do not if this will help you. I use it for portraits, sports and landscapes. I did not have any problems with it. I use it sometimes with my outside toddler portraits. It is not my main lens for portraits. I usually use my 50mm or 28-135mm.
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.
692356
I find it useful for when you need to be close up to someone. Its a fairly fast lens. Interviews would work well, but if you're doing anything landscape I recommend getting a 50 if since you have a cropped camera. Having both the 50 and the 24 is also convenient. (I just finished a documentary) Have fun and good luck :)
812301
Its an excellent lens which works very well in low light. I have not used it for indoor sports shooting though. The IS is great for things that don't move much but won't help freeze the action at all. An f2.8 zoom would be much better than a kit lens.You might also want to consider a fast prime lens like the 50mm f1.8 or 50mm f1.4 or perhaps a 30mm fast prime. These will buy you an extra two stops at a much lower price.
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.
224454
this camera is GREAT for any and everything!! i've taken some great sports pictures with the lens it came with, but i'm sure it would be even better with a special lens. also, it really depends on the amount of light; if there's lots of light, no problem!! it's trickier the less light there is. the camera is amazing. i couldn't be happier with it in any way!! good luck!!
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.
1763824
With flowers it will work very well, with insects you may want a macro a bit longer. As for quality it is superb, but like all lenses one must use sense. There is no such thing as a one does everything lens.
623354
Since this lens only provides for manual focus, it would be nearly impossible to use this successfully in any sports/action situation. The lack of autofocus capability is what makes this lens as inexpensive as it is. This lens is most appropriate for night sky photography due to its good optics and fast (f/2.0) lens.
2131313
I bought this lens just for that purpose. Takes excellent photos, even with the 2x converter. That is the setup I use with my Nikon D7000 for my Son's lacrosse games. Obviously does very well on sunny days. No regrets!
881594
I would say there is probably too much zoom if you wanted to used it exclusively for football. My uncle uses canon image stabilized binos for football games which might be easier to use depending on where you sit. I do loves these binos and would purchase them again in a second.
2060161
I have not tried it on a sports event yet but it will probably struggle in keeping with the fast action. Auto focus is 'adequate' and not pro-level. I will update this answer when i have the chance to use/test it for that. I can tell you in a moving (freeway speeds)car, shooting at mountains, trees or landscapes, it is fast and accurate.