Telephoto lens on a budget? Is there such a thing?

[peety3]

IS is essential and indispensable. I would suggest the 70-200 f/4 IS but it's $1k.

I disagree. At the shutter speeds necessary for sports, and at the focal lengths being discussed, IS isn't going to correct any blur-inducing shake or minimize any mirror slap.


If zoom is TRULY essential, 70-200/4. Otherwise, 85/1.8 and crop as needed, and add additional focal lengths in the future.

[LeTiger]

IS is essential and indispensable. I would suggest the 70-200 f/4 IS but it's $1k.

I disagree. At the shutter speeds necessary for sports, and at the focal lengths being discussed, IS isn't going to correct any blur-inducing shake or minimize any mirror slap.


If zoom is TRULY essential, 70-200/4. Otherwise, 85/1.8 and crop as needed, and add additional focal lengths in the future.

- Seconded:


I've got plenty of "keepers" indoor with the F4 70-200 non-IS, and although it is better suited to outdoor shooting with lots of light, it can definitely get the job done with some good timing and ISO hassle (1/160/200/320) handheld ISO 1600, and just wait for the subject to reach a point of lesser motion then snap the shot)


Good examples of where this has worked for me would be top of the toss (cheerleading), basketball dribble stopped in hand at apex of bounce, etc...


Will you have a high rate of keepers? -no...... Will you be able to get acceptable results for the circumstances... probably.


And for $500, I find it hard to argue with the quality of a used 70-200 F4 L...


Some dark lighting examples:http://www.flickr.com/photos/letiger/1832794227/meta/


http://www.flickr.com/photos/letiger/2209039824/meta/


http://www.flickr.com/photos/letiger/2261214427/meta/