Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM Telephoto for Hoops and Golf? Would it be good for golf swings as well as shot's of the Golf Course?
358880
I rented this lense to use with my Canon 350D. Shooting a 3rd grade basketball game at 1/250 sec,f2.8, ISO 1600 pics were a little grainy. Shooting at 1/200 sec,f2.8,ISO 800 pics were sharp but a few were just a little under exposed. I am going to buy this lense.
345123
I had trouble getting a clear focus at the 12+ power range even though I had it on a tripod. I was watching a golf tournament about 250 yards away. I would say no.
1708245
Never tried it but, I have shot with a 70-200 F2.8. My guess is that it will probably not fit, especially if fitted with a full frame pro body. I think a Flipside Sport might work better with that lens.
1125761
It's an amazing wedding lens but not necessarily the best since that can depend on many factors. If you're looking for a long focal length like this then it's hard to beat the price and weight. But if you're willing to lug around some more heft the 70-200 2.8 with IS is a great wedding lens and versatile. I used my 135 exclusively at a wedding a few weekends ago and the photos came out tremendously but the long focal length meant I did miss some shots
1736483
It's worth every penny, especially if you take portrait shots. I do not have the 18-200, but I have the 16-85 VRII. While the 16-85 is a great lens for outdoor shots, landscape and group photos, the quality of portrait I get from the 85 1.8 (or any prime lens for that matter) is way above any all around zoom. Most pictures I take with this lens are worth keeping.
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.
2188489
I have not used my lense for sports yet but have gotten some really good pictures of the moon. Distance is really good. I shoot in manual mode.
501122
Thanks for the feedback. I ended up getting the Canon 17-55/2.8IS. It was more expensive, but I had come across some extra money. I've had that lens for several month now and it's awesome. The zoom range is excellent, it's great having f2.8 through the whole range, and the IS adds probably at least 3 stops. It's very sharp when I do my part, especially when it's stopped down a couple clicks. I would still love to get a lens like I described in my OP, but I'm looking at a wide angle zoom and a better telephoto lens before that one.
1736484
I have both the 18-200 and the 85 mm f/1.8 among others. These two are the lenses I most use (I photograph people and places). The 85 mm is great for head shots, particularly indoors without flash. If $450 is a reach, try eBay where you'll see lots of them.
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.
1294151
I had problems steadying the camera and this lens. It worked great on a tripod but my application was taking pictures at high school football games and marching band competions. I ended up returning it and purchasing the Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens. The image stabilization on the zoom lens made a big difference for me.
1187804
First off, I'm not an expert or professional photographer and I normally take panoramic views. With that said, I've taken a few shots around the airport of planes coming in to land, and it really does the job. I guess that for sport events like basketball, and with the standard lens, your going to be just fine. If you're into fast pace sports like biking or skate boarding, I would actually recommend something with a viewfinder. I hope this helps.P.S.If you decide to buy this model, get the 200 mm telephoto lens and the DSTE Kit 2pcs BP-1030 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery + Charger. They are worth it! First off, I'm not an expert or professional photographer and I normally take panoramic views. With that said, I've taken a few shots around the airport of planes coming in to land, and it really does the job. I guess that for sport events like basketball, and with the standard lens, your going to be just fine. If you're into fast pace sports like biking or skate boarding, I would actually recommend something with a viewfinder. I hope this helps.P.S.If you decide to buy this model, get the 200 mm telephoto lens and the DSTE Kit 2pcs BP-1030 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery +... » Read More First off, I'm not an expert or professional photographer and I normally take panoramic views. With that said, I've taken a few shots around the airport of planes coming in to land, and it really does the job. I guess that for sport events like basketball, and with the standard lens, your going to be just fine. If you're into fast pace sports like biking or skate boarding, I would actually recommend something with a viewfinder. I hope this helps.P.S.If you decide to buy this model, get the 200 mm telephoto lens and the DSTE Kit 2pcs BP-1030 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery + Charger. They are worth it! « Show Less
1543697
Yes. I struggled with the decision to buy the 2.0 TC or the sigma 50 -500 lens to get more zoom as 200 didn't reach far enough for my needs. In the end I got the teleconverter as it was less money and mainly a way to avoid another heavy lens. It works out very well. loss of sharpness and some f/stops as others have described but you will hardly notice. faster glass and more sharpness costs thousands of dollars which i'm unwilling to spend. i'm pleased going this way.
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.
1549359
I would go with a more versatile lens for low light performances. Maybe a 70-200 or something similar.
1150475
I've basketball with a 24-70 before. It's a pretty good lens especially if you're right under the basket. The 50mm and the 70-200 are great lenses, but you can't get whole body shots if you're under the basket. The 2.8 is solid, and you'll get great shots with it. I shot these photos a few years ago with a 24-70 on a Rebel XT overseas (my primary camera broke while I was on the trip).http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtamazing/753022100/http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtamazing/753022072/http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtamazing/753021984/
1709380
It's a solid lens with good range. If you plan on using it outside, then the lighting should be ample to take the type of shots you're seeking. I have found that indoor shooting is not its strength. But the shots I've gotten are clear and I've been pleased with it. The additional range has come in handy.