[Buschmaster]

So, I really enjoy shooting sports such as volleyball and basketball; my main limitation is that I don't have a lens fast enough to get the ball or people to be completely still. This is probably looking down the road a bit but I would like some suggestions on what some possible lenses I could get would be.

If it's very cheap I could get it soon. That means like, less than $50 used. These would probably be manual focus and possibly even screw mount (I have the adapter) but that may be better than nothing.

A prime would be ideal, I would think, because of the price factor.

I really like the looks of the FA 50mm f/1.4. It looks to be sharp and fast and the price isn't ridiculous.

Any other thoughts?

[vievetrick]

HMM. $50.00 That is really, really cheap for a fast sports lens. I will be the first to admit I am no expert on the older lenses. BUt I believe you may be able to have somone else give you some info. Couple of questions to think about. How well are the places you are shooting? Realistcaly if they are not super bright gyms or you are using a flash a good sport lens will cost you upwards of $500-$1000+ . But if you can get close that 50mm at about $200 will be okay. It will not get you tight shots but you could do some creative cropping to help. Good luck in your search. I have the Sigma 70-200 2.8 and it works well for me in good lighting. Cost me $600 about an year and a half ago. That was then, they are selling around $800-$1000 now. Again good luck and I am sure others can offer older lens suggestion that will work.

[Buschmaster]

Thank you for the suggestions!!

[jnorth]

you might find a 135 prime that might get you going too in the $80-150 range. I find the 50 a tad short. I'd prefer a short at about 75-80mm and going up from there, atleast for the majority of my court shots unless we are talking just a few feet from me

[SupremeMoFo]

Try to find an M42 135/2.5.

[mingdie]

I was in your situation and got hold of a Tokina 135/2.8 manual for under $50. It have been much better than I thought it would be. Here is a link to a photo taken on a basketball court in quite bad light. Click on the photo for full size.
IMGP6154-01.jpg - Image - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Cheers
Eddie

[Buschmaster]

I was in your situation and got hold of a Tokina 135/2.8 manual for under $50. It have been much better than I thought it would be. Here is a link to a photo taken on a basketball court in quite bad light. Click on the photo for full size.
IMGP6154-01.jpg - Image - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Cheers
Eddie

Wow, that's quite good! But who has lights on at a dance?!

I have a friend here who has a 50mm of some sort, I think I'll play with that on some action shots before deciding what kind of length I need as well as if MF will do the trick.

[Lowell Goudge]

you have set a very tight budget, and I am not sure it is practical, but I have a suggestion.

Consider a Vivitar Series 1 70-210 f3.5 (This is the first version of the lens)

it is reasonably fast, although not as fast as primes, a zoom is better because you can't move or change lenses as fast as the ball moves, and point of focus and framing always change in sports.

the lens is fast enough, if you use high ISO setting, plus, it is a single ring zoom allowing you to change both focal length and focus at the same time, but it is a true zoom, not a verifocal meaning if you zoom out or in you don't need to re-focus. In addition it is a constant apature lens, meaning that you can set your exposure once and forget about it, you do not need to adjust exposure with every shot

Not sure what the present selling price is, but you may wish to look