A good lens for Sports, and good Zoom

chuna · 12-24-2008, 03:56 AM

Hi,

I will be attending the Australian Open Tennis Finals and I have a Pentax K20D and was wondering what will be a good zoom lens for sporting event like Tennis and played under lights.

Any recommendations appreciated.

Cheers

nulla · 12-24-2008, 04:45 AM

I have had success with the 55- 300mm both outdoor and indoor sporting events.

The DA 50-135 might seem a bit short for some events but not for tennis.

I have both and carry both to such events.

Neil

**Kerrowdown** · 12-24-2008, 07:16 AM

Big and fast is the quick answer, the longest lens you can comfortable hold or support with the fastist aperture you can afford.

chuna · 12-24-2008, 07:36 AM

Originally posted by kerrowdown

Big and fast is the quick answer, the longest lens you can comfortable hold or support with the faster aperture you can afford.

Which is what model exactly?

8540tomg · 12-24-2008, 08:39 AM

Chuna,

I have a K 200mm 2.5 that works great for events like this. Although its not a zoom (a positive point to my mind) the current DA* 200 2.8 would probably be ideal for this shoot.

Tom G

pop4 · 12-24-2008, 09:46 AM

You might also want to check out weather your dSLR and whatever lenses you bring along will be allowed in. Some sporting events tend to have silly restrictions regarding what cameras/lenses that you can and cannot bring in.

audiobomber · 12-24-2008, 11:14 AM

Originally posted by 8540tomg

Chuna,

I have a K 200mm 2.5 that works great for events like this. Although its not a zoom (a positive point to my mind) the current DA* 200 2.8 would probably be ideal for this shoot.

Tom G

I would think that such a tight FOV would be constrictive.

Marcus · 12-24-2008, 11:32 AM

Interesting thread. I'm in the same boat almost. Different water though.

I'm looking at alternatives to my 50-135. The Sigma 50-150 HSM and the 70-200 HSM. If anyone knows, how much shorter is the focus throw on the 50-150 or the 70-200 vs the 50-135? My 50-135 is a great lens, but in the back of my mind, I'm just itching for a shorter throw to focus faster.

**Kerrowdown** · 12-24-2008, 12:27 PM

Well Chuna, I only use all manual glass, but the last time I got involved with tennis, which of course depends on where you are and how close to the action you are.

I used Pentax 85mm f1:1.4, 135mm f1:1.8 and 200mm f1:2.8 with a monopod as required. Good luck enjoy the tournament.

8540tomg · 12-24-2008, 02:08 PM

Originally posted by audiobomber

I would think that such a tight FOV would be constrictive.

Depends on where you sit Dan.

I use this focal length a lot and I haven't found it to be a problem for me.

Tom G

Bramela · 12-24-2008, 02:11 PM

Not knowing exactly where you will be seated makes it a bit of a guess.
However, I agree with Nulla, either of the two lens he listed should be ideal for the situation. 50-135 is a magnificent lens which gives great results.
55-300 is not of the same standard of course but I have found that I get some great results from it, nevertheless.

Best of luck with your shots.

Ratmagiclady · 12-24-2008, 02:26 PM

Big question is, where do you get to stand?

chuna · 12-24-2008, 04:49 PM

As for where I am seated its the 8th row up from the court. So quite close. What I would like to do is get some realy nice close up shots of the players when they break and catch some nice photos of their shots.

I have never photographed in an event before so I am all new to this. I take it I would need some kind of tripod. I am not sure if I can sit this tripod when there may not be much room in the first place. Cost is not an issue for the lens. Just want a good one that I can get close ups of as well as a lens that is good for sporting events.

SpecialK · 12-24-2008, 11:01 PM

Tamron makes a 70-200 2.8 for $700.

Amazon.com: Tamron AF 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD IF Macro Lens for Pentax and Samsung Digital SLR Cameras: Camera & Photo

nulla · 12-26-2008, 12:21 AM

Originally posted by chuna

As for where I am seated its the 8th row up from the court. So quite close. What I would like to do is get some realy nice close up shots of the players when they break and catch some nice photos of their shots.

I have never photographed in an event before so I am all new to this. I take it I would need some kind of tripod. I am not sure if I can sit this tripod when there may not be much room in the first place. Cost is not an issue for the lens. Just want a good one that I can get close ups of as well as a lens that is good for sporting events.

I think you will find that a tripod will not be allowed, my friend was knocked back at the Rod Laver Arena a couple of years back. Same goes for the MCG and SCG , they allow cameras but not tripods.

If shooting in daylight at the tennis this should not be any sort of a problem

12-24-2008, 03:56 AM	#1
chuna New Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 14	A good lens for Sports, and good Zoom Hi, I will be attending the Australian Open Tennis Finals and I have a Pentax K20D and was wondering what will be a good zoom lens for sporting event like Tennis and played under lights. Any recommendations appreciated. Cheers

12-24-2008, 04:45 AM	#2
nulla Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 1,560	I have had success with the 55- 300mm both outdoor and indoor sporting events. The DA 50-135 might seem a bit short for some events but not for tennis. I have both and carry both to such events. Neil Last edited by nulla; 12-24-2008 at 04:58 AM.

12-24-2008, 07:16 AM	#3
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,815	Big and fast is the quick answer, the longest lens you can comfortable hold or support with the fastist aperture you can afford. Last edited by Kerrowdown; 12-24-2008 at 12:03 PM.

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12-24-2008, 07:36 AM	#4
chuna New Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 14 Original Poster	Originally posted by kerrowdown Big and fast is the quick answer, the longest lens you can comfortable hold or support with the faster aperture you can afford. Which is what model exactly?

12-24-2008, 08:39 AM	#5
8540tomg Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Waterloo, Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,461	Chuna, I have a K 200mm 2.5 that works great for events like this. Although its not a zoom (a positive point to my mind) the current DA* 200 2.8 would probably be ideal for this shoot. Tom G

12-24-2008, 09:46 AM	#6
pop4 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: YMML Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,879	You might also want to check out weather your dSLR and whatever lenses you bring along will be allowed in. Some sporting events tend to have silly restrictions regarding what cameras/lenses that you can and cannot bring in.

12-24-2008, 11:14 AM	#7
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by 8540tomg Chuna, I have a K 200mm 2.5 that works great for events like this. Although its not a zoom (a positive point to my mind) the current DA* 200 2.8 would probably be ideal for this shoot. Tom G I would think that such a tight FOV would be constrictive.

12-24-2008, 11:32 AM	#8
Marcus Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 187	Interesting thread. I'm in the same boat almost. Different water though. I'm looking at alternatives to my 50-135. The Sigma 50-150 HSM and the 70-200 HSM. If anyone knows, how much shorter is the focus throw on the 50-150 or the 70-200 vs the 50-135? My 50-135 is a great lens, but in the back of my mind, I'm just itching for a shorter throw to focus faster.

12-24-2008, 12:27 PM	#9
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,815	Well Chuna, I only use all manual glass, but the last time I got involved with tennis, which of course depends on where you are and how close to the action you are. I used Pentax 85mm f1:1.4, 135mm f1:1.8 and 200mm f1:2.8 with a monopod as required. Good luck enjoy the tournament.

12-24-2008, 02:08 PM	#10
8540tomg Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Waterloo, Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,461	Originally posted by audiobomber I would think that such a tight FOV would be constrictive. Depends on where you sit Dan. I use this focal length a lot and I haven't found it to be a problem for me. Tom G

12-24-2008, 02:11 PM	#11
Bramela Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Newcastle Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,284	Not knowing exactly where you will be seated makes it a bit of a guess. However, I agree with Nulla, either of the two lens he listed should be ideal for the situation. 50-135 is a magnificent lens which gives great results. 55-300 is not of the same standard of course but I have found that I get some great results from it, nevertheless. Best of luck with your shots.

12-24-2008, 02:26 PM	#12
Ratmagiclady Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: GA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,563	Big question is, where do you get to stand?

12-24-2008, 04:49 PM	#13
chuna New Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 14 Original Poster	As for where I am seated its the 8th row up from the court. So quite close. What I would like to do is get some realy nice close up shots of the players when they break and catch some nice photos of their shots. I have never photographed in an event before so I am all new to this. I take it I would need some kind of tripod. I am not sure if I can sit this tripod when there may not be much room in the first place. Cost is not an issue for the lens. Just want a good one that I can get close ups of as well as a lens that is good for sporting events.

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12-24-2008, 11:01 PM	#14
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,480	Tamron makes a 70-200 2.8 for $700. Amazon.com: Tamron AF 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD IF Macro Lens for Pentax and Samsung Digital SLR Cameras: Camera & Photo

12-26-2008, 12:21 AM	#15
nulla Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 1,560	Originally posted by chuna As for where I am seated its the 8th row up from the court. So quite close. What I would like to do is get some realy nice close up shots of the players when they break and catch some nice photos of their shots. I have never photographed in an event before so I am all new to this. I take it I would need some kind of tripod. I am not sure if I can sit this tripod when there may not be much room in the first place. Cost is not an issue for the lens. Just want a good one that I can get close ups of as well as a lens that is good for sporting events. I think you will find that a tripod will not be allowed, my friend was knocked back at the Rod Laver Arena a couple of years back. Same goes for the MCG and SCG , they allow cameras but not tripods. If shooting in daylight at the tennis this should not be any sort of a problem