Originally posted by SashasMom So what can you recommend for photographing running dogs? I am willing to purchase something just for this photo shoot coming up, within my budget ($1,000). Whats most important to me is fast focusing/tracking, 2.8 fast aperture, and sharp high quality images.
I'd say your safest bet is to practice with the FA77 on some dogs ahead of time, and then also order a brand new Sigma 70-200 right away (even though it's a little over your budget at $1250, it's the right one and there are no realistic alternatives).
Or you could get an FA (or F) 135 instead. It's
much more responsive in AF than the DA*50-135, and optical performance is comparable. Since I also have the DA*50-135, I almost sold my FA135 until I realized how valuable it was for action. It turns out it's far from redundant (neither is your FA77, of course) and it's small and discreet - people have no idea how long it is so they don't get uncomfortable.
Sigma rendering's not my favorite, but unless it really bothers you I think that's easily the safest way to go. And if you don't like it then you can return it. But at least you'll be prepared - especially if you practice with the FA77 as well. (Plus you'll have one screw drive and one HSM, so you can cover your bases and overcome that controversy
.)
Based on my experience with the FA*85, I'd say on the FA77 (which I used to have) you're going to want to shoot around f/3.2 to f/4, but be open to trying the range from approx. f/2.2 to f/5. With the Sigma 70-200, I'd guess that f/3.5 (
possibly f/3.2) is good, but could be stopped down to as much as f/5.6 or so.
Last edited by DSims; 02-05-2014 at 04:14 PM.