[icecream]

k100D, looking for "fast lens", so low fstop but with high zoom, for highschool sports. any recommendations? is there anything available for my k100d, or do i need a different camera body or make? help appreciated, thanks

[PentX Girl]

Hi There,

I have a Pentax K 10D and I use my DA 55-300 for good action shots. I use that combination at the Rodeo and horse shows and it does a great job. I also use it for birds and BIF shots. Hope this helps

Have a Picture perfect Day,

Jan from North Carolina, USA

[Ash]

Only problem with the 55-300 - it's quite 'slow'. f/5.8 maximum at 300mm.
Only problem with anything faster - it costs a lot more...

What's your budget? Are you looking for an AF lens only, or will MF be OK for you?
AF telephotos are big bucks, so something like a DA* 60-250 or DA* 300 will set you back over $1000.

The most cost effective telezoom for sports may well be something like a Tamron or Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, which go for $700-$800 new. With the K100D, the Sigma will not be compatible, though (needs a body that can drive an SDM/HSM AF motor).

MF telephotos will be a little cheaper than this, but not by much... an A* 300 f/4 goes for around $500-600 - it is compact and well built, but obviously not AF...

Hope this helps.

[Marc Sabatella]

If you can convince yourself that 200mm and f/4 is good enough, that opens up more possibilities at the inexpensive end. The 55-300 almost does that already - it's f/4.5 at 200mm. And if you allow for manual focus, the M200/4 or A70-210/4 are both options.

[ramseybuckeye]

Think of the venues that you are going to also. Also how close can you get to the action? I've been able to get very close to the pitch, in fact right behind the goal at some HS soccer matches. Some gyms will allow photographers behind the goals at basketball games. Close proximity to the action may not require a long lens. Lighting varies greatly from one HS Field or Gym to another. Many of these facilities (both outdoor and indoor) are installing better and brighter lighting these days.

[8540tomg]

I teach high school and I shoot a lot of things for the high school year book. This includes sports, drama, assemblies etc. I use several lenses but my goto optic is the SMC K 200/2.5 on my K10. It is fast enough for indoor work and great for sports such as football, soccer etc.

Rugby



Auditorium



Football



Of course, a zoom would probably be a better fit for most. I love the K 200/2.5 but I'm willing to admit MF isn't for everyone. At some point I would like to get a DA* 50~135. I think it would be ideal for most of the situations one would encounter shooting in a school situation. Mate it with the DA* 16~50 and you would have coverage for almost every scenario. They are more than fast enough and IQ is great.