Steve'sDigicams

stoltzy · Jul 26, 2009, 9:14 AM

Has does the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens work for shooting indoor sports. I'm thinking of buying this lens and getting rid of the 50 1.4 & 85 1.8.
I'll will also be shooting some portraits with this lens. Just wanting some feed back. I'll be keeping my 70-200 2.8.

Thank for you help

JohnG · Jul 26, 2009, 11:43 AM

What body are you using and what sports are you intending to shoot (at what levels)?
Focus performance of the lens is very good and sharpness is pretty good. But the reality is, there aren't a whole lot of wide-angle shots that work well below major Div-1 because the backgrounds in HS and below are so poor. And, of course the body makes a difference because at f2.8 you'll be shooting at 3200-6400 ISO.

stoltzy · Jul 26, 2009, 12:37 PM

I use a Canon 40D, and with this lens I would be shooting HS volleyball, basketball & wrestling.

Thanks

JohnG · Jul 27, 2009, 7:10 AM

Well, you have to decide for yourself if you're happy enough with the ISO 3200 performance of the 40d and realize there are some gyms you won't be able to get good shutter speeds in.

Of the sports you listed, volleyball is the only one I could see the focal length working well for (for some shots - notably kills from players on your side of the court). So you're spending a lot of money on a lens whose focal length isn't well suited for HS play.

Kronnic · Jul 27, 2009, 8:07 AM

What you recommend for these circumstances? 70-200mm 2.8?

JohnG · Jul 27, 2009, 8:10 AM

It depends on the camera. At f2.8, you're shooting at ISO 3200-6400. So you have to be happy with the output of your camera at those ISOs. If you're not and prefer to stay at ISO 1600 then the 85mm 1.8, 100mm 2.0 come into play.

Except for wrestling. For wrestling, 70-200 2.8 and external flash is the way to go (too many shadows and non-reflective mats ).

Jul 26, 2009, 9:14 AM	#1
stoltzy Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 69	Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens Has does the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens work for shooting indoor sports. I'm thinking of buying this lens and getting rid of the 50 1.4 & 85 1.8. I'll will also be shooting some portraits with this lens. Just wanting some feed back. I'll be keeping my 70-200 2.8. Thank for you help

Jul 27, 2009, 8:07 AM	#5
Kronnic Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 94	What you recommend for these circumstances? 70-200mm 2.8? __________________ Current Setup: Canon 1D Mark IV + L Series Lenses Main Interest: Sports Published work: Intensity Sports Magazine, Rapid Bikes Magazine & The Record (AFL Magazine) Website: www.epicmoments.com.au

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Jul 26, 2009, 11:43 AM	#2
JohnG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 8,529	What body are you using and what sports are you intending to shoot (at what levels)? Focus performance of the lens is very good and sharpness is pretty good. But the reality is, there aren't a whole lot of wide-angle shots that work well below major Div-1 because the backgrounds in HS and below are so poor. And, of course the body makes a difference because at f2.8 you'll be shooting at 3200-6400 ISO.

Jul 26, 2009, 12:37 PM	#3
stoltzy Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 69	I use a Canon 40D, and with this lens I would be shooting HS volleyball, basketball & wrestling. Thanks

Jul 27, 2009, 7:10 AM	#4
JohnG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 8,529	Well, you have to decide for yourself if you're happy enough with the ISO 3200 performance of the 40d and realize there are some gyms you won't be able to get good shutter speeds in. Of the sports you listed, volleyball is the only one I could see the focal length working well for (for some shots - notably kills from players on your side of the court). So you're spending a lot of money on a lens whose focal length isn't well suited for HS play.

Jul 27, 2009, 8:10 AM	#6
JohnG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 8,529	It depends on the camera. At f2.8, you're shooting at ISO 3200-6400. So you have to be happy with the output of your camera at those ISOs. If you're not and prefer to stay at ISO 1600 then the 85mm 1.8, 100mm 2.0 come into play. Except for wrestling. For wrestling, 70-200 2.8 and external flash is the way to go (too many shadows and non-reflective mats ).