200 f2 VR or 200-400 VR for rugby?

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Archive 2008 · 200 f2 VR or 200-400 VR for rugby?

dennisgibson
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p.1 #1 · 200 f2 VR or 200-400 VR for rugby?

I'm heading to a rugby match tomorrow. It's a team from Chicago that lost in the National Championships last year playing against my friend's team.

I have a D300 and I'm not sure which lens I want to bring with me. I have the 200 f2 VR and the 200-400 f4 VR. I also have a 1.4x tc. I could get away with handholding the 200 f2 (I'm quite jacked, ha ha) but I'm I'd probably have to bring a monopod for the 200-400. I'll be able to get very close to the field and would be able to move around pretty much at will.

Which lens would you suggest I use?

Thanks!

Dennis

Apr 19, 2008 at 11:46 AM

Francisco Tan
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p.1 #2 · 200 f2 VR or 200-400 VR for rugby?

For me I'll take the zoom anytime..

Apr 19, 2008 at 12:48 PM

Andre Labonte
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p.1 #3 · 200 f2 VR or 200-400 VR for rugby?

The zoom if the day is nice and sunny. If the day is over-case, then the prime.

Apr 19, 2008 at 01:16 PM

maljo
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p.1 #4 · 200 f2 VR or 200-400 VR for rugby?

If you can get close, take the 200/2.
The subject isolation, extreme sharpness and excellent
bokah produce wonderful sports photos.

maljo

Apr 19, 2008 at 01:35 PM

nikt
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p.1 #5 · 200 f2 VR or 200-400 VR for rugby?

Probably the zoom, unless you need the capabilities of a lens that does under f4.

Apr 19, 2008 at 02:45 PM

nikt
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p.1 #6 · 200 f2 VR or 200-400 VR for rugby?

Probably the zoom, unless you need the capabilities of a lens that does under f4.

Apr 19, 2008 at 02:48 PM

nikt
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p.1 #7 · 200 f2 VR or 200-400 VR for rugby?

Probably the zoom, unless you need the capabilities of a lens that does under f4.

Apr 19, 2008 at 02:54 PM

nikt
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p.1 #8 · 200 f2 VR or 200-400 VR for rugby?

Probably the zoom, unless you need the capabilities of a lens that does under f4.

Apr 19, 2008 at 02:55 PM

BenV
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p.1 #9 · 200 f2 VR or 200-400 VR for rugby?

nikt, click the 'send reply' button once :-)

Apr 19, 2008 at 04:05 PM

Avi B
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p.1 #10 · 200 f2 VR or 200-400 VR for rugby?

He's trying to get to that 3200th post!

OP: I vote for zoom for the convenience. I've never shot with either lens lol.

Apr 19, 2008 at 04:05 PM

James R
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p.1 #11 · 200 f2 VR or 200-400 VR for rugby?

A couple questions: Are you going to be in a stationary position and how far will you be from the action?

Some venues will not allow a 200-400 w/monopod brought into the stands. Not sure how big the crowds are at top level rugby.

Apr 19, 2008 at 04:14 PM

dennisgibson
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p.1 #12 · 200 f2 VR or 200-400 VR for rugby?

I'll pretty much be able to walk where ever I want. They're very good about that. It's a beautiful day so I think I'm going to bring the 200-400.

Apr 19, 2008 at 05:06 PM

James R
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p.1 #13 · 200 f2 VR or 200-400 VR for rugby?

I'd also bring something with shorter reach. Always be prepared.

Apr 19, 2008 at 05:14 PM

Christian S
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p.1 #14 · 200 f2 VR or 200-400 VR for rugby?

Both

Apr 19, 2008 at 05:20 PM

dj dunzie
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p.1 #15 · 200 f2 VR or 200-400 VR for rugby?

I wish I had Christian's money... no really...

For me if it was a choice I'd definitely go for the 200-400mm for field sports of any kind, although I'd love to have that prime for indoor stuff and baseball. The 70-200 / 200-400 combo is one I'd love to be able to use regularly.

Maybe someday when Christian starts parting out his wealth to other FM members...

Apr 19, 2008 at 05:37 PM

George61d
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p.1 #16 · 200 f2 VR or 200-400 VR for rugby?

200mm is not enough reach for rugby - you will have to wait for the action to come to you, but F4 is tough for hi action sports if it is a night time game - although it can be done. So if it is a night time game then decide which is more important to you: a small number of clean shots or gotta get that try in the far corner no matter what....

For the uninitiated Try = touch down

Apr 20, 2008 at 09:21 PM

Chefdaniel
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p.1 #17 · 200 f2 VR or 200-400 VR for rugby?

dj dunzie wrote:
I wish I had Christian's money... no really...

Sure sounds like great problem to have. My vote goes hands down to the faster and lighter 200 2.0. Good luck. Please post some pics.

Edited on Apr 20, 2008 at 09:23 PM

Apr 20, 2008 at 09:22 PM

matt4626
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p.1 #18 · 200 f2 VR or 200-400 VR for rugby?

If it moves you need a zoom.

Apr 21, 2008 at 05:11 PM

gugs
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p.1 #19 · 200 f2 VR or 200-400 VR for rugby?

D3+200-400VR, you win one or two stops...

or why not something completely different:
Sigma 120-300 2.8 + D300 on a monopod

Guy

Apr 21, 2008 at 05:22 PM

Christian S
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p.1 #20 · 200 f2 VR or 200-400 VR for rugby?

I'm not sure which lens I want to bring with me.

I said both. Im not the guy with the money, Dennis is. If I had the cash I would have my 200f2 now. He already has the 200f2 and the 200-400VR. I would bring them both and choose on the field as needed.

Apr 21, 2008 at 05:31 PM

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