I have a D7000 and was thinking about picking up a macro lens in the 80-105 mm size. I know its not the ideal usage for that type of lens but I was wondering if anyone had used one for indoor sports like basketball. Focus speed and accuracy I guess would be my main considerations. If anyone had tried that or a similar usage and been happy or unhappy I would love to hear about that experience. Thanks Brian
Why macro? You've provided no information as to why you are leaning towards macro...
Your answer either way- not a good choice. You should be using something at the slowest maybe 1.8 or F2. There will be people who will come in here and talk about how they shoot indoor sports with a 70-200 2.8 or something, but as much as it's doable, it's just not the best option at all and any real pro would know that a faster prime would smoke it and allow more shooting options.
Macro lenses are usually very slow to autofocus, and usually fastest aperture is F2.8. Indoor sports require faster AF and aperture then they offer. I'd stay far away from them for sports use.
The reason I want a macro is so that I can take macro photo's. I have some kenko rings which work but I find it a bit of a pain to find the right size ring and to have to keep switching them in and out. So I was thinking about selling them and picking up a dedicated lens. I was just thinking about taking some shots of my son playing basketball this year so if I could get a lens that could do double duty it would sort of kill two birds with one stone. I know its not the ideal option for sports I was just wondering if one brand was better at it than another it might push me to consider one lens over another as it seems like most macro lenses get pretty good reviews otherwise. Thanks again Brian
Matt OHarver wrote:
Macro lenses are usually very slow to autofocus, and usually fastest aperture is F2.8. Indoor sports require faster AF and aperture then they offer. I'd stay far away from them for sports use.
I concur that a macro lens is not the best for sports, especially indoors. The focusing speed is an issue as is the fact that they're optimized for close focusing, not distance. I tried using my Nikkor 105mm VR for indoor basketball and was very unsatisfied. My keeper rate was very low. Had better luck with my 50mm f/1.8G for small gymnasium work.
Ultimately, I bit the bullet and invested in a 70-200 VRII, which IMHO is required for indoor action.
We shoot a ton of indoor sports in high school gyms. The best choice is without a doubt the 70-200mm f2.8. For some older gyms with VERY BAD lighting, I have never been disappointed with the 50mm f1.8G, works great sitting on the floor near the edge of the key in Basketball.
briancphoto wrote:
Okay, Thanks for all the replies. Sounds like the macro sports lens is a oxymoron. I will go back to the drawing board. Thanks Brian
