Best lens(es) for photgraphing indoor sports?

[Dziadzi19]

I have 6 (yes, six) grandchildren who are growing up enjoying sports activities. My middle granddaughter is BIG into gymnastics. I have just learned that during competitions, flash CANNOT be used. So, I need my Nikonite friends to recommend an appropriate lens(es) for taking indoor shots at a distance. I will be using my D7100. Any other suggestions e.g. recommended ISO, etc. would also be appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to consider my post.

 

[gqtuazon]

At this point, getting a fast aperture zoom or prime lens will work best. Depending on the distance from the subject, you can choose from 85mm f1.8, 180mm f2.8, 80-200mm f2.8 or 70-200mm f2.8 VRI or II.

M mode, f2.8, 1/320, Auto ISO (min sensitivity ISO 100 - Max sensitivity ISO 3200 or 6400.

Monopod might help you stabilize it a little bit.

 

[Dziadzi19]

Thanks, Glenn! I am leaning toward the 80-200mm f2.8, though I would have to buy used. I have the monopod. One thing that scares me is high ISO's. I was thinking max of 800.

At this point, getting a fast aperture zoom or prime lens will work best. Depending on the distance from the subject, you can choose from 85mm f1.8, 180mm f2.8, 80-200mm f2.8 or 70-200mm f2.8 VRI or II.

M mode, f2.8, 1/320, Auto ISO (min sensitivity ISO 100 - Max sensitivity ISO 3200 or 6400.

Monopod might help you stabilize it a little bit.

 

[Horoscope Fish]

Thanks, Glenn! I am leaning toward the 80-200mm f2.8, though I would have to buy used. I have the monopod. One thing that scares me is high ISO's. I was thinking max of 800.

You can be amaaaaaazingly stable with a only monopod in my experience.

Further, better you get a shot at 1600 ISO than to get no shot at all; at least in my opinion. My D7100 turns out amazing shots at 800 ISO and I wouldn't be afraid of 1600 in the least, especially in good light. Not too mention what good post processing can do. Enable "High ISO NR" if it's not already and do some test shots at 1600 and 3200 ISO. You might be surprised.


.....

 

[gqtuazon]

Thanks, Glenn! I am leaning toward the 80-200mm f2.8, though I would have to buy used. I have the monopod. One thing that scares me is high ISO's. I was thinking max of 800.

You can always practice indoor (inside your house) with various ISO levels and see if those are acceptable for you.

I use this Sirui monopod which works very well for these types of events.

Sirui P-326 6-Section Carbon Fiber MonopodBSRP326 B&H Photo

 

[FastGlass]

Get the 70-200mm vrl version. Little cheaper than the vrll. And since you're using it on a dx body you don't need the vrll.

 

[Skytalker]

I think the best options would be:

• 70-200 VR1, fast focusing, on DX very good, new/SH;
• 80-200 AFS; the ED, AFI, AFD versions in spite of good IQ, are slow and hunting a bit in low light.

ISO-wise you could go up 3200 with no worries, of course you need to properly expose (to the plus side).

 

[Epoc]

Don't discount 3rd party lenses. They are really good value for money. Specifically, the Sigma 70-200/2.8 OS and Tamron 70-200/2.8 VC. Both are VERY good lenses for what you want. There are plenty of people here using them to great effect.