Need a step up from the kit lens!

[Marcel]

Since you mentioned the fact that you're shooting into arenas and gyms, you NEED a 2.8 zoom, there is no way around this. Other solutions will cost you because you will end up with a 2.8 zoom. 18-200 and 70-300 are not fast enough for your mentioned needs. It's always best to buy once only. Good luck shopping.

 

[Dawg Pics]

KEH, Cameta, Adorama and B&H are reputable.

 

[hark]

Since you mentioned the fact that you're shooting into arenas and gyms, you NEED a 2.8 zoom, there is no way around this. Other solutions will cost you because you will end up with a 2.8 zoom. 18-200 and 70-300 are not fast enough for your mentioned needs. It's always best to buy once only. Good luck shopping.

I agree with Marcel on this. In the past I've taken photos during Worship services, and although there are lights, it isn't overly bright. I remember using my D610, Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8, and a 1.4x teleconverter. The lowest working aperture was f/4. There were times my D610 couldn't AF due to the amount of light and a lack of contrast.

You won't want to miss shots by not having fast enough glass.

And link that Fish posted with the Tamron 70-200mm lens looks like it has VC (their version of vibration reduction). That means you can hand hold the lens at slower shutter speeds than the lens you posted. The one he posted is definitely one you should consider.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

 

[Texas]

As to shopping used mostly, but some refurbs, I've had good results with Adorama (refurb), E-bay and FredMiranda I find are higher priced used but cheaper than KEH (which does have generous return privileges).

My very best deals have been on craigslist but it really is too much work to sift through the scams and folks who triple value their equipment (there's a D850, new unused, for $1,000 on my local craig's today). I got a good D100 with Sigma macro attached for $60 and a new unused never opened box Nikon J5 with lens for less than half the going price. Have not tried mpb.com or offerUP yet.

 

[Chris@sabor]

Used on Amazon has saved me hundreds of dollars on cameras and lenses. I try to buy the "like new" from reputable vendors with lots of ratings but . that's just me.

 

[spb_stan]

The 70-200 VR used is older but fast focusing and quite sharp, well-made pro lens for $450-550 would be a great lens for arenas. I had a ranch were we breed and trained cutters, and light is always a problem. None of the suggested variable aperture lenses are suitable or any better in sharpness than your 18-55.
The suggestion of two primes, like the Nikon 85 1.8G for $550 is sharper and more sensitive in low light than any other lenses mentioned. It might be long enough plus makes a great portrait lens(so is the Nikon 70-200 2.8 VR, VR2 and P versions. For sports and fast moving action it also focuses faster than the competition.
If you got a fast 85 1.8G prime lens, you will need a wider angle also, the 24 1.8 was mentioned and is good but maybe not wide enough. The 20mm 1.8 is good for low light plus has excellent optical performance. If your were doing more landscapes you will need wider than 20mm. There are several 10-20mm lenses on the market. The Sigma 10-20 comes in a f/3.5 version and a lower cost variable aperture 3.5-5.6 that is popular low cost and very versatile which goes for about $200-250 used.Nikon came out with their own which is pretty good, smaller, for $306 at B&H So with the used VR1 70-200 2.8 you would have sports covered and landscape covered with the $306 Nikon 10-20 but that leaves a hole in the middle, so the 50 mm 1.8G for $200 from Nikon or for a real bargain, a Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 AF for $60-70. Each of these would be a big step up from what you have with your light levels.