Dwight writes:
". . . My oldest nephew has just started playing
JV basketball, and another nephew is about to start Junior High wrestling.
Since I assume flash photography will be prohibited at both events, I am
looking for a fast Zoom. I'm considering a Nikkor 80-200 f2.8 . . ."
I have nephews in sports, too. One of these days I'll post photos up to the
Web.
The 80-200 f/2.8 is probably the best choice for "one lens" to cover these
two sports. I've found that with basketball, if you're allowed access to
the end line, the 80-200 can be a bit too much lens. I prefer the 85 f/1.8.
I recognize that the 80-200 covers this range, but the 85 handles easier and
of course gives you 1+ stops more light. If you go with the 80-200, get a
good monopod. It really eases the fatigue of using this lens for the length
of a game. The 80-200 is good for tracking "bringing the ball up court".
I'll generally shoot some of these sequences and then switch back to the 85
for the action under the basket (you can use something in the 35mm range for
this, too).
No recent experience with wrestling. I would expect the best shots would
come from laying down just off-mat.
A comment on Little Leage baseball: 200mm will get you batting shots, but
you need 250-300mm to get decent photos of the infield, longer for the
outfield.
Todd Peach
B-XT02 Lab Administration
M/S 19-MF
Phone: (206) 662-0921 Fax: (206) 662-4540
