which lens should ?

[nanwu]

Please help I have a Sony a350 and a Nikon d3100 (new) and would like some advise for either or both on what type of lens would be best to use for taking sports shots of my friends girls playing indoor Netball. I currently only have kit lens for both cameras and have taken some shots (which have been okay) but would like to get good or even great shots the lens I use aren't fast enough advise please

[cupic]

I can comment on the D3100 as I have a D300,but in the question of interior sports there are endless options of fast glass available,ie depending on budget second
hand version of the ever popular 70-200mm f/2.8, is the perfect all-rounder.or just about any lens faster than f/4 ie f/2.8,f.1,8 as low light performers this is just a small guide
mind you Ive seen some shots @ f/4 with high ISO coming out just great
I will hand you over to more higher qualified members to add

cheers

[kiwi]

tough, i think id go a 50 1.4g on the d3100

70-200 2.8 good lens but still may not be fast enough for indoor netball, ill assume the light is typically crap

[crf529]

Dunno what the court layout is like, and consequently you may not have enough room for the 70-200. Maybe a fast fifty?

[nanwu]

Thanks everyone for your replies, I know have a place to start... I was looking at getting a nifty fifty for portrait work so maybe I will star with that as it will hopefully cover both needs, will keep an eye out for a faster 70 - 200 and if its at the right price might grab one of those two.....have to watch the pennies though.....once again really appreciate the advice

[old dog]

Hi Wendy....glad you are still into it down there in Melbourne. I had a shoot with you and Tony at the Sydney Observatory a year or so ago. I`d get the 1.4 nifty and that would be a great start.....or even a 35 f1.8. cheers.

[reaction]

I don't think a fast 50 would help, it's too wide and DOF is too shallow unless you only want shots when they're standing still.
d3100 itself doesn't AF very fast, and the 50 1.4G also doesn't AF very fast. Put that together and you'll be very frustrated.

I'd go for a 70-200 or 70-300, courts are generally bright, and you won't be sitting the same distance every single game so a zoom makes more sense.

go 3rd party if price is an issue, but you'll want VR/OS/VC/etc

[Darey]

For what it's worth my opinion is that you should look at the Nikon 85mm f 1.8 D, its a great portrait lens and very good for indoor sports.

[davidd]

I don't believe the 85 1.8D will autofocus on the D3100.

What focal length have you been shooting at up to now? That will help decide what new lens to get.

[kiwi]

Correct, only af-s lenses will af on that body. Sort of limits the choices. Sigma have a better range of hsm lenses that will also autofocus