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I'm off to Tassie in October to shoot a comp where 4 AFL matches are played a day for 3 days spread over a week.

At last year's comp, I shot almost 20,000 images for the week and that was only with 3 games a day!!!

I was using a D200 with an 80-200 f2.8 (non AFS) and a D2X with a 300 f4 (non AFS). I found that I didn't really have enough reach to cover the whole ground. I moved throughout the day to make sure I had optimum lighting as the sun moved and had no real overcast days.

Last year was a BIG learning curve for me over the tour, but everyone was happy with the results, so I'll be charging them a bit more this year.

As the only photographer going that I'm aware of, what suggestions would people have for some new glass for me to try and get before the trip this year. I don't really have enough for a 300 f2.8 or my dream lens of a 200-400 f4.

All advice appreciated.

Cheers

Simon

Hi Simon, I use the 80-400VR on my D200 for hockey shots. I find that gives me enough reach, but at 400mm it's f5.6. I would love the 200-400 f4 for this but the dollars are the killer. Hockey grounds are smaller than AFL grounds, but you might find 400mm OK. The 80-400 is about 1/3 the price of a 200-400, so might be worth investing in. I find the 80-400 does perform suprisingly well. When I first started using it, I was very pleasantly suprised.

Cheers
John

I think you've seen my other thread where I posted some footy pics from the weekend. I was using a 70-200VR with a 1.7x TC. So equivalent to 119-340/4.8

"Decent" reach, focuses well if there's enough light.

The 80-400 is the cheapest, easiest way to get to 400mm, but I personally don't find that it focuses fast enough for sports.

I would love to get a 300/2.8 so that with TCs I end up with a 420/4 or 510/4.8 - but as you mention... lotsa dollars

Thanks for the tips guys.

I have read plenty of reviews which only seem to further confuse me.

I might just update my 80-200 to a 70-200 with a 1.7TC and might get the 80-400 as well.

I'd love to get a 300 2.8 or the 200-400, but I doubt funds will be made available for that. I also need to get a MBD200 and a few new en-EL3's.

Where do people suggest getting these items from in Brissie or the net. I'll call into PC's later in the week and see what sort of deal I can get out of them. I might also try the good old Union Shopper route as well?

Cheers

Simon, I use an 80-400 on my D200 and it works well for motor sport. Its not the fastest focusing lens you can buy but with practice you should be able to get it to work for you.

As far as the 200-400 goes, apart from its cost, it is the heaviest lens I have every lifted. You better start your weights training if you are thinking of getting one. Also buy a heavy duty pod. BTW has anyone every used a TC on the 80-400?

Also rather than a 70-200 with TC what about a Sigma 120-300. This is a quick lens and gets some good raps from those who have them.

Barry,

I guess I've just never really entertained the thought of buying 3rd party lenses. I'm sure people have had good results from them and there's no doubting the ability of the pro 3rd party gear, I just never really entertained the idea of getting one.

Maybe I'm a snob!?!?

Can anyone here recommend any 3rd party glass for example the Bigma etc?

Cheers

I use a Sigma 120-300 f/2.8 for motorsports with and without a Sigma 1.4x TC and it's sensational, has HSM focussing and is sharp as a tack. Heavy mofo though, monopod only for anything longer than a few shots.

Edit: I must say, I'm unconvinced by the quality of the Bigma, and to a lesser extent the 80-400 VR. Under optimal conditions shooting at f/8 or f/11 they're ok, but shooting sports closer to wide open neither is as sharp as the 70-200 VR or Sigma 120-300 f/2.8. Maybe I'm just a sharpness snob though.

gasgasgas wrote: for example the Bigma etc?

Every person whom I know of that has looked at buying the 80-400 or the Bigma, and has then made the decision to buy the Bigma, has then, within a fairly short period of time, then bought the 80-400.

There's a message there.

Many have moved from the 80-400 to the 70-200, but an equal number (myself included) have not. If I get myself a 70-200, it won't be to the demise of my 80-400, but in addition to it.

It's a very sharp lens, but it, like many parts of one's kit, requires that you invest some time in learning how to best use it, and also to find its sweet spots.

While many complain that it's not the fastest lens on the planet, with appropriate technique it's fast enough to shoot the F1 Grand Prix cars in full flight.

Gary,

I can't see the 80-400mm in the All Bargains. Is this domestic blindness is or it not there?

I need to put it back there; it's been made of unobtanium for a while, but last tiem I checked, was available.

Thanks for all the input guys. I'm now actually thinking of moving towards the Sigma 120-300 f2.8 and a Sigma TC or 2.

Then I'll just need to update my 80-200 with the 70-200 when I get around to it.

Can anyone comment on the Sigma TC's on Nikon glass? Do they maintain all lens functionality?

Cheers PS. Gary, I'm having much trouble locating the all important FAQ section/thread. Can you point me in the right direction with a link maybe. I may have looked in it and not realised it at the time, but I want to make sure I don't incur any wrath in here!!!

gasgasgas wrote:PS. Gary, I'm having much trouble locating the all important FAQ section/thread. Can you point me in the right direction with a link maybe. I may have looked in it and not realised it at the time, but I want to make sure I don't incur any wrath in here!!!

Front page, leftmost column, in the box labeled "Information".

But here's a link as well. Thanx for asking.

Guys,

I've gone down the route of the Sigma 120-300 with the 1.4 and 2.0 TC's as well as an MB-D200 and 3 new batteries. Ordered through Poon last Friday.

I'm looking forward to getting thes in my hot little hands and shooting with them.

Where is a good place/link for Sandisk Extreme III/IV 4G CF cards? I'll need a few for the trip as well. I currently only have Just over 4G of III's and need some more for this trip.

I'll have a better computer with me this time, but need some more memory for on the run.

Cheers

Simon

Simon you can try Photocontinental, they will price match most places. Also the Cameras Direct down the coast, they are the ones I got PC to price match to. These were the 4G Extreme IIIs.

Cheers
Brett

Try this. It's where I got mine.

http://www.centre.net.au/Compact_Flash_0007TY.html

gasgasgas wrote:Where is a good place/link for Sandisk Extreme III/IV 4G CF cards? I'll need a few for the trip as well. I currently only have Just over 4G of III's and need some more for this trip.

JB Hifi in Brissy had 4Gb Extreme III for $125 or else I have bought through http://www.d-d-photographics.com.au for the same at $105 + post.

IV through d-d was about $129 from memory for 4gig

If using Extreme IV I would also suggest a fast card reader, I am planning to get their firewire card reader as I find it slow waiting for the cheapie I have to do its thing.

I had money sitting in my Paypal account so Mon night I purchased one

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/SanDisk-EXTREME-IV-4GB-Compact-Flash-CF-Card-4_W0QQitemZ290163169891QQihZ019QQcategoryZ93928QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
It arrived next day - great service and fully legit.

Also check out
http://www.staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/search.cgi?q=SanDisk+EXTREME+IV+4GB+
&
http://www.shopbot.com.au/default.asp?kw=SanDisk+EXTREME+IV+4GB+&position=search

Cheers
Bruce