EOS Rebel T3 what would be the best Lense for stadium photos?

[Mrose]

I am looking for the best lense to use for Stadium pictures while sitting in the stands

[shadowsports · Accepted solution]

Greetings,

Depending on distance and shooting conditions, the two lenses that come to mind are the Canon EF 100-400mm or the Sigma 150-600mm.  Tamron as well.

[Waddizzle]

What is your budget?

What sport?  Day or Night?

Are you looking for closeups of players or wide views of the playing field? 

[kvbarkley]

I used my 70-300 from the stands at Dodger stadium and it seemed adequate. Note that some stadiums limit the size of the lens you can take in. The 70-300 was accepted, the 150-600 would not have been.

[Mrose]

day and night Marching band competitions capturing the flag and rifle throws

[Mrose]

Thanks

[wq9nsc · Accepted solution]

Night lighting conditions are going to be tough with a T3 which doesn't have great performance when the ISO is pushed to its upper limit of 6400.  Any reasonably priced telephoto lens is not going to have a wide aperture limiting the usefulness of this combination under typical band night lighting because to catch the specific portion you want (rifle and flag throws) you have to use a fairly fast shutter speed.

I don't know your budget but you might be best served by getting one of the suggested lenses (like the Sigma 150-600 or Canon 100-400) and concentrating mostly on daytime events OR venues which have better than usual lighting.

Rodger