Is the 70-200 f2.8L II a good choice for wildlife, kids soccer and basketball games? Portraits?

[RealtorRichie]

6D

[RobertTheFat]

It's at its best as an indoor event lens, paired with the 24-70mm f/2.8 (or the 17-55mm f/2.8 on a 7D). But yes, it's fine for those other uses if you're able and willing to lug it around.

[RealtorRichie]

Thank you, Bob!

[cicopo]

In general wildlife is shy so long lenses are needed. 100-400 L IS (ver 2) is more up to that or the Sigma & Tamron 150-600's are becoming popular low cost reach.

[ScottyP]

Yes. I bought the 70-200 f/2.8L IS when I had a crop camera. The amazing colors and sharpness it gave prompted me to buy a full frame camera, because it was a bit long on a crop body for everything but sports.

[TCampbell]

Basketball - Yes (and f/2.8 is especially good for dealing with poorly lit indoor lighting.)

Portraits - Yes (some people use the 70-200mm f/2.8 as their primary go-to portrait glass.)

Wildlife & Soccer -- the focal length may be a bit short depending on your subject distance.  This is an area where perhaps a 100-400 may be a better choice.  Some wildlife photographers want even more zoom... e.g. up to 600mm.  These aren't f/2.8 lenses, but wildlife is usually a daytime photography activity and soccer is often day-time games -- so low focal ratio isn't as necessary. 

[ebiggs1]

Again for the straight skinny on this.................

This is the best lens you can buy for kids soccer and basketball and it is becoming the "go to" lens by most pros for portraits.

There is nothing better. Period.

For wildlife, meaning the four legged or not flight challenged variety, it is a little short unless you are good at getting very close.

There is a 1.4x tele converter that pairs very well with this lens and extends its reach somewhat. (200mm to 320mm)

For other "wildlife" it will be fantastic.