what is the best and fastest lense for indoor basketball. low light- using a canon 70D

[mariannemunn]

I shoot high school basketball games in small low lit gyms.  I use the Canon D70 with the Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS.  This takes good pictures but I want sharper picture quality.  I need a fast lense!! I have been looking at the Canon 70-200 f/2.8L IS II (think 70-200 will limit what I can capture in my lenses because of space. Also looking at 24-70 f/2.8 L II but have read that the auto focus is a bit slow.  and last the Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM, but I'm afraid to go to the f/3.5-5.6. Because thats what I have now. 

Any advice would be great! 

[Skirball]

If you can afford it get the 70-200 II; no question about it.  It's not the fastest, but it's close, and it's a fantastic lens - one of the best available.

I'm not sure what you mean by fastest.  In photography it usually means a wide aperture.  Canon does make a 200mm f/2 prime lens.  But it costs about $6000.  And there's no zoom. 

[cicopo]

Before you go any farther take a good look at the photos you've already got so you can see what range you need & use the most. You'll need to know whether you shoot wider than 70 a lot or longer than 70 a lot because I doubt you'll have time to switch regularly. As for the 28-300 I use it a lot & wouldn't recommend it as a great indoor lens plus it's HEAVY.

[RexGig]

A good 85mm, the best you can afford, that focuses quickly, is a good place to start researching. (The Canon 85 1.2L lenses do not have very fast AF.) Of my current lenses, my EF 135mm 2.0L would be my pick. I bought it, largely, to photograph my nephew's swim meets and JROTC events, not basketball, but the lighting conditions are equivalent. The 70-200mm f/2.8 choices are large and heavy; you may wish to rent before buying, to make sure it does not detract from your enjoyment of the game. (Your enjoyment of the game can e seen as a separate issue from the physical effort to handle the camera and lens; I am not questioning anyone's physical abilities.)

I will say that the 135L, when attached to an Extender 1.4x III, has notably slower AF than the lens alone; perhaps too slow for basketball. I knew this before trying it, so it was not unexpected.

This reply is to give you something to start researching, and move your post back to the top of the column, not provide a firm answer, as I have not shot basketball images, and the 70-200mm 2.8L IS II remains on my wish list.

[mariannemunn]

Thank you for your input.  I will continue to look at lenses.  

[mariannemunn]

I do like the close up shots.  I seldom shoot at a distance.  I have definitely perfected the use of my lens and camera with timing mostly.  I've learned to watch the game and ball with one eye and ready focus with the other anticipating the next shot!  My photos are pretty good, but I now want better! : D 

[mariannemunn]

I do think I prefer the ability to zoom verses the prime lenses.  I am willing to spend 2,000-3,000 for the right lense.  Just still unsure.  I have the 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 IS but the auto focus is too slow for basketball. 

[cicopo]

The L series of lenses (in general) have the fastest AF of the Canon lenses but certain bodies can drive that AF system faster than others.

[TCampbell]

This video may help:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQ4KsGYDzgU

This is Scott Kelby - a well-known sports photographer and author of numerous popular photography books.  In this video he talks about the gear most commonly used in sports photography.  You'll notice that while he is mostly talking about outdoor / large-field sports, he does mention that for indoor sports (and I think he calls out basketball by name) he mentions a 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom lens is the key lens for "basketball".   

Interestingly, at the time he made this video Scott was a Nikon shooter.  Scott has since switched and today he's a Canon shooter.

The 70-200mm of choice would be the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM II.  it's not cheap, but if you can afford it, it is certainly the "best" of the 70-200 lenses.  

[mariannemunn]

Thank you very much! That's what I have been leaning towards. I will just have to change where I sit in the gyms. Just take a Different approach! 👍