Telephoto zoom for badminton

<p>Hi there,<br>

<br />I like to shoot badminton and squash as hobby and plan to become a sports photographer one day.<br>

I am using Nikon D5100. Planning to get a telephoto. Have in mind either the new Tamron 70-200MM F/2.8 Di VC USD or used Nikon 70-200mm VR1. Seems hard to find the Nikon VR1 lens in Malaysia. <br />If not due to budget constraints, I will go for Nikon VR2.<br>

Any suggestions on these lenses? Which should I get?<br>

Thanks</p>

<p>Don't rule out the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 OS, Chris - excellent lens. </p>

<p>yes, Keith but am afraid that i will not get used to the opposite zoom of Sigma. Still will consider it. Do u use that for indoor sports?<br>

Thanks</p>

<p>Can't speak to the new Tamron or the Sigma, but when I have tried to use the old Tamron 70-200 2.8 for fast moving indoor sports it can't autofocus fast enough. I end up renting the Nikon 70-200 2.8 VRII instead. Personally I would probably go with the Nikon VRI used over the Sigma or either Tamron. If you can swing it at all financially go for the VRII. If you want to be "become a sports photographer one day" that's what you'll need. Except of course that by then there could be a VRIII or VRIV. :) </p>

<p>HI Chris, </p>

<p>I have used it indoors (boxing, martial arts) but it's mainly used outside, where it provides excellent results for motor sports and rugby.</p>

<p>The "direction of zoom" thing doesn't bother me at all; although, like most people, I <em>thought</em> it would...</p>

 

<p>The Nikon VR1 is the best choice for you if you can find it. It is built like a tank, has super fast AFS AF and awesome optics. The downside is that it weighs a ton and the VR is not as good as the later versions and ofcourse the cost. You may find that it does not balance on your D5100 well without a battery pack. I use a D300 with a battery pack with mine and am very happy. The VR2 is a bit better optically and has better VR but I did not like the focus breathing (which you notice when taking portraits) and the new design of the hood which means you cannot stand the lens on end anymore. </p>

<p>If you are concerned about the resale value, I think that the Nikon would have the best of the three options.</p>