Nikkor 75-300 f/4.5-5.6 for SPORTS??

Hi Folks! I'm searching for a zoom lens that will primarily (70% of

the time) used for shooting various sporting events (baseball,

soccer, golf, etc) - it will most likely be used on a Nikon N90s. I

already have a zoom that gets up to the 200mm mark, but want the

option/flexibility of 100mm more.

Upon searching the net, I found solid reviews of the now discontinued

Nikkor 75-300 f/4.5-5.6. Since cost is a consideration (can be had

used for about $250), I'm wondering if this lens will do. The reviews

hail its sharp optics, but consistant "con" I found was its slow AF.

Coming over from MF (Nikon FM), I'm not sure if this will be a huge

problem when shooting sports.

 

Your insight and experience are appreciated. Thank you!

It's just my experience, but I've always thought that a 300 was too short for most sports, especially baseball and soccer. You might end up cropping way down on a negative created with a zoom lens, which might not be the best thing. If you can find something that at least goes into the 400mm range in your budget, I think you'll be much happier with the results. I've rarely used AF for sports so I can't really answer that part. Some people need it, some hate it.

If you shoot in bright sunshine, the lens will do OK. If it is a night game (i.e., soccer, baseball) you may want to try the 180mm f2.8 Nikkor, or if you want to spend several $$$$'s, the AF 300mm f2.8 Nikkor.

 

I wouldn't consider shooting indoor basketball with the 75-300mm lens.

Thanks for the early responses ... I would indeed by shooting primarily outside, so the 4.5/5.6 should work ... actually I did have an old Vivtar Series 1 70-210, shot some warm up shots at a Mighty Duck hockey game with 800 film speed - came out fairly well considering the horrid lighting.

 

I hear you on the 400mm+ ... I would love to have such a lens but my budget is right about $350 - haven't really seen anything of decent quality above 300mm and below $350.

The Tokina ATX-Pro 80-400 is very good for the price. Check it out.

There's a Tokina 400/5.6 at KEH for $299... check it out:

 

http://www.keh.com/shop/product.cfm?bid=NA&cid=08&sid=newused&crid=4029698