Nikon 24-120mm 4.0

<p>I upgraded to a Nikon 300s last fall. I upgraded for the AF and ISO.<br>

I am using it to photograph my children's indoor sport/school activities. <br>

Currently, I use a 50mm 1.8. When they are older I will buy a 24-70 or<br>

70-200 2.8. I have a couple years before I will need/want it. However,<br>

I am considering buying the 24-120mm 4.0 now for the same indoor<br>

sport/school activities. I like the focal length, but would prefer a faster<br>

lens. I can buy a used one for $800.00. Has anyone used it for sports,<br>

specifically volleyball, and drama/choir? Thank you.</p>

<p>As a general purpose lens the current 24-120/4 is a great lens, esp. on FX. For indoor sporting events shooting with typical indoor gym lighting, the f/4 aperture will leave you lacking depending on the sport, venue, and your expectations. F/4 is a little over 2 stops slower than your 50mm, the difference between frozen action at 1/500 sec and blur at 1/125, or decent noise ISO 1600 vs very noisy images at 6400 on the D300s. Also the f/4 will let in 1/2 amount of light to the camera's AF sensor which would add to AF struggles. For some sports like track, you could position yourself to shoot from the side as they run by and pan with the action, in which case the relatively slow lens could work. Other fast action sports like basketball, it could still work if you train yourself to wait for the peak action at a certain spot (ie under the basket, free throw line, three-point line). Another option is to use flash which may or may not be allowed depending on the sport/venue.<br>

If you find the 50mm lacking in reach, try the 85/1.8G for the indoor sports. Gives you 128mm equivalent - close to the long end of the 24-120. The 51pt AF of the D300s should work well with it. Have a mid range zoom for other school activities? </p>

<p>I'd second the 85mm f1.8. </p>

<p>In school gyms, auditoriums etc the lighting isn't the greatest and you may be struggling with the AF on the 24-120 - Although it is designed as a budget fast lens. </p>

<p>As for noise - get Noiseware Pro or Noise Ninja. (PS plug-ins) either will do the trick. <br>

<br />Dave</p>

<p>Your camera tops out at ISO6400 with boost?<br />So let’s say for argument, your maximum shooting ISO would like to be around ISO3200.<br />At that ISO, the typical lighting in School Gyms would mean you’ll be somewhere around 1/160s~1/250s at F/4.<br />(and that's 'good' Gym Lighting.)</p>

<p>You can test the “typical” EV you will expect in the gym, by investigating the shots you’ve already made with your 50/1.8.</p>

<p>I doubt an F/4 lens will be fast enough stop the action of school gym indoor Volleyball, even at ISO6400.</p>

<p>Drama and Choirs are different kettles of kippers, because you can attempt to shot at the moment of least Subject Movement.<br />But even then, the Stage Lighting WILL LIKELY vary, during any performance, and you can be at points where the stage might be very dim.<br />For example, in this shot below, even though it was pulled when there was very little Subject Movement - movement in the hand and foot is still evident.<br />An F/4 lens would be totally useless in this drama production, even if the camera had ISO6400: <br /><img src="http://d6d2h4gfvy8t8.cloudfront.net/9567764-md.jpg" alt="" width="680" height="952" /><br />Tech: EOS 5D; EF 85 F/1.8<br />Shooting: 85mm F/1.8 @ 1/80s @ ISO3200.</p>

<p>As the Nikon 85/1.8 has specifically been mentioned, <a href="/photodb/folder?folder_id=925231">you might want to look at this folder and read the commentary under the two photos.</a></p>

<p>WW</p>

<p>Thank you for responses. You saved me money and frustration. I can rent the 85mm 1.8 and before I<br>

buy it. </p>

<p>I agree the 24-120 would be too slow at f/4. I have the D300S and at ISO of 3200...not so good noise wise! And indoors I use a Tamron 17-55 f2.8, Nikon 85 1.8 and sometimes i'' haul out the 70-200 2.8. Instead of the 17-55, a 35mm prime would be a great choice for shooting from behind the BBall net/backboard....among other near by things. </p>