Did i make a mistake?

[michael_glavan]

I just started with sports photography and im having lots of fun

with it. I have a 20d with two lens(75-300f4-5.6&18-55f3.5-5.6).I am

taking pic at HS bball,hockey and swimming for the most part.For

christmas my mom asked what i wanted so i told her a 85mmf1.8,since

my other lens i already have are to slow for shooting indoor sports

like bball,hockey and swimming. Was this a mistake to have her get

that lens or will it be a good lens for what im planning on using it

for(indoor sports)? I know a 70-200f2.8 would be ideal but i cant

afford one at this point in time, but plan on it being the next lens

i will purchase. Also even though the 85mm is light and small should

i purchase a monopod for these sport i will be shooting at or is

hand held good till i need a monopod for a big telophoto zoom?

[bourboncowboy]

I really can't answer your first question. I lean towards Nikons. However, a monopod is a wonderful investment. I also shoot HS sports - both indoors and out - and I always try to take advantage of a monopod.

With that in mind, I'd suggest a Bogen/Manfrotto monopod. The quality is there, but the excessive cost of a Gitzo is not. These monopods can really carry the load...although they weigh a bit more than the carbon fiber pods. So, unless you're trying to impress the ladies with the cost of your monopod, or are someone planing a climb of Mt. Kilamanjaro and needs to shed a few extra ounces of luggage, the Bogen/Manfrotto line will be sufficient. Also, don't be afraid of attaching a ballhead to the monopod. You might get some strange looks, but you'll also get some great pics. Best of luck...Mark

[g.richardson]

Although the 70-200 may of more use to you, the 85mm is a darn fine lens. If this is of any help, heres a shot taken with the 85mm 1.8... You can use it hadheld just fine.<div></div>

[g.richardson]

Sorry about the typos in the previous post btw!

[mark u]

Actually I think that f/2.8 is too slow for most high school gyms. Pros can get away with that aperture in well lit arenas, but f/1.8 is almost essential where the lighting isn't good enough for TV broadcasts if you want to have motion freezing shutter speeds. 85mm is a good length to pick, although you may want to supplement it with a 50mm for basketball, and the 135 f/2 beckons for some future present to give more reach. You won't need a monopod for any of those lenses.

[yankfan]

Michael, go with the 85/1.8 It's next on my list.

[michael_glavan]

Thanks everyone for the advice its much appreciated!

 

mike