tom_platt

I'd say go with the 24-70 F2.8L, will give you far more versatility. The extra 1.5ish stops would make a difference but with ISO1600 it should be fine for 1/400th of a second in most gyms

For sports photography, especially basketball, definitely dont skimp on the Fstops....I shoot @ F1.8 and still need ISO 1600 to get 1/500th of a second. I'm currently saving for the Sigma 70-200 HSM or perhaps a good condition used Canon 70-200L. The 20D performs admirably at 1600 though.

<br>

<img src="http://www.twilight-photography.co.uk/small_terrell.jpg">

<br>

This was shot with my 20D and 50mm F1.8 mkII, ISO 1600 on Servo mode @ ISO 1600 F1.8 1/500th. As you can see the noise isnt that bad at all!

Hey fellas!</p>

<p>A 50mm F1.8 is far more useful than you think! I shoot Division 1 basketball from the sidelines here in the UK, the Manchester Magic in particular.</p>

<p><img src="http://www.twilight-photography.co.uk/small_terrell.jpg"></p>

<p>This shot was taken on a Canon EOS-20D with a 50mm F1.8 mkII lens @ F1.8, 1/500 and ISO1600. The noise cleaned up very well in Noise Ninja, but the 20D does have significantly less noise than the D70 anyway.</p>

<p>This lens will have to do me until I can afford a 70-200 F2.8 </p>

<p><img src="http://www.twilight-photography.co.uk/gallery/Canon_EOS-20D/Sports/Magic_Games/08-01-05_London_Utd/ben_eaves2.jpg"></p>

<p> </p>

<p>Check out some more from the same game <a href="http://www.twilight-photography.co.uk/?content=gallery.php&dir=/Canon_EOS-20D/Sports/Magic_Games/08-01-05_London_Utd">here</a>