<p>As I read through your suggestions again, I realized that I do need to explain a few things.<br>
<br /> First of all, clearly I am not a professional photographer. It is a hobby (at best), but I would like to improve on those skills. I know enough to mandate that the students use manual settings only, and I can tell them how to adjust for aperture, ISO, and shutter speeds. I don't let them use flashes, largely because when we shoot athletics, I don't want to risk a flash bulb interfering with some kid's attempt at pinning a wrestling opponent.<br>
We have a very limited budget. As a class that is completely self-funded, we rely on yearbook sales and a fundraiser to make money. Typically we operate at a deficit, but I think I can manage a $1,000 lens (preferably less expensive) if I can put off paying my bill for the yearbook publishing company for a little bit.<br>
I want the perfect world with my inexpensive camera: a lens that is multifunctional and adapts to whatever setting I need. The little Tamron lens we have now works well for daylight and dusk, but auditorium settings cause problems. For instance, I tried to photograph a cording ceremony for our National Honors Society students, and had a 20% (give or take) success rate. <br>
I do appreciate your help. I'm looking into the lenses you suggested and seeing which we can afford. <br>
If you have other suggestions, please let me know:<br>
acparsons @ ncmcs . net.</p>
