Hi Everyone,

I'm new to the forum and digital photography. I've been doing dog agility for quite a while now and would like some suggestions on suitable telephotos for shooting at agility trials. I'm using a Nikon D200 and currently have a 70-210 f4-5.6 but all the trials around here are in covered horse arenas and I'm thinking I will need something both longer and faster. What focal length do you guys find ideal for shooting agility trials?

Thanks!
Greg

I would try and go for something fast like the 70-200 F2.8, or even a fast, long prime. I do think the zoom will be more versatile though.

Covered horse arenas are REALLY tough to shoot in. I am betting not many people will even accept that sort of job because the results will usually be poor if you can't use a flash or strobes.

Thanks Julie! Yes, we don't get many photographers in this area, but there have been a few at my local trial. The guys from Doghouse Arts were here last Feb. and did a great job.

The 70-200 F2.8 has been on my wishlist since buying the camera body, but right now I'm thinking of getting a prime 300 F4. There's no way I can spring for a 200 F2.8:-) I'm thinking the combination of these two lenses would work well.

Thanks!
Greg

LOL...I meant there's no way I can spring for a 300 F2.8...

Greg,
I've shot Agility Trials in a covered arena and used a 70-200 F2.8 with good results. Anything slower and there just isn't enough light to stop the action. Nobody allows strobes at an Agility Trial I've shot.

Sorry, but if this is what you're going to shoot, you need to spring for the F2.8 zoom IMHO. Look at Sigma, Tamron and other 3rd party lenses if you can't go for the Nikon or look for used or refurbished at Adorama, KEH or one of the other reputable retailers.

Jim

The f4 would probably just be too slow. I guess it depends on the covered arena. I hate them. Indoor is better than covered because you get the awful blown out sides and you really will be at 1600+ ISO at 2.8 if you want to get to 1/500th of a second IF it is lit well enough

Thanks for all the info guys. This is exactly what I was looking for. I don't see getting the 70-200ED 2.8 being a problem, although I will probably be buying the non AF-S IF version. That lets me know that it is more important to get the 70-200 F2.8 rather than the 300 F4...exactly the decision I was trying to make.

Greg

200 f2 would be my choice, bar none. . . I've shot indoor with the 70-200 on the d300 and unless you have very very good light, your not going to get anything worth publishing.

Well, I just realized it is a Nikon 80-200 F2.8 I've been looking at. Nikon doesn't make a 70-200 F2.8...

Greg

Nikon makes a 70-200 2.8, not sure if they make it in a non VR version though

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/70200vr.htm


The 80-200 2.8 should do the job at a much lower price