Which lens with Nikon D3000 ?

[SlowInternet]

I know the Nikon D3000 isn't a fancy camera but I want to just try out and see if I like it and then maybe later get some better equipment. So I got this camera with the standard lens for a bargain from somebody. If I want to take some photos of the kids playing school sport what kind of lens will I require. The sport they participate in is cricket and rugby.

I'm really a newbie with photography so please be kind, any info will be appreciated. Remember it's only school sport.

Thank you

 

[binkybozo]

what is your budget?

a nikon 70-200mm is excellent for sports but it can be pricey. if you are really on a tight budget then try a 70-300mm, sigma makes a good one and it is cheaper than the nikon. the sigma comes with stablization and it will auto focus on your d3000 which is nice for fast action sports photos. you can also even go cheaper on the sigma and just purchase the good old apo version without stablization but stay away from the non apo version.

 

[koffiejunkie]

The Sigma's 70-300's AF is not fast enough to do sport - in fact, it's quite slow. Get the Nikon 70-300mm with its SWM (Silent Wave Motor). Another reason is, if you end up not liking it, the Nikon will sell much closer to its new price. Trust me, second-hand low-end Sigma lenses retain very little value.

 

[bwana]

You might want to pick up a sigma 150-500 if you can find a reasonably priced second hand one. Not great but it will get the job done as long as there is daylight.

300mm is way too short for cricket and barely long enough for rugby.

 

[DGremlin]

Honestly start with the 70-300mm you find it will give good zoom range and is relatively light and not to big, while you may find yourself lacking it is a good starting lens. The 70-300 will also come in handy at any number of other events or scenarios.
Anything bigger is going to be used exclusively for long range photography, and do you really want to have a large and pretty heavy lens you only pull out occassionally.

EDIT : I forgot to mention, focus speed with sports events will matter so keep that in mind when deciding.

Depends on what you plan on using it for and your budget.

 

[binkybozo]

The Sigma's 70-300's AF is not fast enough to do sport - in fact, it's quite slow. Get the Nikon 70-300mm with its SWM (Silent Wave Motor). Another reason is, if you end up not liking it, the Nikon will sell much closer to its new price. Trust me, second-hand low-end Sigma lenses retain very little value.

i used to do a lot of high school rugby shoots with my sigma 70-300mm and the photos came out just fine.

 

[SlowInternet]

Thank you binkybozo,koffiejunkie, bwana & DGremlin for the advise. It is appreciated.

 

[bwana]

Thank you binkybozo,koffiejunkie, bwana & DGremlin for the advise. It is appreciated.

Enjoy. Be warned though - sports can be an expensive genre.

 

[SlowInternet]

Enjoy. Be warned though - sports can be an expensive genre.

I will thanks - the youngster (14yrs) is already walking around taking photos all over the place. Seems like I will have to already look for another camera

 

[bwana]

I will thanks - the youngster (14yrs) is already walking around taking photos all over the place. Seems like I will have to already look for another camera

My six year old has already laid claim to one of my 400Ds so I know the feeling. Makes for a great excuse to upgrade though!