I’ve been shooting basketball for local high school leagues for years, usually with a 24-70mm f/2.8. I’m starting to need more reach from the baseline, but I'm worried about the aperture. My budget is around $1,500 and I'm looking to buy something before the playoffs start next month. Does the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II hold up well enough with the lighting in these older gyms, or will I be struggling to keep my shutter speed high enough to freeze the action without cranking my ISO into noise territory? Is it actually the best choice for this environment?
TL;DR: The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is fine, but what body are you shooting on? ISO noise depends mostly on your sensor, not just the glass...
Oh man this is exactly my thing, I spent like three years grinding away in those dark high school gyms until I finally figured out the glass game. Honestly, the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is the industry standard for a reason, but if you are worried about light, you gotta look at the total package. If you can stretch the budget or find a deal on a used copy, the Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM is a secret weapon. It is a prime, so you lose the zoom, but that extra stop of light compared to a zoom is huge when the gym lights are basically flickering candles. I used to run the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports too and the AF tracking is honestly insane for the price, though it is a tank to carry around for four quarters. If you stick with the zoom, you are gonna have to embrace the noise and clean it up in post with something like DxO or Lightroom AI. Don't be afraid to push that ISO because a sharp photo with some grain is way better than a blurry, soft one at ISO 1600. Anyway, bottom line is if you want the reach, get the zoom, but if you want the cleanest files possible in those trashy gyms, a prime is the way to go. Just grab a monopod, your arms will thank you by the end of the night.
100% agree
Honestly, the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is solid, but those old gyms are BRUTAL for lighting. Just make sure your sensor handles high ISO well.
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM: Sharp, but heavy. Prudent to check your monopod stability.
- Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2: Cheaper, but check the AF speed. I'd recommend double-checking your focus calibration before the playoffs start...