Nikon D80 Lens Question

I want to take some pictures of HS basketball. I have 2 choices for lenses which one would be better? AF 50mm f/1.8D or the 70-300mm f/4-5.6G. I also only have the camera flash which isn't worth the nickel I paid for it.

Of course I would rather have a different lens but that's not going to happen.

Bring them both. If you are close I think you will find the 70-300 a bit too long

It's a HS game, so is it safe to assume you will be able to move around the gym and get relatively close to the action?

If so, you'll probably do best with the large aperture on the 50mm. Lens speed is a priority when shooting indoor sports.

If you're stuck in one place up in the stands, and can't get closer to the action you'll want the zoom power of the 70-300 but will be fighting the combination of low-light and high-speed action.

I would take both, try to shoot as much from the sidelines with the 50mm as I could, and use the 70-300 to try some pan shots from the stands, and slower moving things like candids of the coaching staff and bench, fans, etc.

(Message edited by Mammoth on January 06, 2009)

I would suggest a monopod if you plan on zooming much.
I just got a D60 and have a 70-300mm f/4-5.6 lens. I spent some time on new years eve at a park taking some pics and was very dissappointed with my handholding steadiness on my zoomed photos.. just my $0.02

I used the 70-300mm f/4-5.6G but the pictures turn out way to dark. I didn't get chance to get the AF 50mm f/1.8D from my friend to try.

I have a D200 with 50mm f/1.4 (awesome lens). The focal length is great if you can get courtside and plan to move around a lot (your feet are your zoom).

Here's the problem you will run into. You need a shutter speed of 1/500 to stop the action. I've cheated and gone as slow as 1/350, but the results were so-so. At these fast shutter speeds and f/1.4, I still had to crank ISO up to 800 or more which produces a lot of noise. I'm told the D300 is much better with high ISO.

The problem is the gym itself... terrible lighting... no where near the bright light the pros photographers enjoy when courtside at an NBA game.

I say splurge and get the 50mm in f/1.4 (only $200 more than the f/1.8 and not made of plastic). But don't get all excited thinking the wide aperture will do miracles in the gym. Just take LOTS of pics and plan on only getting a handful worth saving.

Where you will really love the "fity" is as a portrait lens. It is tack sharp and produces amazing bokeh.