Must Have Lenses for Sports Photography in 2023 - On a Budget!

[@Conradcockhard]

It's funny that photographers and content creators NO longer address these talking points. They're just pedding the newest, shiny lens or camera. PEFECT VIDEO

[@curtisjones5977]

This was the PERFECT video for me. I have an A7C and that 28-200 and I’m getting into sports photography. I have a spring training game, Phillies and the tigers in Lakeland FL. The game starts at 6pm and I was hoping this lens was gonna do the job and you just saved me money from renting a 70-200 2.8. Great video and I appreciate your honest feedback. Hopefully I can join your camp.

[@LemarGriffinfilms]

One time for the city! Yeah man the only thing you gotta do is watch your shutter and iso. Lock it off at 5.6 and then do your thing. The lights where the spring game will be played will be so powerful you should be good. Let me know how it go. 863!!

[@picturedavvorld]

Facts! Dont let the f4 put u off.. Shot some Late Night/ evening Games with the Sigma 100-400 And still got Great shots

[@LemarGriffinfilms]

Love that 100-400 I use to get some hype when I rented one. Thanks for stopping by.

[@andycarlin9010]

I’m very new to photography and recently tried my hand at amateur sports photography at night under floodlights and failed massively. My 70-300mm f4 lens just wasn’t cutting it as I couldn’t get my exposure right as my aperture wouldn’t go low enough to match my shutter speed. Spent all week trying to find a work around as I’ve not got the money to buy a new expensive lens. This video is by far the clearest and best explanation I’ve found so far

[@buddhavb]

Don't forget the used/2nd hand market as well. Picked up a Cannon 70-200 f 2.8 on KEH. Made a big difference for my motorsport's photography. I shoot dirt track races at night. With cars flying by at 100 mph and dim lighting, the lens was a big help.

[@gcoutdoors904]

This is what im getting a lens for. I know the dirt tracks are sometimes not very well lit.

[@JavierGarcia-do5rq]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge 🙏🏼

[@LemarGriffinfilms]

Thank you for rocking with me. Let me know what video would help you as a sports shooter

[@zoomshootphotovideodigital1560]

Rent! That's what I do. Makes a BIG difference. Thanks for this video.

[@LemarGriffinfilms]

Thanks for watching! It's much appreciated. Let me know if you want to see anything on the channel. Topics will be based on filmmaking, photography, tech, sports, business, and books.

[@Stevegg5826]

Well done!!

[@LemarGriffinfilms]

Thank you very much

[@treyflores4678]

It’s funny how most creators will skim over these points but wow! Thank you for sharing and I had no idea about renting lenses. Definitely got a like and sub from me!

[@stronginhim2008]

I really appreciated your comments for the person that does not have the big $$ and I’m just restarting my photography. I like taking sports photo, initially cause my son’s playing. Thinking that I need a 500mm zoom to be able to take better photos, but understand what your suggestion I need a 70-200 with 2.8. I normal use my 70-300 with 4. I am using Sony A380 using a-mount lenses. You have changed my whole outlook.

[@Thatguy1306n]

Great video thanks. I think us newbies always see and read about 70-200 2.8 being the best lens for sports and need to understand its other options out there that will get the job done. Is there a Tamron option for Canon?

[@rizzaldo]

underrated video and channel. Thanks!

[@LemarGriffinfilms]

@@rizzaldo appreciate you bro! I’ve been not giving KZbin the energy it deserves. Time to change that. Let me know if you got any ideas for videos that you would wanna know about. Appreciate you watching 🦾

[@Staytrue014]

Great video. I'm new to photography and just decided to narrow down what I wanted to focus on. I chose sports since I watch it so much. I was looking for a lens for starters, and this helped. I have a Sony A6500 and wanted to know ur thoughts on just keeping it and learn or upgrading since this model isn't made anymore? At some point, would full frame be more ideal if this actually turns into a consistent paid situation?

[@LemarGriffinfilms]

First of all thanks for watching! I would say keep the 6500 and keep learning and working towards your full frame camera. If you can start getting paid down the road you can start saving for a full frame and sell you 6500 and then be in a good spot. The biggest advice I can give you is get as good as possible and go out and shot, thats how you will be able to get more clients and do a good job for them. Hope that helps.

[@Gridiron_boys]

Thank you man! I've been looking for a lens for my sons games! Without dropping 2k

[@LemarGriffinfilms]

That 2k price point has always been something that just was such a set back for me. Now that I'm 10 years in I see the reason why the glass is 2k but also I'm still the same guy that was broke and just trying to find the best lense I can make something happen with. Let me know if there are any other video topics you need help on

[@thesamedambub9072]

Just starting out and recently used my Sony A6000 with the 55-210 lens at a local High school game and got some great shots

[@stronginhim2008]

Thanks for your advice

[@LemarGriffinfilms]

Happy to help! Thank you for watching, let me know if you have any questions I can help with.

[@jaythatguyyouknow5135]

I’m a cheapskate when it comes to buying stuff for my hobbies, especially expensive ones like photography. I looked on eBay and found several older tamron 28-200 with ef mounts for under $100. I have a canon m6 (mk 1) and an already have an adapter to put older lenses on it so whichever ones I get should work since I already use my a few older lenses on my m6. When I get the 28-200, I’ll try to remember to post an update comment on here comparing it to both my my canon 70-300, canon 80-200 and canon 28-90. I might also see how the standard 18-55 lenses I have compare too but I think it’s a safe bet to assume they aren’t going to come close.

[@JBanksPhotography]

Dope video. I have the Tamron 70-180. I love it. I want to shoot sports but don’t really know how to start getting work. What do you recommend to get me going?

[@LemarGriffinfilms]

The way to get started is to get started. I don't know what sport you wanna shoot, but let's say it's soccer. If it was me, here is what I would do. 1. Figure out where guys or girls play pick-up soccer and go there and shoot. Let them know you're a sports photographer working on your skills. Please make sure to interact with them whenever you can. You can't be a professional sports photographer and get paid without being able to network... it's impossible. 2. Find a family member or friend with a kid who plays soccer and offer to take pics for them; you need practice to build your skill. 3. Try shooting as much as possible before getting paid. I'm not saying work for free, but when you ask people to pay you, the ONE thing I think you should have is examples to show them why they should pay you. 4. Google soccer jobs in your area, reach out to the top 10 clubs or teams, and tell them why you would be a good fit; again, don't say you wanna learn to have something. You show them you already have been learning and would be a good addition to the team. The main takeaway... you gotta show people why they should hire you to shoot sports, don't ever try to land a job without having proof you can do the job. That's all I got, haha; I hope it helps.

[@JBanksPhotography]

@@LemarGriffinfilms Appreciate it man. Will most def take your advice!

[@LemarGriffinfilms]

@@JBanksPhotography Hope you get it man. Keep pushing

[@djtrikthis]

Looked all these KZbin vids, and you answered my question best. Thank you. How about indoor sports, what lens do you recommend.

[@sidvicious3129]

Everything that Lemar said is true, I just shot a concert with a Sony 70-200mm F4. Even with those uneven lights and light levels, I was able to get it done and I got great results. The F4 is an amazing lens for what it is. Also, I would like to add Lemar, there is always the used market when it comes to buying lenses and many camera stores and online camera stores have used lenses in great condition and there is much more room to negotiate pricing, so a 70-200mm gm 2.8 can be had from $1400(if you are very lucky)-$1700 used in great condition if you are patient. Also the Tamron 70-180mm 2.8 is a great option at $1199, but you will have to move with your feet for the extra 20mm, which isn't always possible.

[@LemarGriffinfilms]

Thanks for watching and for the comment. I AM 100 PERCENT WITH YOU! The used market is mainly where I get all my gear. If I can buy used from a good source which I have a few I always do. I used the 70-180 and almost got it but the 28-200 was just to versatile to pass up. Thanks for rocking with the channel boss

[@k_c_t_photography]

@@LemarGriffinfilms I got a question for you, I’ve been shooting semi-pro soccer games for the last few months and I’ve been using a 70-300mm 4.5-6.3 on my Nikon D3400 and a 50mm crop (75mm equivalent) lens on my Sony A7II. I want to get more lenses for my Sony and transition from crop to full frame completely. I’ve debated on the Sony 70-200 f4 vs the Tamron 70-180 f2.8 lens. I like having my reach from the 70-300 lens but I also want to have better low light cause I do shoot night games as well, I can use the crop mode on my Sony to get more reach but I’m wondering whether the 70-180 is enough for me along with having the 2.8 aperture or should I go with the 70-200 f4 for the longer reach but not having the aperture of the 2.8? What would you recommend and why? Also wanting to shoot videos with either lens as well so any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

[@justin.hamiltonjr]

Thanks for this content!!!

[@MO-hq4iz]

I didn't get the f/2.8 lens to have clean images, but it provides fast shutter speeds while maintaining clean photos. Indoor sports are a problem no matter what due to the needed shutter speed and the low light.

[@jbssportsmedia]

Great video, so appreciated! I am new to sport photgraphy and very close to getting some paid gigs (shooting HS sports) Do you feel have two cameras is a must for paid gigs? I am fortunare to have a a9ii as my body but considering a a7c as my back-up / 2nd camera in case issue or to have my 24-70 ready to go as well as my main 70-200. Just curious if you used two cameras ealry on in your carreer. THX

[@LemarGriffinfilms]

Thanks for watching much appreciated! I can only speak for my situation; there was no way I could afford two bodies. During my first 3 years, I didn't have a second body. Once I got hired for the NFL, I started rocking two, but no joke only used my main body. Your setup with the A9ii will do most of your paid work, so if you can get the A7C, I think it will really just be a backup body. Now if you have the budget, it's always an excellent choice to have a backup body and also a BTS cam for you. I hope that helps you. Rooting for ya, boss.

[@Colorado4x4]

Glad I found your channel! Subscribed! You’re in Denver???

[@LemarGriffinfilms]

Yes sir! Roaming around somewhere in the mile high. Appreciate you watching

[@juanarches5793]

Im looking for a good deal from eBay for my Nikon dsrl and mirrorless camera.

[@LemarGriffinfilms]

I would search lens rentals used they have some good stuff!

[@aliciawiltz3433]

I need a lens for my sony zve10 for my daughters indoor volleyball do you think 28-200mm should still work for good zoom shots?

[@LemarGriffinfilms]

Yes! For what you are trying to do I think it would work just fine. You just would need to make sure you set your shutter speed high enough to stop the motion when you daughter is jumping and running. For the price I really still in 2025 don't think there is a better budget action sports lenses I was just using it the other day. Let me know if you have any more questions

[@aliciawiltz3433]

@@LemarGriffinfilms Thank you how high do you set your ISO when shooting indoor with the lens. I just don't want the photos too grainy. I'm worried about that with the variable aperture.

[@MikeAnthonyPhotography]

its also diff for video vs photos .....for videos you can get away with more higher F stops .....but for photos you need F4 and under mostly F2.8 and lower .....video gives more lens to shoot with for cheaper vs good photo lens for sports

[@MikeAnthonyPhotography]

but also taken the places you shoot at in mind ....highschool have shitty lights vs semi and pro teams will have better lights to film at ....also if you shot mostly day games then you got way more picks to use but for night games thats when you might need more pro lens

[@paulowonashe5067]

Yo bro the 70-200 f4 its enough for basketball photography ?

[@LemarGriffinfilms]

I would say yes, it really comes down to the gym lighting but more so what shutter speed you need to stop the action and what iso your camera can reach. I still use a f4 from time to time for basketball with the A7IV and sony a1.

[@Freewxll614]

Appreciate the info! I have a tamron 35-150, do you think I should invest in a 70-200/100-400 for high school football or is 150 gonna be good enough and I can just crop in instead?

[@marqushancock]

What tips do you have when using a 24-70 shooting high school sports. I can never get really clear images.

[@marioserrano3868]

my son started to play high school (soccer) this 70-200 is good for that? what about for long range what do you recommend? example if im at the side line and i want to take a picture of a mid fielder? or im behind the goal and want to take a clean picture of someone shooting outside the box?

[@mayhemmx]

I'm new to photography and sport photography and I have a Canon Eos 1100D and was thinking of buying the 70_200mm f/4 lense, would this be a good investment?

[@bobbymarsh1]

How do you feel about using the 300 F4 for indoor sports

[@TheLondonMiner]

Thanks for this ..question if I may ..what’s the best frame rate and shutter speed in your opinion to film football (soccer) 😅

[@BuddyZuckerman]

What do you think about Tamron 70-210mm F4, for sports...I have Sony A 7III for photos...

[@gdobeg3244]

Am trying to decide which beginner lens to buy for my R10. The 70 200 f4 or f8... or the 70 200mm 2.8 .

[@christianbangs2094]

This might be a dumb question, but does a Sony lens fit on a lumix camera?

[@LemarGriffinfilms]

Sony lenses may fit on a Lumix camera using an adapter

[@keithproduction]

So maybe a dumb question…. How do I get this version for a canon??

[@richardhoj.cherng2721]

What do you think about Sony 70-350?

[@LemarGriffinfilms]

Haven't used it. what lens are you using now?

[@ttvjimmiejuevos]

will it work with a cannon r50

[@ashrafwashere]

hey, im really new to this stuff. does the lens have IS? can anyone help me out?

[@dkkeyz8815]

What do you think about the Sony 24-240?

[@LemarGriffinfilms]

I remember trying it and not really liking how it worked but to be fair this was years ago. Should I rent a copy and see where it's at now? What lenses are you thinking about picking up?

[@CocoKoi321]

sell that sony and buy the better sigma same priced f2.8 70-200 also or recommend people to look at the tamron 70-300

[@PaulChoate-s4v]

Life is short. Get the 2.8

[@ricodove]

Genuinely confuses me when they say budget then shows $700 lens😂

[@LemarGriffinfilms]

Rico what is the confusing part? Do you do sports photography or video? If you got a lenses out there that is less then $700 that you think is better then the Tamron 28-200 please let me and everyone else in the comments know. Happy to chat. Thanks for watching the video...