Camera Lens for Horse Action Shots??? (Also in PG)

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dressage_diva

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Hi all,

i've become the proud owner of the Canon 1000D SLR camera aftermy OH gave it to me for my bday (along with a one-to-one photography course I went on yesterday). I'm very keen to start taking lots of equestrian shots (mostly action, eg. eventing!) and want to purchase a telephoto lens.

The guy who I did the course with has recommended the:
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS Lens (http://www.warehouseexpress.com/product/default.aspx?sku=1021795)
As he says it should be good for someone like me just starting out. However the reviews suggest that it isn't good for sports shots.

Does anyone use this lens for equestrian shots? Is it any good? Alternatively, can anyone recommend me a suitable lens that isn't too pricey? I'm willing to spend a reasonable amount for a lens that is going to last me a while (I'm hoping to get quite into equestrian photography with time), but equally as a beginner I don't want to fork out lots of money if it's unnecessary.

Thanks
smile.gif
 
Depends on your definition of "last a while".

The Canon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IS should fit the bill for now, but cheap zoom lenses are a false economy as parts wear out fairly quickly with heavy use.
 
To be honest I don't know what I mean by "last a while".....I don't want to buy a lens and feel the need to replace it in 6months or something because it isn't good enough for what I want. But equally I don't have the money to spend on something very impressive if it's not worth getting it until I have a few more years of experience. At the moment I just want to learn how to take good shots and have fun doing it - popping along to local events and photographing competitors etc.
 
I have a cheapish zoom for my Canon 400D, its a 75-300 EF 1:4-5.6 III USM which cost under £200. Its a good starter lens, and I've had it 18 months so far with no sign of wear. Obviously a more expensive one would be better in lower light, but as I use it outside (no inside SJ for example) I've been fine so far. I have a plain glass filter screwed on the end to protect the glass/end of the lens.

Good luck.

Fiona
 
My resident pro-tog, Mr FigJam, says;

"That lens will be absolutely fine for outdoor use as long as the light is good. You might struggle indoors or in poor light as the shutter speed will drop too low. If this is the case, you'll need to up the ISO slightly to compensate.

As far as lenses are concerned, you do get what you pay for, but if you're spending a reasonable amount you'll get a decent quality. If your budget can stretch, you might want to look at the Canon 70-200mm F4 USM L lens (he's such a geek, this is all being spoken from memory, and he's a Nikon user!!!) as this has a constant aperture and you'll generally get a much sharper picture out of this.

Alternatively, third party lenses can be good value, such as Tamron 70-200mm F2.8 is a steal (but double the price!)"

Happy snapping! (Hope you understand the above!!)
 
Anywhere around 70-200 or 70-300 will give you a good start. Most pros will use the faster more expensive lenses like the 70-200 f/2.8 IS but you can get the 70-200 f/4 which is fine for outdoor use, its only in bad light that the f/2.8 is really needed.
The EF-S that you have been reccomended is only f/5.6 at the long end so it will be at its sharpest somewhere around f/8 or f/11 so it may struggle if you want to do indoor stuff in winter, and the 1000D is not as good at high ISO's when the light drops.
If you don't have a lot to spend and think you may want to upgrade you may find a secondhand one if you hunt around the photography forums, that way if you want to upgrade later you would not lose much on it. Fixation in London often have secondhand stock and you usually get a 6 month warranty from them, or MPB photographic do a 3 month guarantee on most of their used equipment.

Have fun
smile.gif
 
Thanks everyone - I might look into second hand lenses (especially as I'm in London so could pop into Fixation). I'm mostly interested in photographing outside action shots so thanks for the warnings about indoor lighting.

Now just need to have a hunt around, compare prices and then order one!
 
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