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compact zoom lens

Started Jan 27, 2019 | Questions thread
R2D2 Forum Pro • Posts: 26,551
Re: compact zoom lens

Jimsip wrote:

Hello All, I am in the market for a compact zoom lens to be mainly used on my SL1. My main use will be for in a arena to capture some shots, Monster Jam, Hockey and maybe some other well let events. My problem is the venue only allows cameras with a lens length of less than 3 inches. l would like a little more reach than my 18-55 and my other lens are to long. I'm leaning towards the sigma 18-250 not sure how this image quality is on this lens. My other option is to use my 60 macro and do some cropping. Any suggestions would be great.

Jim

Hi Jim,

IMHO the 60 Macro wouldn't work very well as a sports lens (even if the focal length was appropriate).   The racking in and out at full travel would cause many missed shots.

It's too bad that the 70-300 DO is just 1/4 inch too long!  That would give you much more reach.  That Sigma is indeed a possibility, but I don't have any personal experience with that one.

OTOH the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 comes in at just under 3 inches (without any filter).  The AF is miles faster than my 60 Macro.  I've shot lots and lots of indoor sports with it (just don't shoot into any light sources).  It's too short for any distant stuff of course, so you'd need to crop substantially, but it's a great lens.

Good luck with your search!

R2

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