Best Lens for Sports Photography

JNR wrote:

Bill Ferris wrote:

JNR wrote:

If you aren't already experienced with shooting heavy lenses extensively (such as the 50-140), then you don't really have enough time to learn how to do so proficiently. I think your best bet is the 70-300, or possibly the 55-200 if you don't expect to be doing much longer shooting (football and soccer especially require longer focal lengths). Down the line, the 50-140 would be best for basketball in a close H.S. environment, but you would want far more time to learn how to properly shoot it.

The 70-300 and 55-200 are too slow for sports photography. The 50-140 is the obvious best option for basketball, assuming the OP will have courtside access and the freedom to roam.

Likely true for some rural and olden days gyms, but not true for the majority of situations now. You aren't respecting the OP's explanation that he is a hobbyist, and the timing of the situation.

If disrespect has been extended toward the OP, it was your assertion that they don't have time to learn to use the 50-140mm f/2.8 properly. It's equivalent to a full-frame 70-210mm, which is a good match for the standard zoom range for indoor sports. In a very well-lit arena, the OP could be working at f/2.8, 1/1000, ISO 3200. At those same exposure settings, the OP would be at ISO 12800 with the 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 or something like ISO 8000 with the 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8.