Camera and lens for indoor sports

[skysh4rk]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the forum and I'm about to purchase my first digital slr.

I'm now trying to choose between the D5100 and D90 from Nikon and each camera's capability for shooting indoor and outdoor sporting events (particularly high jump and pole vault) factors heavily. Any significant differences in this regard?

Also, what lenses would be ideal for this? I'm guessing it would be the wider aperture lenses, although I've noted that a few that I've seen recommended for sport were very expensive (over £1000).

Is there a lens for either of these two aforementioned cameras that would be suitable for sport that's below £400?

I know that the D90 has an in-body focusing motor; would this be advantageous?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

 

[Siberdib]

From my own POV (I have owned the D90).

I was happy with the Nikon D90 and it performed well for what I needed it for. Was quick to pick up and use and the ergonomics were great for a smaller body. I wasn't particularly happy about pushing the ISO beyond 1600-2000 with the D90. This might be worth noting when comparing to the D5100 which has a marginally better noise performance. The fps are very similar so the D5100 would possibly be the better option if your looking to shoot sports indoors until poor lighting.

You should always spend your money on the lens. For sport, obviously the faster the lens the better - especially when indoors and this can compensate for the ISO performance.

If your budget is tight, then look to buy a second-hand lens. Based on pole vault and high jump, the Nikon 80-200 f2.8 would be ideal and you could pick one up for around £500 - I started with this lens and it is fantastic. Possibly getting a good second hand body will give you the extra cash your need for the lens.

 

[skysh4rk]

If your budget is tight, then look to buy a second-hand lens. Based on pole vault and high jump, the Nikon 80-200 f2.8 would be ideal and you could pick one up for around £500 - I started with this lens and it is fantastic. Possibly getting a good second hand body will give you the extra cash your need for the lens.

Thanks for the advice, Siberdib.

Will the Nikon 80-200mm f2.8 autofocus on the D5100? I suppose with the pole vault and high jump you already know the path the athletes will travel, so it would seem perfectly reasonable to manually focus on the bar, but I'm just wondering how the lens would work on the camera otherwise.

 

[Siberdib]

Will the Nikon 80-200mm f2.8 autofocus on the D5100? I suppose with the pole vault and high jump you already know the path the athletes will travel, so it would seem perfectly reasonable to manually focus on the bar, but I'm just wondering how the lens would work on the camera otherwise.

Don't personally quote me on this but I don't think the older AF-D version will, whereas the newer, more expensive, AF-S version will. Either lens will focus on the D90 however.

I will have my AF-D version, in excellent condition, for sale soon if you would ever be interested?

 

[skysh4rk]

I will have my AF-D version, in excellent condition, for sale soon if you would ever be interested?

Yeah, depending on the timing, I could be very interested. Just let me know when the time comes.

Cheers.