The 135 is not the fastest focusing, but it's not terrible either and in my limited experience with macro lenses they are not built for speed. But most likely it will not be a problem with the competition shots.
I have definitely been eyeing that 200mm 2.8 but it is over $700 so I would not be getting any new lawn furniture if I splurged. HMMMM maybe I can sit on the grass....I have the Minolta 135mm 2.8 and LOVE that lens. It's one of my favorites! I find it to be quite sharp, excellent colors and nice bokeh and it's so compact. I did use it to shoot at my nieces gymnastics meet and had some good luck with it. Something with an even larger aperature would be even better as gym lighting can be so difficult but for under $500 all that I can think of will probably have too short of focal length.
I've also heard good things about the Sigma 105. I don't have that but my best guess is that it will be similar in auto focus speed and sharpness of the 135 (did I mention that I LOVE the 135?!?)
In deciding I'd consider the focal length - will it help to have the added length of the 135 or can you get close so that isn't a factor? Another thing I'd consider is which I would rather have later - a macro lens, or a compact 135mm.
Another option would be to rent a lens for the competition. I know of a place I could recommend that has the 135mm for under $20 for one week rental. And if you did decide to go the rental route there are other lens options as well that you might decide would work even better for the occasion like a 200mm 2.8 or 70-200mm 2.8 or even a 135mm 1.8. It would depend on how important it is to get the best pics possible at the cheer competition or if you are looking for a lens to buy and the cheer competition will be it's first use?
Thanks for posting these. I do have that lens and have thought about using it, but we typically compete in a larger venue than a gym but the lighting is similiar. I am afraid that I would need a longer focal length to get the shot since only a few places let us get us in front of the stage. I may take it and play with it at practice though.I used my 50mm 1.8 this past winter for my DD's cheer comps. I think 135mm may be too long. I did do a little cropping as I was at the very top of the bleachers. If I was down toward the bottom I think a 35mm 1.8 would work well. I plan on buying a Tamron 28-75mm 2.8 for next season to see how that does. I feel 28-75mm would be perfect for focal lengths in the 2 gyms we were competing in.
These are with the 50mm 1.8 on my D80. All taken at f/2.8, ISO 800, 1/640
I have definitely been eyeing that 200mm 2.8 but it is over $700 so I would not be getting any new lawn furniture if I splurged. HMMMM maybe I can sit on the grass....
How does the renting a lens work? I have never done that. We do not have any place here in town that rents.
I am still pretty new on the learning curve but I am determined to get some some good photos at a competition this fall.
