Sports photography is most often limits the photographer to the sidelines or the bleachers. Powerful, fast telephoto lenses allow the photographer to get into the action from 30 to 100 feet away. Indoor sports have their own challenges when the comparatively dim gymnasium light compounds the issue of stopping a moving figure.

The best skill to acquire is the ability to anticipate the peak of action, that brief moment when an athlete seems to defy gravity and time. The peak of a leap, the foot plant before a spin move. Fast and bright lenses are an invaluable tool in catching this moment.

The zoom lenses that come with camera kits are often used for sports and the photographer gets mixed results. Usually the percentage of successful pictures is around 20%. They can and should be used, however an increase in successful shots comes from using the right lens and technique.

There are some standard zooms that can be used for sports too. They tend to be OK but they aren't as good at gathering light as those listed below. Less light gathered = slower shutter speeds = more frequent blurry action shots. These standard zoom lenses are less expensive, they certainly can be used for sports, just be prepared to over shoot in order to get a good selection of successful pictures. In this class of lens look for lengths such as 70-300's, 18-270's or other combinations that add telephoto reach to your camera kit.

A key ingredient for success no matter what lens is used is a good camera support. Follow the links at the bottom of this article and see the monopod and head I use for sports.

For brevity, the column on the right contains my suggestions for Nikon and Canon cameras. However the links within each lens description below lead to the full product detail where other mounts can be selected.

The Tamron 17-50 f2.8 lens is the first suggestion. A good, fast lens that covers wide angle to short telephoto is perfect for shooting in a gym. The fast aperture means that flash won't be required for exposure. While shooting soccer or football the 17-50 length captures the crowd, sets the scene and is great for shooting the coach, sidelines and bench area. An option is to add image stabilization to help when shooting without a monopod or tripod. The Tamron 17-50 2.8 VC lens is the answer here.

If most of the sports shooting will be indoors, I prefer the Tamron 28-75 f2.8 lens. Just as bright as the 17-50 above, the 28-75 offers just enough additional telephoto length to make the difference when shooting basketball and volleyball. With this lens mounted I seldom if ever need to change to a different length during a game.

Get in the huddle or on the court with the Tamron 70-200 f2.8 lens. High magnification with maximum light gathering capabilities. This fast and bright lens is perfect for sports. Use it to isolate important action or players. Images shot through this lens can make the viewer feel like they are a part of the action too.

Indoors or out a sports shooter needs to use a monopod to get the sharpest pictures. Image stabilization is great but nowhere near as effective as a monopod. The key to sharp detail and focus is a rock steady camera! Make sure to pick a model that fits your budget but also can support the weight of your camera! The Manfrotto 679B with the Manfrotto Tilt Top head can support any combination of camera and one of the above suggested lenses.