What is the best professional zoom lens for Canon EOS R1?

Question

I just dropped a massive amount of money on a pre-order for the Canon R1 and honestly I'm kind of freaking out about the lens choice now because I don't want to bottleneck this sensor. I'm based in Chicago and I've got a season of pro-am basketball coming up in some really poorly lit gyms next month so I need something that can handle fast motion without missing a beat.

I spent like three hours reading about the RF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM Z and people say it's the future but it's freaking huge and I'm worried it might be too bulky for handheld all day? Then I saw the standard 70-200 f2.8 which is basically the gold standard but I'm worried 70mm is gonna be too tight if I'm sitting courtside and can't back up. I've got about 4 grand left in my budget for this but I'm just paralyzed by the choice because this is such a huge investment for my business and I don't want to get it wrong.

Is the 24-105 f2.8 actually the best play for something like the R1 or should I stick to the classic 70-200 range for indoor sports?

Cash Anthony Wheeler · Accepted Answer

I really wanted to love that Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM Z for my sports work but it was kind of a letdown. Unfortunately, I had issues with the sheer size of the thing during long games. It just wasnt as good as expected when it comes to ergonomics, especially if youre moving around a lot. For those dark Chicago gyms, youre gonna want something that doesnt make your arms give out by halftime. Try this setup to keep your mobility and stay under budget:Stick with the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM for most of the court.Grab a Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM for those close-up baseline plays. That combo is way more versatile than one giant lens. Plus, having that f/1.8 prime will save you when the lights are extra dim. Youre gonna kill it out there, just dont overcomplicate the kit!

Charlotte · Answer

Unfortunately, I had issues with that heavy 24-105; it wasnt as good as expected.Grab the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM.Save money for extra memory cards.

turtlebaytalker · Answer

^ This. Also, I’ve been really happy with my court-side shots lately since I started looking at faster glass. Those gyms are notoriously dim, tbh. f/2.8 is okay but sometimes you need more. Are you sticking to the baseline or the sidelines for most of the game? Also, are you gonna be strictly handheld? Lugging a heavy setup for hours is a total workout.