Upgrade: Camera or Lens ???

[SurvRob]

This is what I currently own: XSI along with the 75-300 1.4-5.6 & 18-55, 3.5-5.6IS.
I just started shooting my kids sports: basketball, soccer & baseball. Baseball shots were great. Soccer shots not so good, out of focus in fast action. Now basketball season is upon us and from what I have read here, I need ISO 3200, beyond the XSI capabilities.

I know I need to purchase better lenses, but I thought I could get buy with the XSI for my current needs and upgrade my lenses. Now, I don't know if I should upgrade the camera first, and if so, which one...40D and 50D are in my price range but not much left over to upgrade the lenses.

All thoughts & opinions welcomed.

[DC Fan]

From what you've posted, the best practical "upgrade" would be a 50mm f/1.8 lens for around $80-90.

http://www.fansview.com/racing/11222008a0839.jpg

Wait for the players to get into range for a properly framed shot, and the fast 50mm will help you get a decent shot. This image was 1/400 at f/1.8 and ISO 800.

Even the 75-300mm lens can get good results indoors.

http://www.fansview.com/racing/hsbkb32407a0044.jpg

Worst-case situation for the 75-300mm, as far as you could be from the action. Set the camera at ISO 800 and got this result at 300mm at 1/200.

[Mike R]

Welcome to POTN. A lot has to do with the lighting in your gym and if you can use a flash. Ask the coaches or AD before you use one.

If you cannot use a flash and the lighting is poor, get either the 50mm f/ 1.8 as DCfan suggested or the 85mm f/1.8 lens With either of these lenses you can open up to f/2.2 and may be OK at an ISO of 1600, I wouldn't open up either lens any wider for sports.

You said that the 40D and 50D are within your budget so if you could manage an extra $80 you could get the body and the 50m lens. Then start saving up for a 70-200 f/2.8l USM and a 1.4 extender for next spring to use at soccer

Did anyone mention that photography is an expensive habit? :lol:

[tstowe]

Did anyone mention that photography is an expensive habit?

I plan to start selling organs. Just some small ones I don't use all the time. I mean do you REALLY need two kidneys? What's a little sugery compared to the joy a 400 2.8 will bring me?

[Mike R]

I plan to start selling organs. Just some small ones I don't use all the time. I mean do you REALLY need two kidneys? What's a little sugery compared to the joy a 400 2.8 will bring me?
...or become a corrupt politican :lol:

[tstowe]

...or become a corrupt politican :lol:

There's another kind?

[PaCiFiSt]

Welcome!

I had a 350D (Rebel XT) prior to my 40D, and I used my two Tamron lenses in high school gyms with pretty good success. I just used the highest ISO my camera had(1600) and shot at F/2.8 most of the time with whatever shutter speed I could get.

Now I shoot my 40D with a 70-200 F/2.8 and a 300 F/2.8 prime as well as another 40D with a 24-70L (the L doesn't compare to the Tamron in terms of focus speed).

The difference between my 40D and 350D was definitely apparent but I found the difference in glass to be an even bigger improvement.

If you can't get your lens to focus in time to get the shot it doesn't matter if the picture is noisey or not.

Just my two cents...

[ddmitchell]

Welcome!



Now I shoot my 40D with a 70-200 F/2.8 and a 300 F/2.8 prime as well as another 40D with a 24-70L (the L doesn't compare to the Tamron in terms of focus speed).


I'm confused, which lens do you prefer the Canon or the Tamron?

[Andrushka]

lots of folks here shooting HS basketball use the Canon 85mm 1.8 - i would think if you had that lens and used the 85mm wide open (1.8 aperture) with your XSi at 1600 ISO you could get decent shots

[Mike R]

lots of folks here shooting HS basketball use the Canon 85mm 1.8 - i would think if you had that lens and used the 85mm wide open (1.8 aperture) with your XSi at 1600 ISO you could get decent shots

You need to be careful, the DOF could be too shallow to get everything you want to be sharp. I would start with f/2.2

[tstowe]

You need to be careful, the DOF could be too shallow to get everything you want to be sharp. I would start with f/2.2

Be VERY careful. I spent two hours on top of a ladder once, setting up for through the glass remote. I used a 50 1.8. I got the focus wrong. Sat there clicking away for two whole games. Kept about three pictures. The rest were just too blurry.

[Zivnuska]

Welcome to the forum.

If there are any other serious photogs at your gym, you might ask them what it takes to photograph in ambient light at that venue. Perhaps someone from a local paper? That way, you will know if you have a chance to be successful at ISO 1600 with a fast (f/1.8 ) lens.

Depth of field does get pretty thin beyond f/2.2 , Mike R makes a good point.

A flash (like a 580, if allowed) could let you shoot BB with current equipment and has lots of uses beyond sports. Fast, inexpensive lenses like the 50 and 85 f/1.8 have multiple uses as well. Go slow before spending big $$.

[SurvRob]

Thanks all for your opinions.

I got he 85mm 1.8...and for the extra $85 the 50mm 1.8.

First game is Saturday...let's see!!!