Cricket Photography Help

[mumsthewordoz]

I am currently using a 5D and am looking at buying a 5D Mark II. I have read that it is not a good camera for sports photography. I photograph cricket and rugby in particular, and use 2 main lenses, a 600mm and a 100-400, so there is not a lot of cropping. I would really appreciate some advice here.

[KIPAX]

Hmmm I dont think it's not a good camera for sports.. I used to use a 10d that had far lower spec and got good sports pictures.. I think what they mean is that there are better .... weather proof. better frame rate etc ie the 1d series aimed at sports photogrpahers :)

[The Moose]

A 5D should be fine for cricket because you're not really tracking any action, you can just focus and then shoot. It has a bit of shutter lag (relative to the 1-series and even the 40D IIRC) so if you're shooting one shot you might have to get used to it. But for rugby I think a 5D would struggle a little bit? Maybe you can purchase a 40D to use for sports and the 5D for whatever else you shoot (and as a second body).

[scott wiggins]

I'd second the comments of a 40D or 50D for a body, assuming you can't go the whole hog and get a 1D Mk II or III.

Focus locking and tracking is far better with the 1D series and you have the advantage of the higher frame rate for shooting. The 5D only does 3 fps which is half a 40D/50D (6.5 & 6 fps) and a third of a Mk III at 9fps.

I used a 100-400 with my 1D at cricket and got some nice bursts with the ball just leaving the bat or bowler's hand. Whilst I don't advocate the shotgun approach sometimes it helps to get the expression on the face or that moment of peak action.