Semi-pro football questions

[rshmn]

I'm going to be shooting some semi-pro football starting in late spring, and was just curious about a setup.

I know I need to acquire an extra body, another 7D body is out of the question, so what would a good alternative be? Based on my research a 40D would be the best option for the second body and sports shooting.

As far as lenses go, would 300mm on a crop body have sufficient enough "reach" when attached to the 7D? And for the second body, I was thinking a 70-200 2.8L (non-is), which seems to be standard for the closer shots. Right now I've been using the 200 2.8L indoors for practices, so it's hard to judge what it would be like on a field.

Can anyone shed some light on my thinking? I don't have a bottomless wallet, but can justify a few purchases within reason. I will have pretty much full access to the field.

Thanks,

Rick

[DC Fan]

Football at 290mm:

http://www.kevinlillard.com/racing/20091003b0003.jpg

Focal length and shooting strategy mean more for football than the camera body. A 1-series Canon body would be preferable, but the above image came from a refurbished XTi. The camera body isn't as important as your ability to track the action and have it in frame when the bug plays happen.

[DDCSD]

I'd recommend looking for a used 1DMkII. They can be found used for around $750 right now, an absolute steal.

[asysin2leads]

I'd recommend looking for a used 1DMkII. They can be found used for around $750 right now, an absolute steal.

And one heck of a camera.

[rshmn]

Thanks guys.

DC Fan, thanks for the example photo! And yes, with having access to most of the field, I don't think 300mm will be a problem.

It never occured to me to look for an older 1D to acquire for a secondary body to use with the 70-200. I'll look into it, and possibly with the IV on the market now, maybe some more II's will pop up.

Thanks!

Rick

[JHunter]

I still use a Mk2n as my primary (and unfortunately only) body. It works great except for some dark gyms where 3200 isn't quite as nice as I'd like. People were capturing fantastic images with them when they were brand new and top of the line, and they haven't gotten any worse since then. Don't hesitate on a IIn or an II. Both are a huge step up over even the 50d, and better in many ways than the 7d.

[rovers_Andy]

300mm is the minimum really otherwise you'll be limited to only shooting the action in a very small area of the field or crop biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig

as for a 2nd body an MKIIn would be a good shout i still see plenty of Agency guys using them

[patwill]

I'll second the motion for a used MkIIn as your second body.

If you're going to be shooting day games the 300 f4 is a great alternative to get the reach without the expense of the 300 f2.8. The older non-IS version is sharper than the newer IS version and sells for $500 to $750 used.