Which equipment

[BurtonC]

I would like to get myself a canon camera setup with the right lense but I'm unsure what's the best options, I want to shoot combat sports (MMA, Thai boxing etc) it will mainly be in doors but thre could be some outdoors shooting.

I haven't got he biggest budget in the world and as I'm a hobbyist at he moment I was looking at the 4050/550 camera, which lense(s) would be the best options to capture the action with as little motion blur or noise as possible.

Any feedback is really appreciated.

[facedodge]

Originally Posted by BurtonC

I would like to get myself a canon camera setup with the right lense but I'm unsure what's the best options, I want to shoot combat sports (MMA, Thai boxing etc) it will mainly be in doors but thre could be some outdoors shooting.

I haven't got he biggest budget in the world and as I'm a hobbyist at he moment I was looking at the 4050/550 camera, which lense(s) would be the best options to capture the action with as little motion blur or noise as possible.

Any feedback is really appreciated.

The 60D has a better frame rate than the 550D.

You will need a fast lens. Depending on how far you are from the action, the 85mm 1.8 or 135 f/2L may be good choices. The 70-200 2.8 (Non-IS or IS Mark I) is a good lens with more flexibility (in case you are shooting from purchased seats)

[facedodge]

What is your total budget?

[BurtonC]

Originally Posted by facedodge

What is your total budget?

I could stretch to £1000 to get the camera body and first lense, I can always purchase extra lenses at later date

[facedodge]

One thing that is always tough for newcomers to understand despite how often it is echo'd.... Lenses are more important than bodies.

Now, you don't need to get L glass, though some are good values right now (35L, 70-200 f/4, 135L, and 300 f/4L). The 85 1.8, 50 1.4, 100 f/2 Macro are all great non-L lenses.

Also if you are for sure getting an APS-C lens, the 17-55 f/2.8 is a great lens as well but will not fit on a full frame like the 5D.

I would buy a used body rather than a new 550D and spend the rest on glass.

[BurtonC]

I understand lenses are more important then the body, reason I'd go for a newer body is that would last me longer technology wise rather than buying a 3 year old body etc

Which body would be best 550, 5D or 60D

[facedodge]

Originally Posted by BurtonC

I understand lenses are more important then the body, reason I'd go for a newer body is that would last me longer technology wise rather than buying a 3 year old body etc

Which body would be best 550, 5D or 60D

The 550D has the same sensor as the 60D, but lacks build quality, tilt LCD, Frames per second and other features such as exposure bracketing, more cross type AF points, etc.

The 5D is a different beast. I assume you mean the 5Dc. The AF is the same as the 60D I think and has less FPS, but it's full frame which means 50mm = 50mm. The sensor collects more light, the depth of field is narrower and ISO's can be pushed much higher.

buying a used 5Dc would be better than either 60D or 550D for MY purposes. Yours might be different. 7D is best for sports, then 60D, then 550D.

[Biffbradford]

For a tight budget, the 50mm f1.8 is an amazing lens. Don't let the low price fool you. I think everyone should have one in their bag.

[watt100]

Originally Posted by Biffbradford

For a tight budget, the 50mm f1.8 is an amazing lens. Don't let the low price fool you. I think everyone should have one in their bag.

I agree, if you're on a tight budget the 50mm 1.8 will get you good indoor action pics

[CountryBoy]

I'd try the Canon 85mm 1.8 , fast and accurate Af . The only problem is it might not be wide enough , but that depends how close you are too the action . If not , grab the Canon 50mm 1.4 .

[kenjancef]

Originally Posted by CountryBoy

I'd try the Canon 85mm 1.8 , fast and accurate Af . The only problem is it might not be wide enough , but that depends how close you are too the action . If not , grab the Canon 50mm 1.4 .

I agree on both. I have both lenses, and for shooting indoor basketball/volleyball in the winter, the 85 1.8 NEVER comes off! The 50 1.4 is a bit too wide for shooting hoops though. And both lenses are fairly inexpensive, but not sure what your idea of expensive is. Compared to their "L" equivalents, they are inexpensive.

[BurtonC]

Thanks for all the advice, think I'll save up a few
More months, get a bit of a bigger budget and get a 7d with a standard, I'll hire the lenses recommended and then decide which ones to buy after testing them.

I've got a finpix s2970 bridge camera at the Moment as this is just a hobby and I have loads to learn.

[ChrisRabior]

I'd imagine this guy was quite disappointed in the lens recommendations.. which wouldn't surprise me in the least. I would have guessed SnapLocally's posts (which named the lenses he started out with) would have been a great place for this guy to get a feel for how these shows work.

I've shot a lot of fights.. and despite having a 70-200mm f/4L and 85mm f/1.8 along for the ride a few times (even in awesome lighting), I rarely have anything on my 7D where the short end is any 'closer' to the action than 28mm.

[tj3775]

Originally Posted by ChrisRabior

I'd imagine this guy was quite disappointed in the lens recommendations.. which wouldn't surprise me in the least. I would have guessed SnapLocally's posts (which named the lenses he started out with) would have been a great place for this guy to get a feel for how these shows work.

I've shot a lot of fights.. and despite having a 70-200mm f/4L and 85mm f/1.8 along for the ride a few times (even in awesome lighting), I rarely have anything on my 7D where the short end is any 'closer' to the action than 28mm.

I second that...SnapLocally is the go to for MMA and Boxing