Best Camera for action sports shooting?

[Methodical]

Hey docgipe, I recognize you from Dave's Garden. How's the shooting of the grandson wrestling matches going?

Originally Posted by docgipe

I have the Canon 7D on my three year list. By that time good second hand refurbished may be available at lower pricing. I am seventy five years young. I am a good amateur following my grandchildren's sports highschool through college. If I do not buy the 7D you may assume I am looking up at the grass with no future need for one of the best in it's class. Photographing grass roots in place has never been an attractive thought to me.

To the OP. For basketball, you can do a used 40D or 50D and 85 1.8, but for baseball, you'd want at least a 70-200 (f4 will do since the games are during the day). If the budget was a bit higher, a 70-200 2.8 could do both.

[docgipe]

I have upgraded done about September of last year. I got the 17 X 55 and the 70 X 200 both f/2.8 IS the best from B & H. Also upgraded the tripod and mono-pod with ball heads to equal the weight added. Then all the assessory lenses had to grow up to 77 mm. I am now looking into the Canon 2X111TC which is brand new. I don't talk about this where items like this are not understood.

You ask how I am doing with the wrestling. This post includes a recent image shot with the above and post managed with CS4. I'm into learning and keep reading and a study schedule of other's work.
Feel free to criticise this or any work I post. That is how I learn even more.

[STUMP1982]

I have the T2i with the 85mm 1.8 combo for basketball. I would recommend the 60d or the 7d if you can afford it. The T2i is awesome for baseball and football but so so for low light in the gyms. I get a lot of photos out of focus..

[gh patriot]

40D plus 85 1.8 Great inexpensive combo

[patrickf117]

Originally Posted by Titans11

Good morning - I am looking to purchase a new camera for sports shooting and I am seeking advice. I currently have a Sony DSC-H7. It shoots about 3 shots per second but I am looking for a better performing camera. Most of my pictures consist of baseball and basketball. My budget is around $500-$1000 all end. Any recommendation on cameras and lenses? Is fps the key component or does the lens also play a factor. Thanks all for your help!

40D is like the baby 1D MkII 6.5 fps is decent enough for a hobbyist like us. Lens, a 70-200 2.8/ 1.4xII then you're all set to shoot away.

[docgipe]

Thany you all for responding. While I am not ready to move further at the moment I sincerely appreciate the time and help you have offered. I am thinking and agreeing right in there with you folks. I have a year or two to upgrade my body. Will do but need some breathing room. LOL

[gkoskela]

Great comments here...the only thing I have to add on the budget side of things is this. A couple of years ago, I bought a used 70-210mm 3.5-4.5 USM. (Make sure it's the twist zoom version, not the push/pull version). It's an old lens from the 90's, but I love it since I don't have enough money for the L series. Faster than the newer consumer zooms, focus is wicked fast and silent, and the IQ is very nice. Might be a stop-gap for baseball until you can afford the big stuff.

Here's one I shot with it of softball:

[docgipe]

Nice softball shot. I learned with this observation. Thanks.

[S.Horton]

Originally Posted by wyofizz

What do you plan to do with the photos?
Personal use or sales?

Best question on the thread. If you are going pro, your budget needs expansion.

And it matter which sports, too.

Someone said FPS does not matter. It will, so keep it in mind.

[MT Stringer]

In the last few years, I have shot high school sports with a 20D, 30D, 40D, 1D MK3, and 7D. They all had one thing in common - fast glass. 70-200 f/2.8 Sigma, then Canon. Sigma 120-300 f/2.8, now the Canon 300 f/2.8. To cover all sports, I have the 300, 70-200, 24-70 and 17-40, 1D MK3, 7D, 580 EX II, strobes for basketball and wireless remotes to trigger them.

If you are serious about shooting sports, you will have to rethink your budget considerably.
Hope this helps.

Note: I might add that I am still learning all I can to improve my photography skills.
Mike

7 soccer games last Friday and Saturday were shot with the 7D and 300 f/2.8

[S.Horton]

By the way, welcome to POTN.

[Mk1Racer]

Originally Posted by MT Stringer

In the last few years, I have shot high school sports with a 20D, 30D, 40D, 1D MK3, and 7D. They all had one thing in common - fast glass. 70-200 f/2.8 Sigma, then Canon. Sigma 120-300 f/2.8, now the Canon 300 f/2.8. To cover all sports, I have the 300, 70-200, 24-70 and 17-40, 1D MK3, 7D, 580 EX II, strobes for basketball and wireless remotes to trigger them.

If you are serious about shooting sports, you will have to rethink your budget considerably.
Hope this helps.

Note: I might add that I am still learning all I can to improve my photography skills.
Mike

7 soccer games last Friday and Saturday were shot with the 7D and 300 f/2.8

I hope to be adding a 300 f/2.8 to my arsenal w/in the next week or two. HS Lacrosse and baseball seasons start in ~a month. My planned gear 'kit' for shooting games will be the 7D + 300 f/2.8 and the 40D + 70-200 f/2.8. I know the 300 f/2.8 will take some getting used to, as I'm so used to shooting w/ a zoom.

[burnet44]

is the 7d better than a 40D? for the price
I have a 40 D

[docgipe]

Not fair while using different image and location. This is Rebel STi + 70 x 200 F 2/8L IS Mark II. I elected to go to the 7D based on research largely done here. I am very pleased with the upgrade. This pix is made with the Rebel.

[docgipe]

Now one with the 7D.