[Needs Advice] Lens + Camera Combo for Field Hockey

Hello Everyone,

I was taking field hockey pictures today and it was a lot of fun. I don't normally do sports photography but I am willing to "invest" in equipment for it just for my own fun/sanity from work. I was using a 5DII + 200L IS today and though it was fine, i was thinking of ways that i could increase my reach and potential.

The situations will usually involve a lot of sunlight or overcast days.

The options i considered today are:
1) Picking up a 7D used to pair with the 200L which will give me reach but i don't necessary like the 7D for its high ISO.
2) Picking up a used 1DIV to pair with the 200L (not a bad option)
3) Picking up a 300 f2.8L I or II or Picking up a 400 f2.8 L I or II (the 400 might be too much for a reach)
4) Picking up a 200-400mm.

I know that there are lots of options out there, but I am wondering what you would take out there. I don't mind picking up a 7D or a 1D4 - besides, i need a second body.

The 200-400mm would be Canon's new lens I assume so you are talking in access of $10K alone and not sure what your budget is. The best cameras would be the 1D Mk IV used about $3K, 1D X about $6K or the new 5D Mk III about $3K as far as using high ISO and I agree about the 7D for high ISO. Stay away from the 400mm F 2.8 in any version unless you are ready to haul around a 13# lens which leads to more cost like a heavy duty tripod and gimbal head, unless you can afford the new 400mm F 2.8 which is about $10K since it is a lot lighter. The problem you have is needing fast SS to stop action and unless you can crank up the ISO on cloudy days it will be hard to achieve this with a f5.6 or slower f stop lens which may make the 100-400mm f5.6 not an option. If the 200mm was enough reach or close to it the new 70-200mm Mk II lens with a 1.4X TC if you need more reach on the 1D Mk IV body which is a 1.3 crop might be a good option for you. This setup would allow you a zoom which may be nice for when the action gets close to you, plus with the 1D Mk IV you would have a bigger buffer and 10 fps and better focusing than you currently have with the 5D Mk II. For other lenses a 300mm f2.8 or Sigma's 120-300mm f2.8 may be options also as well as Canons 400mm f4 IS L DO since it is lighter than a 300mm f2.8 lens. If you would be handholding keep in mind that having image stabilization on the lens may be worth it.

As far as a lens goes, I would get a zoom. Allows you to get a better variety of shots. The 70 200 on a crop body should cover the majority of situations you will encounter. This assumes you have access to the sideline and the freedom to move around. If using FF the70 200 May not cut it.

I don't have IS on mine and didn't miss it when using a SS of 1/500 or faster. The f4 was ok during the day, but I just got it and both times I used it I got lucky..it was sunny. Didn't ty using it after the sun was down low.

If you are looking for another body I think FPS is important...as well as having options for AF. My t3i is slow and only useful when using center point. The 7d seems to kick butt for action sports.

Tripods can be cumbersome and intrusive. I would avoid a decision that involves one (meaning some monster lens).

Have fun.

Talaska wrote in post #16458294
The 200-400mm would be Canon's new lens I assume so you are talking in access of $10K alone and not sure what your budget is. The best cameras would be the 1D Mk IV used about $3K, 1D X about $6K or the new 5D Mk III about $3K as far as using high ISO and I agree about the 7D for high ISO. Stay away from the 400mm F 2.8 in any version unless you are ready to haul around a 13# lens which leads to more cost like a heavy duty tripod and gimbal head, unless you can afford the new 400mm F 2.8 which is about $10K since it is a lot lighter. The problem you have is needing fast SS to stop action and unless you can crank up the ISO on cloudy days it will be hard to achieve this with a f5.6 or slower f stop lens which may make the 100-400mm f5.6 not an option. If the 200mm was enough reach or close to it the new 70-200mm Mk II lens with a 1.4X TC if you need more reach on the 1D Mk IV body which is a 1.3 crop might be a good option for you. This setup would allow you a zoom which may be nice for when the action gets close to you, plus with the 1D Mk IV you would have a bigger buffer and 10 fps and better focusing than you currently have with the 5D Mk II. For other lenses a 300mm f2.8 or Sigma's 120-300mm f2.8 may be options also as well as Canons 400mm f4 IS L DO since it is lighter than a 300mm f2.8 lens. If you would be handholding keep in mind that having image stabilization on the lens may be worth it.

Thanks for your input. I made the mistake of not picking up a used 400mm f2.8 II that someone was selling on a local CL for 9500. It was such a great deal i dont know why i didn't jump on it. Anyways, I'll probably be picking up a 1D IV on thursday. Any recommendations on the monopod of choice to pair with a 200L IS w/ or w/o a 1.4 tele III.

bencodymike wrote in post #16458357
As far as a lens goes, I would get a zoom. Allows you to get a better variety of shots. The 70 200 on a crop body should cover the majority of situations you will encounter. This assumes you have access to the sideline and the freedom to move around. If using FF the70 200 May not cut it.

I don't have IS on mine and didn't miss it when using a SS of 1/500 or faster. The f4 was ok during the day, but I just got it and both times I used it I got lucky..it was sunny. Didn't ty using it after the sun was down low.

If you are looking for another body I think FPS is important...as well as having options for AF. My t3i is slow and only useful when using center point. The 7d seems to kick butt for action sports.

Tripods can be cumbersome and intrusive. I would avoid a decision that involves one (meaning some monster lens).
Have fun.

Thanks for your input. I have used the 7D in the past have because of it, I have hated the 5DIII (due to the now adopted fixed focusing screens - I personally need a precision screen in my cameras). I also don't like the noise production in higher ISO past 800. It looses a lot of detail in higher iso which is what i am stuck with most of the time.

Anyone else have more input?

these are a few samples from that day. Taken with a 5DII and a 200L IS handheld.

From you samples that I saw yesterday, I agree you are lacking in length.

Since the 200-400 is an option, why not rent it and see if it works for you? 200-560mm on a FF and up to 728mm on a 1d4 seems like a nice versatile setup and gives your more flexibility in sports, birds/wildlife, planes, spying on the neighbors, reading the manufacturers name on powerline transformers, moon shots, etc. Also, you can see how the 300 or 400 focal length as a prime would work for you and then make an informed decision.

Good luck with the 1d4 and your lens decision.

[QUOTE=Marloon;1646047​2]Thanks for your input. I made the mistake of not picking up a used 400mm f2.8 II that someone was selling on a local CL for 9500. It was such a great deal i dont know why i didn't jump on it. Anyways, I'll probably be picking up a 1D IV on thursday. Any recommendations on the monopod of choice to pair with a 200L IS w/ or w/o a 1.4 tele III.

You will like the 1D Mk IV as an upgrade to the 5D Mk II for action shots. I have a Sirui carbon fiber monopod, I think the model number was 224 or something like that. It is their tallest and most weight caring monopod they make, and I was impressed with it. For the price is seem as well made as a gitzo and a lot cheaper. A friend on mine bought one of their tripods and that seem very well made also. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one of their products after owning the monopod. Good luck on your lens choice, its a tough decision since one lens never seems like it is the perfect choice for everything.