Architecture guy wants to shoot sports as well.

Good day everyone,I need help in my thoughts of picking up some new gear.

Little background:
I would consider myself mostly street and architecture photography. I am more the adventure and enjoyment photographer, with little ties to selling my photographs. I currently have the 5Dc , 24-70 f/2.8 I, and 50mm f/1.8 I. I understand that my gear is slightly older, however I have not been disappointed in the quality of my photos, especially street and architecture. I also have an extreme passion for cycling and water skiing. I have come to determine that the 5D is too slow for the pace of both, and the 24-70 has little reach for what I need. I am looking to pick up a few things:

I do not need the latest and greatest, just quality products that offer what I need. I am looking into filling my bag with the 1DmkIII and 70-200mm f/4 either is / non-is. This is where I could use some help.

Water skiing is done in the early mornings with normally plenty of sun. I sit in the back of the boat, normally braced on the back seat and turned around, its pretty predictable. Wakeboarding is pretty predictable as well in terms of subject placement. In terms of DOF and lighting conditions, I feel f/4 and Non-IS would suffice my needs.

Cycling / Cyclocross often done in the nastiest of conditions...rain, mud, dirt on and enclosed course. I feel the speed and weather sealing of the 1D series is best suitable. I could use both cameras for this. Place the 24-70mm on the 1DmkIII for tight and upclose shots of barriers, running, and jumps. Place the 70-200mm on the 5Dc for panning and zoom approach shots, mostly handheld. However does f/4 and Non-IS work for these conditions?

I am sure I can keep going. Please offer your opinions and advice. Id like to keep things to around $1,200. Keep in mind this is for my recreational and passion uses. I do not need the latest and greatest. I have no concerns buying used. Just looking for the right equipment.

In the future I know a used 5DmkIII and 24mm TS-E will eventually make their way as well to replace the 5Dc

Thanks everyone!

IS is pretty useless for sport photography - its only useful when using low shutter speeds! However, having an IS model will probably help keep its value compared to a non-IS. IDMk3 is pretty old now, but if checked over should be fine. I used to have one. It was the ISO limitation that prompted me to sell, so if you are not shooting in floodlit conditions, its probably not an issue. Lenses and body are supposed to be 'weather sealed' but I always use a rain cover so as not to risk the body/lens and in the muddy conditions, its probably sensible to add a bit of protection. Lots of 'off road' cycling is shot with remote flash.

Thanks for the input Hannya. I know in an ideal world I would get the 1DX and 70-200 f/2.8 IS II, but reality sets in and I know its not going to happen. I do not know how slick the newest cameras are. Knowing the images that my 5Dc give me, I can bet that the 1DMKiii is a remarkable camera for my needs, just not as slick as the newest models.

From your given response, you seem to not have hesitation for me to go ahead with what I was thinking.

I think that looking at the 7DII is not out of the question here, the weather sealing is superior to the 5D series (lensrentals has a blog about it here: http://www.lensrentals​.com …1/cracking-open-the-7d-ii)

While it may not be a low light monster, it is a very capable camera, with AF and FPS that have many calling it the mini 1DX.

I would urge you to get some time with one, take some pics and look at the files. The body can be had for under $1500, and is well worth a look for sports photography.

There is also an extensive thread on pictures of the 7DII, take a peek.

I am meeting with a local guy next week to see his 70-200 f/4. Ive really always wanted this lens. One step closer!

The 7D has been a staple of sports photogs for years. The price remained high for years, until the 7dII came out. You can now buy a good condition 7d for between $500-600. The 70-200 F4 is an awesome lens, and I loved it. I did however miss IS. The IS model is also better IQ overall, although it is more expensive. Is 200mm on a crop going to be enough?

Maybe consider a MkI 100-400 and an original 7d? I would be concerned 200mm would not be long enough.

I think you will need reach for these two things...

Either 7D + 100-400 v1 or 7D + 300 f4L should fill your needs nicely and can be had used in good shape for your budget.

Thanks for all the responses. I took the plunge and went with a 70-200 F/4 from a local deal, and purchased a 1Dmkiii from Ebay, who ended up being a local person as well. I will get some photos uploaded tonight from the past weekend of waterskiing.

I had the 70-200 on my 5D since I forgot to charge the 1D battery. But with it being on FF, I had the perfect amount of reach, and the F/4 was working out quite nicely. I have a feeling that the 70-200 might be a little short for cycling, but the overall size and weight of the F/4 version has made it a joy to walk around with.

I could see two more lenses making my way in the bag....a 300mm F/4, and eventual 24mm TS-E. Stay tuned!

Finally some first shots of using the 70-200mm. These were on the 5D, and I couldn't be more happy with my choice with the F/4. Much lighter, perfect reach even for FF. It will be fun experimenting with all new settings, framing the shots, panning, etc.. These were slightly adjusted in PP. Im just looking forward to using the 1D3 and 70-200 combination together.

10 FPS is always handy when things start to go wrong.

I like the framing of the first shot. I liked my 5D/70-200 F4 combo. I was surprised with the AF speed considering everyone said it wasn't fast enough to catch paint drying.

Looks good with that new lens and body!

I would not hesitate to grab a used 1D3 if you can find a good one. You can't get a better action camera for the prices they go for now. Looks like you did well!

1D3 would be awesome. Personnaly had one for sports gigs and never regretted it back then !