Set up for action sports shots

Claude Burgundy

Hi all,

I'm in the market for a set up to take action sports shots at my kids games, club games and various sports events that i'm involved in.

Budget of about 1k ish.

I don't mind if its bridge, dslr etc. I won't be using it for anything really only the sports so that's where my focus is in regards to purchasing.

b318isp

If you want good shots, the lens is where you need to focus, along with something with a reasonably fast shutter speed and good ISO performance.

I'd be looking second too. For €1k, you should be able to pick up a Canon 80D (around €500-700) and a Canon 70-200Lf4 (around €400-500).

Claude Burgundy

That's actually what i was looking at to be honest. I know the 75 to 300 lens is there but that one will give sharper shots ?

Claude Burgundy

Canon 80D vs 7D Mark II ?

b318isp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117824005#Comment_117824005

The 70-200 would be sharper, but obviously less reach.

There's not a huge difference between the 80D and 7D, I'd get whichever is cheaper, and put remaining money into the lens.

While it's a stretch, any spare money could go towards the Canon 100-400L, 70-200L2.8 or Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary lenses.

A lot will come down to technique too. Action close to you moves very quickly, and action at a distance needs a long lens and probable cropping. A monopod might be a good investment. The direction of light will be a big factor too.

Claude Burgundy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117827695#Comment_117827695

Oh i'll defo buy a monopod. Thanks for all your help.

Claude Burgundy

Would an 18 to 135 be an option to start off with ?

b318isp

I've had the USM version of this, which I sold last year. The quality at the longer end was not impressive, and 135mm is a bit short.

midonogh

I'm in a similar boat and am a very inexperienced photographer. I use 80d with 70-300 and 300L prime lens. Both with Image Stabilisation. Photograph mainly kids GAA, hockey, Rugby and cricket.

70-300 for the field sports and cricket fielding. Bought the 300L as the kid pitches were getting bigger and bigger and needed the extra reach. Best move I made, absolutely love it, can't help but take good pictures with it.

Another hint, although I am sure you know, always ask permission from both sets of coaches. Some sports you don't strictly have to but to avoid hassle I always ask. I have had two opposition coaches give off to me and made me delete all the pictures. On both occasions their teams were losing badly 😀. On the other hand I have made loads of good friends with opposition coaches through providing them with pictures of their team that they were delighted to receive. Every parent loves a picture of their kid looking awesome on a sports field to share on facebook or a family Whatsapp

ablelocks

rather than start a new thread, what lens would be recommended for video footage of club hurling matches - footage is used for analysis by the coaches.

canon 750d is my camera.

I've used a 17-40 lens and that's too wide.

I also used my 55-250mm kit lens, i think it's probably good enough but just wondering is there something more appropriate (particularly if there's a dual purpose one that i could use for photographs for other matches - which is where my interest lies rather than video - 250mm isn't long enough reach)

budget is upto €500ish i think

b318isp

You're probably looking at the Canon 70-300mm IS ii/iii usm lens then - but the extra reach isn't huge. A 1.4 or 2x teleconvertor may help, but you do loose light - and I've no idea how they are with video.

It may be worth picking up the x1.4 for a trial, can moving it on if it doesn't work out. Here's two I found on Adverts:

https://www.adverts.ie/other-photography/teleconverter-canon-ef-1-4x-ii/26147179

https://www.adverts.ie/lenses/canon-ef-2x-iii-2x-ii-1-4x-ii-extender-sigma-kenko-tele-converter-2x-ex-dg/13506127