Gear for basketball

[kangareigns]

Hi all,

I've been asked to takes photos for a local basketball associated. I currently have a canon 550d, 17-55mm 2.8, 70-200 f4 lens which I'd like to upgrade.
I have a budget of approx $3500-$4,000 max. I personally am thinking of the 5d III as an all rounder but I'd like to hear some thoughts on the best way forward.
thankyou.

[Sdison]

A camera will definitely help - it seems to be the weak link so far. 6D or 5DIII seem fine though you'll need to upgrade the 17-55 to something like a 24-70. A camera upgrade should take into account everything you shoot though.

It's my understanding that a 70-200 f2.8 is absolutely necessary for indoor sports so that could also replace your current one. One option is to roll with 2 7Ds - one with the 70-200 and one with 17-55.

Or one FF camera with the 70-200. I've also heard some people sing the praises of the 85 primes for basketball too.

Good luck!


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[Boo53]

I've only shot basketball a couple of times, but I'd have to say 2.8 is a must.

I've used a Sony 16-50 F2.8 and tamron 70-200 f2.8 on 2 bodies. High iso performance is necessary, but I'd suggest fast burst would be something to consider as well. 10fps was quite handy.

[ameerat42]

Kanga. Your posts have been mainly about obtaining gear, and a pic for CC.

So a camera with 10 fps would be nice, but yours at 4.7 fps is only about half. How does it go for
action shots? You have a "fast" 50/1.8 lens which should avail you of some successful images.

Post some images and get some CC on them (and give some to others and learn from it), and who knows, gear may become a secondary issue.
Am.

[Warbler]

EF135 F2 and a 5D3 perhaps. That should rub out the black from your bank balance.

[Old Skool]

Get a Canon 7D and an EF 85mm F1.8 prime as a base setup with your other lenses. I have used that with basketball and it is an ideal lens for the size of the court.

[kiwi]

Firstly nbefore shelling out the $$ make sure there's plenty coming back....sport pay sux

With basketball I use a combination of a 70-200 2.8 and a sigma 85 1.4 when the light gets so bad (and I mean over iso6400 at f/2.8).

I also use a 24-70 under the basket too

With all things indoor sport - the light will determine what you can get away with using