Sports photographer needs help deciding on a lens for EOS R

[Lkcphotos31]

I am a sports photographer who currently shoots on a Eos R and an ef to rf adapter that connects to my ef 70-200 f/ 2.8 L IS USM, the first generation of 70-200. My current lens has a foggy not sharp look to it during low light so I am looking for a different lens, I cannot send it in for repair because it is too old and they don't service them anymore. I cannot decide between the rf 70-200 and the ef 70-200. If anyone has any advice let me know! I am also looking at a 24-105 f/4 for the upcoming basketball season so if anyone has strong feelings about this lens please share. 

[Lkcphotos31]

google drive link 

[Lkcphotos31]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/wKQPyuH9LMwhURnL7 

[March411]

Lkcphotos31 the google drive works but I only see a jpg in the drive. Can you drop a couple of the RAW images full size on the drive. 

Also, the image that is loaded, it appears that you are shooting from a low angle up and there are stadium lights directly behind the shot. The camera appears to be fairly close to ground level. Is this an accurate assessment? The fogginess that you are talking about could be/appears to be flaring or bleeding from the stadium lights.

[Lkcphotos31]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/aFDPG3YTmtqwV1nu8

this should work let me know if not. Why does the flaring or bleeding from stadium lights not happen with my other lenses?

[March411]

Not sure for a fact that is what it is but on that specific shot it looks like it to me. Just an observation that it may not be a equipment challenge and more of composition challenge.When you use the other lens are you shooting from a low position into the stadium lighting? There are variables I can't see with the other lenses you are using but the one example image it seems fairly apparent to me. I could be wrong.

If you look at the second image you posted, I added it below, it appears to be straight on shot with the stands in the background, camera shoulder high and level, no fogging or flare in the image.

[Lkcphotos31]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/wKQPyuH9LMwhURnL7 

Same location lower angle with the 100-400 instead of 70-200

[Ron888]

I too am thinking your 70-200 may not be faulty.I have the first gen (non IS) version.It flares badly in certain light.

Try looking through the lens towards strong light - if it's fungus or lens separation those should be quite obvious.Fungus looks like tiny branching filaments and can vary greatly in extent.Lens separation looks like transparent bubbles and usually covers the whole lens that's affected.

[March411]

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@Lkcphotos31 wrote:

Same location lower angle with the 100-400 instead of 70-200

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I am not attempting to challenge your observations and I'm just sharing what I believe see, I could be wrong and hopefully others will join the conversation.

The two images are not from the same location, one is from the 40 yard line and the other appears to be a punt or kickoff with the player in the end zone.

The stadium lighting is significantly different in these two areas. If you take a close look at the picture that is hazy, the haze is the strongest in the upper right and then fades to almost no haze mid-frame. Somewhat in line with the stadium lighting. The image in the end zone is also is fairly noisy which contributes to the haze. 

The easiest and best way to resolve this is to head to the field with a friend (used as a model) when the lights are on and do some controlled test shots with the 70-200. For the examples you have posted it's fairly consistent, one image is end zone with heavy/strong stadium lighting, the other is mid-field with subtle lighting. The composition and camera angle are also different in each.

[Lkcphotos31]

Thank you for your input I appreciate it but one is on the flag distance and one is regular football distance they are different. So its hard to see but they are in relatively the same position. I am going to be renting a newer 70-200 this week and run some tests thanks for your help. 

[March411]

Renting is a good play, it gives you the opportunity to use a new piece of glass and may help identify where the challenges are cropping up.

Are you going to go EF or R?

Let us know how it works out after you do the rental if you have time. It will be interesting to hear what you find.....

Good luck and enjoy!