Cheer Comp Lens Suggestions.

[bokoljo9]

Hello all. I have an older 60D that i use. My daughter just started cheer comps and im looking for a lens that will do good with the 60d for those. Majority of the time the are pretty dark except stage lighting. Open to not only lens suggestion but tips from anyone thats shot dance comps or low light concerts. Ive not had much experience shooting fast moving subjects but now is a great time to learn.

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

Can you provide a budget for us please.  This will help us provide meaningful suggestions.

[ebiggs1]

"...  tips from anyone thats shot dance comps or low light concerts."

I was the Arts Photographer for USD 231 for 30 years so I guess that qualifies me as having done that. 😁

Shooting performances of on stage and you are not allowed on stage (I was) with action in challenging circumstances is, well, challenging. There is no secret. You need good fast gear and likely a tripod. My favorite setup was up in the sound booth with my Canon 1 Series camera and a 150-600mm super zoom lens.

You are unlikely to get that access, however, but the same principle applies. You want fast gear. The 60D is pretty limited on high ISO ability so that's a problem. You need lenses that are in the f2.8 range unless you can shoot from a tripod. Of course it really does end up in what you want and expect and are good with. I know some folks are fine with a iPhone and that's fine if it pleases them. Never underestimate the ability of a good top level iPhone. And in that same vein the Canon line of Powershot cameras do a fantastic job in a all-in-one package. I have a G15 and a G1X, I used for years. I still use the G1x as of today.

But aside from gear, the best thing you ca do, by far, and it is totally free is to d/l Canon's DPP4 editing app. Always shoot using raw file format and never use jpg. DPP4 will convert your raw file to a jpg when you u/l to your computer automatically. In DPP4 and raw you will have a lot more editing abilities and can make so-so images into really nice photos. It is free so no reason to not get DPP4. 

So to recap, bottom line is money, fast gear (lenses and camera) and high ISO numbers. And get DPP4 today. Right now go do it. 😊

[atam1]

first off, 60D is versatile because it has good video recording, too!  as for the lens needs, I'd suggest the EF-S 55-250mm F/4-5.6 IS STM to suit your basic need for your project.  i have one myself and used it indoors like gymnasiums, auditoriums, and theaters- all of which had very challenging lighting! the STM feature matches your camera because it can record video as well.  the IS helps in minimizing camera shake due to slow shutter speeds when in low-light situations.  if you are unsure of this recommendation, you could go to a local camera store and try it or rent one if the store allows it as well as online lens rentals. you've got this and have fun out there!