EF Lens Recommendations for Cheer Competition Pics

[Ovacheerdad]

Hello all. I have an older 60D that I use. My daughter just started cheer comps and I'm looking for a lens that will do good with the 60d for those. Majority of the time they are fairly dark except stage lighting.  Standing sometimes right at the edge of the stage/mat to 20-30ft away from the stage. We could be anywhere from the size of a college basketball arena to our local cheer gym. Open to not only lens suggestion but tips from anyone that's shot dance comps or low light concerts/comps. I've not had much experience shooting fast moving subjects but now is a great time to learn. As far as shooting modes, Are you all shooting in full manual mode, Av mode, or Tv mode?

Was thinking of a few lenses.. 70-200 2.8, 135mm 1.8, 24-1

[Tintype_18]

Your manual should have some basic directions. I have a chart somewhere in the archives that gives a lot of information for various scenarios. Will see if I can find it.

[ebiggs1]

"Are you all shooting in full manual mode, Av mode, or Tv mode?"

First let's get the basics out. You will need a higher ISO number perhaps in the 1600-3200 range. Second you will need a fast lens. That means a lens that is at least a constant f4 and a lower f-number is better.

If I remember correctly the old 60D tops out at ISO 6400 so 3200 may be too grainy for your likes but that up to you not me. You mentioned the 70-200mm f2.8L which s a great choice if the distance you're from the subject is good. The 24-70mm f2.8L is also another best choice as are any of the Canon f2.8L zoom lenses if the distance is OK.

My basic recommendation is to never use M mode unless all other modes have failed. My favorite for this stuff which I did as Arts Photographer for USD231 for 30 years is Av mode. And never discount P mode if what you are shooting is a simple snapshot. I am not a big fan of Tv for this situation but it can be used if motion is the main most important thing.

Now the very most important thing you can do is free. Always, always shoot raw format never, never jpg. Secondly, go d/l DPP4 form the Canon web site and use it to u/l to the photos your computer and make post edits. If you want the very best images of this short amount of time in your life that will never come again you must do that. Memories of this kind only offer themselves to you once in a great while and then they are gone so make the best of it. Unwilling to do these things go buy a good iPhone.