EOS Rebel T5i upgrade suggestions for school gym photos

[CanonFreak]

I currently use a Canon T5i as well as I purchased it around 2013.  I have recently found out that if I push the ISO to its max (12800) inside elementary school gyms my shutter speed is still horrible hovering around 120. I also tweak my white balance as well trying to the best results as the floors are mostly hardwood with the yellowish tint or the LED lights are so far up in the rafters. I mostly use the USM 24-105mm (F/4L IS II) and the USM 100-300mm (F/4.5-5.6) for when my daughter does Baton competition in those environments. I have been strongly looking at the Canon R8 as I want a full frame mirrorless camera and the ability of higher ISO capabilities. Budget is an issue as well as I don't want to spend more than $1500 on the body itself and of course the EF to EOS-R adapter. Should this be a vast improvement going from 18mp to 24mp as well?

[March411]

Hello CanonFreak,

The R8 is a very nice camera but it's important to note that the challenge with high ISO and noise is a reflection of the lenses. The 24-105mm F/4L IS II USM is decently fast enough for the conditions you described but the 100-300mm USM F/4.5-5.6 when fully racked to 300mm @ f5.6 is going to push you ISO and you will get noise.

I would also check the compatibility of the lenses to ensure they work on R series bodies and purchase/use only the Canon EF/R adapter. Third party adapters are known for causing communication errors between the lens and body. Also be aware the adapted EF lenses will/may not give you the full advantage of the burst rates the R bodies offer.   

If you can nudge the budget a little I would suggest the R6 MkII over the R8. The DIGIC X processor enhances digital camera performance and processes, including image stabilization, image processing, producing sharp, high-resolution images with minimal noise or grain. Excellent low light performance with a ISO upper limit of 102,400, extendable to 204,800 and it supports auto focus in light levels as low as -6.5EV.

Excellent battery life, up to 600 frames on a single battery when using the EVF
Low Light and Dynamic Range gives you the ability to push ISO further without noise
Human, animals and vehicle AF tracking
Flexible AF zone selection
Fast burst mode and deep buffer
With RF lenses 12 fps mechanical shutter and 40 fps electronic shutter
IBIS (In Body Image Stabilization) rated up to 8 stops
3.68-million-dot OLED EVF, capable of up to 120 fps refresh rate
1.62-million-dot, 3-inch fully articulating rear touchscreen
Configurable dual UHS-II SD card slots – ability to write RAW and JPEG to separate cards

There is one currently in stock and refurbished Canon gear offers a one year limited warranty.

Refurbished EOS R6 Mark II Body 

[deebatman316]

The EF 24-105mm F/4L IS II USM lens is capable of 12 fps since it’s a newer EF lens released after 2009. Now for the EF 100-300mm F/4.5-5.6 USM the lens will work but it was released in 1990. But doesn’t support a lot of the features newer lenses do such as 12 fps or DPAF. This lens does however have true Ring Type USM for fast AF. It doesn’t use cheaper Micro USM which uses gears to adjust focus. Now how fast will it focus it depends. I’ve found newer Ring Type USM lenses focus faster than their older counterparts. The EF 100-300mm F/4.5-5.6 USM lens was released before Image Stabilization (IS) was invented in 1995. So this lens may have some difficulties in low light due to the slow aperture and shutter speed. But a body with IBIS (In Body Image Stabilization) such as the EOS R6 Mark II can help to some degree with this.

[ebiggs1]

The bottom line here all else being the same any R series camera you buy will be better than a Rebel T5i. The question then becomes how much better. You may find you got just a little increase in IQ for a great amount of expenditure. Shooting in a gymnasium is a difficult process. Pro sports photographers spend loads of money to get the great shots we all see and like.

Photography numbers can be and are sometimes misleading. For instance an above reference indicates a loss from f4 to f5.6 but in reality that is only one stop. Most cases one stop is not a deal maker or breaker. But something I never want to give up I agree.

I don't know anything about you or how you shoot or from where but I can tell you with 100% certainty that where you shoot from is very much more important than what gear you are using. If you are stuck in the bleachers for instance VS shooting form the floor you may never get really great photos. Second most important thing is to know the sport or activity you are shooting so you are not surprised or blindsided by the action taking place.

Logically, buying a new R Series the best thing you can do is buy the best one you can afford. And, the fastest lenses you can afford. I like the suggestion of the R6 Mk II as a good option.

One last word I tell all parents in the same situation you are, the kids are only young once and you only get a short time with them. Make the most of it if possible. I did a lot of photography for my school, 35 years worth. I also did a lot of pro bono work and helped the parents that couldn't. 

Good luck always happy to help if I can don't be afraid to ask.