Sports photography lens r8

[Bemcfadden]

I’m new to photography and want to get a r8 or r10 for sports photography however I don’t know what lens would work best. It will be outdoors softball and football during the day. I’m not wanting to spend too much but also want to be able to get decent quality. Budget is around 2,000 for camera and lens. 

[March411]

@Bemcfadden how's it going, welcome to the community. 

The R8 (24.2 megapixel full-frame) is going for $1450 new and the and the R10 (24.2 Megapixel APS-C) around $1000. Neither have In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS). Since you are planning to photograph sports a lens with image stabilization would be a benefit. Canon refurbished doesn't have stock right now on either body. You may want to consider used from a reputable dealer like BH Photo, KEH or MPB. All come with at least a 30 return policy and some type of warranty. That will lighten the load on your budget.

That leaves you with around $600 to $1000 but I didn't deduct for tax. If your budget could be expanded the RF70-200mm would work well for the sports you mentioned, it's way over budget.

R10 (24.2 Megapixel APS-C) the RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM (No IS) would be a good fit @ $410 and would leave you some room for an SD card which are a bit expensive right now. Make sure to get at least 128 GB V60 card, a 256 GB would be better especially if you are shooting burst.  

R8 (24.2 megapixel full-frame) there are a couple options to stay barely within budget. Just note that all the lenses I mention are a bit slow and need light, night games may be a challenge. Also, the full frame lenses can be used on the R10 (24.2 Megapixel APS-C)  body and you will get a little better range. They also have IS and are currently on sale @ Canon USA. 

• RF24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM $999.00 - Equivalent focal range on the R10 - 39mm - 384mm
• RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM $699.99 - Equivalent focal range on the R10 - 160mm - 640mm - This may be a bit more focal range then you need on either body.

I own both of these lenses and they have performed much better than I expected.

Don't forget to add the cost of the accessories you may need, an extra battery, SD card and a shoulder strap or wrist strap. That stuff adds up fast.

Again, this recommendations is based solely on your budget.

[shadowsports]

Cheers Marc!

My vote would be the R8 and RF 100-400. This gives you some flexibility.  Ask yourself, how close will I be to the diamond?  The RF 70-200 will work for the infield.  Consideration.  If you want to shoot the outfield, you'll need the additional reach.  Both are over your budget before tax and accessories.  🤑

Good luck 🙂

[wq9nsc]

Since you will be shooting in daylight, that helps a lot with the budget because you won't require a far more expensive wide aperture (f2.8) lens.  

But where will you be positioned when taking photographs?  I use full frame Canon DSLR bodies (1DX III) and for football I am on the sidelines and use a 400mm on one body and a 70-200  on the other.  For baseball, I am just outside the fence and a 70-200 handles the closer stuff but a 400 quickly comes into play.  

Rick's suggestion of the 100-400 range is the best single lens solution but it all depends upon whether you can get fairly close to the action.  

Let us know your likely distance from the field and we can zero in on lens recommendations.

Rodger