Wrestling picture camera/lens recommendations

[Agi2025]

Hello, 

I’m taking wrestling pictures for my son’s team and my current gear is not equipped for the wrestling environment (Canon EOS 7D with a Canon 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens). I was looking into upgrading to the following cameras and lenses and would love your feedback on what to pick.

Canon EOS 6D Mark II
or
Canon EOS R10

Used:
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM
or
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM

How crucial would the Image Stabilization (IS) be – I would use a tri-pod.

I'm typically very close to the mat (next to the coach). 

Appreciate any feedback you could provide,

Agi

[afterburndigi]

Hey Agi!

One of my early bodies was a Canon EOS 6D Mark I. Loved that camera, and with it being a Full Frame sensor, it's great for those indoor matches. The only caveat is that it's a dslr vs mirrorless, while you'll be saving some money, you will be limited in the future if you wanted to expand your gear/system.

When it comes to your 70-200 question, the Mark ii is going to be snappier auto focus and a little lighter. If you're close to the mat, I'd honestly recommend going handheld vs being on a tripod, that way you're not limited to certain angles, and can move a lot more freely to capture those fast paced moments on the mat. 

Image Stabilization is great for those handheld movements, and when it comes to anything sports photography-wise, unless you have your lens on a monopod, I think it's truly worth. If you have enough light inside the gymnasium, try for a higher shutter speed around 1/320-1/500 while using the 70-200, and you should have crisp shots everytime.

Hope this helps! 

[Agi2025]

Great - thank you so much for your advice. 

[TomRamsey]

I agree with afterburndigi, A tripod will limit your movement and IS will really be needed, but these two bodies don't have so it will have to be in the lens.  To me a tripod is restricting and hard to use for action, but if you are good at it that's OK.

You say you are close to the mat, is the 85 lens too short?  I'm just asking to make sure you don't also need wider.  But in reality those 70-200 lenses are the most likely best solution.  I would encourage you to go for the R series cameras if you can, as I I always advise to go for the newest technology that you can afford.  And if you can afford to step up and get in body stabilization and an RF series lens all the better.  

Good luck and hopefully you'll get some great pictures.

[LeeP]

Definitely Image Stabilization (IS) would be highly desirable and a tripod would not only limit your movement but it would be clutter in the way. As a photographer using a tripod, you could very well be in the way of things. As for body choices it will come down to what you can afford, but I would skew toward a mirrorless body.

[Agi2025]

Thanks much Tom for your advice!