Best lens for sport
The Best Lens for Sports Photography in 2023 (Updated)
The best lens for sports photography allows you to catch the action. Sports photography is a tough discipline. The athletes move quickly, the action is intense, and you can’t always get close to the players. The best sports photography lens helps you get the shots you need from the pitch, court, or track.
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM is our top lens for sports photography. It has the all-round qualities you need to succeed as a sports photographer. It’s fast. It has image stabilization. And it has a zoom range to get you close to the action. But we also list fantastic Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm sport photography lenses.
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
Capture the action with this powerful, versatile telephoto lens perfect for sports photography.
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Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Zoom Lens
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What’s the Best Lens for Sports Photography?
Here’s a quick rundown of our selected best lenses for sports photography. It’s a brief look at each lens so you can find the sports photography lens that suits you. There are lenses by Canon, Nikon, and Sony. But we also include other brand options, including third-party lenses.
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Zoom Lens
Our Top Choice
- Fast lens for action
- Wide aperture for stunning low-light performance
- Incredible build quality that gives you edge-to-edge clarity
- A versatile zoom range for for everything from environmental shots to portraits
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Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm f/3.
5-6.3 ED VR Zoom Lens
Best APS-C Nikon Lens
- Large zoom range for a variety of sports shots
- Reliable vibration reduction system keeps your images sharp
- The 18mm wide angle is perfect for environmental sports photos
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Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 ED G OSS Zoom Lens
Best APS-C Sony Lens
- The long telephoto focal length gives you incredible reach
- The XD AF motor is rapid and accurate with moving subjects
- A convenient button to easily switch between auto and manual focus
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Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Zoom Lens for Canon EF-Mount
Best Sigma Sports Lens
- A fast lens with a wide aperture to capture action shots
- The focus range limiter increases focusing efficiency
- It's compatible with Canon and Nikon DSLR cameras
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Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.
6 LM OIS WR Zoom Lens
Best Fujifilm Lens
- The powerful image stabilizer gives you sharp images and more exposure options
- The weather-sealed construction makes it ideal for sports photography
- Compatible with all Fujifilm X-series cameras
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Nikon AF-P FX 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 ED VR Zoom Lens
Best Full Frame Nikon Lens
- Excellent vibration reduction system for sharper images
- Minimal chromatic aberration throughout the focal length range
- Lightweight for a full frame DSLR lens
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Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.
6 IS II STM Zoom Lens
Best APS-C Canon Lens
- Fantastic value for a telephoto lens
- The built-in image stabilizer gives you sharp and clear sports photos
- The 55mm focal length is perfect for athlete portraits
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Sony FE 70-200mm f/4.0 ED G OSS Zoom Lens
Best Full Frame Sony Lens
- Sony's OSS image stabilization gives you four stops of shutter speed compensation
- One of the best AF systems in any sports photography lens
- Constant f/4 max aperture is decent for night and indoor sporting events
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Olympus ED 12-200mm f/3.
5-6.3 Zoom Lens for Micro 4/3
Best Olympus Lens
- Compatible with all Olympus MFT cameras
- Super-wide and long zoom for varied sports shots
- The durable construction means you can shoot sports in all conditions
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Nikon AF-S FX 500mm f/5.6 ED VR Prime Lens
Best Telephoto Prime Lens
- Pristine image quality and powerful magnification
- Sharper images and better low-light performance with the vibration reduction system
- Extensive weather-sealing for sports photography in all conditions
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Features of the Best Lens for Sports Photography
Finding the best lens is a good step in your sports photography career.
If you still need more information to choose a lens, we give you the information below for you to select a lens for sports photography. If not, jump to the next section where we closer look at each lens.
A Telephoto Zoom Lens for Sports Photography
A telephoto zoom is the best lens for photography. A telephoto lens has a large focal length range. That means it has the power of magnification. It gets you closer to far-off subjects. That’s ideal for sports photography.
You can get prime telephoto lenses. But they have a fixed focal length. A prime lens with a 200mm focal length gives you good magnification. But you have to move to change the distance.
A 70-200mm zoom lens allows you to adjust the focal length anywhere in that range. So changing the focal length zooms in or out.
Best Focal Length on a Lens for Sports Photography
A large focal length and zoom range give more shooting options. Versatile sports photographers often use something close to 70-200mm lenses.
Professional sports photographers may opt for prime lenses with longer focal lengths and fixed apertures. These provide higher-quality images. But they are a lot more expensive.
But 200mm gives you an excellent level of magnification. You can capture sporting action from the stands. And the 70mm focal length is wide enough for environmental shots and good for sports portraits.
You don’t need 70-200mm exactly. But something in that region gives you the magnification and variety of shots sports photographers need.
© Prapoth Panchuea (Unsplash.com)Image Stabilization on a Lens for Sports Photography
An image stabilization system is handy for sports photographers. Telephoto lenses are very sensitive to movement when you use them at the higher end of the focal length. An image stabilizer helps to reduce the effects of camera shake.
Image stabilization also allows you to use slower shutter speeds with less risk of blur. That’s ideal for night matches and indoor sporting events.
It also helps because telephoto lenses often have slow max apertures.
Image stabilizers are handy. But they’re not essential for all sports photographers. Many cameras have built-in image stabilization. That means you can use a lens without stabilization and still achieve sharp results.
Max Aperture on a Lens for Sports Photography
The max aperture is important in any lens. The lower the f-stop is, the more light it allows. A lower max aperture, like f/2.8, gives you more options in low-light situations. And you can use faster shutter speeds for action shots.
While an f/4 max aperture isn’t bad, an f/2.8 gives you more light to work with. A lens with a lower max f-stop is better in low-light conditions. It’s something to consider if you want to shoot night sports or indoor events.
The Best Lens for Sports Photography in Detail
We’ve included lenses for Canon, Nikon, and Sony cameras. There’s an APS-C and full frame option for each brand. There’s also a Fujifilm and an Olympus lens.
And we’ve included Sigma’s best lens from their sports range.
Brand Canon
Maximum Aperture f/ 2.8
Focal Range 70-200 mm
Image Stabilization
Lens Mount EF-Mount
Tops Selling Points A large f/2.8 aperture gives you brilliant low-light performance. You get stunning optical quality with no aberration throughout the zoom range.
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Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Zoom Lens
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$1,899.00
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The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III is a versatile sports photography lens for Canon cameras. Some sports photographers need a longer focal length. But the f/2.8 aperture gives you more freedom with your exposure settings to capture action shots. The build quality is excellent. It has weather sealing. And the image stabilization keeps your photos sharp.
The 70-200mm focal length range is exactly what a versatile sports photographer needs. The 70mm end is great for wider environmental shots. You can even snap portraits of athletes. The 200mm end provides the magnification you need to get close to the action from the sidelines.
The optical quality is excellent. The lens has 23 glass elements arranged in 19 groups. The lens uses Canon’s Air Sphere Coating (ASC) to reduce ghosting and flare. That gives you edge-to-edge sharpness throughout the zoom range.
The Canon lens uses an Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for the autofocus. It’s quick and reliable. And an important feature for some sports photographers… it’s quiet. You can get the shot you want when the sport requires silence, like golf, tennis, or ballet.
The durability of this telephoto lens is another selling point for sports photographers. Its rugged construction makes it highly resistant to dust and water. It’s not completely waterproof. But you can keep shooting when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Brand Nikon
Maximum Aperture f/ 3.5-6.3
Focal Range 18-300 mm
Image Stabilization
Lens Mount F-Mount
Tops Selling Points Large focal length range for a variety of sports shots, including a wide-angle view.Excellent value for money.
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Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 ED VR Zoom Lens
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$696.95
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This is the best sports photography lens if you have a Nikon APS-C DSLR camera. It has a large zoom range, which is ideal for a variety of sports photography shots. It’s compact for a telephoto lens. And it’s one of the best value lenses on this list.
The Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens gives you an incredible range. You can shoot wide stadium shots with the 18mm focal length. It gives you a lovely 76-degree viewing angle for tighter spaces.
Then the 300mm magnification gets you onto the pitch from the stands. No sporting moment is out of reach with this lens.
Lenses can be very sensitive to movement when at their longest focal length. You can use a monopod for extra stability. But the Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm has a built-in vibration reduction system. This helps limit the effects of camera shake, giving you sharper images.
Nikon doesn’t make low-quality lenses. And this lens is the perfect blend of precision engineering and affordability. It’s compatible with cameras like the Nikon D3500, D500, and D7500. This lens is a must-have for sports photographers with an APS-C Nikon.
Brand Sony
Maximum Aperture f/ 4.5-6.3
Focal Range 70-350 mm
Image Stabilization
Lens Mount E-Mount
Tops Selling Points The 350mm focal length gives you excellent magnification.
And the AF system is optimized for fast-moving subjects.
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Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 ED G OSS Zoom Lens
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$999.99
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Sports photographers with a Sony crop sensor camera need this lens. The Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 ED G has the beautiful build quality you’d expect from the Sony G series. It gives you fantastic magnification. And it has one of the best AF systems on any telephoto lens.
It has a max focal length of 350mm. So you can capture goal-line action from row Z. The large zoom range means you can shoot everything from stadium shots to portraits. Plus, the 7-blade diaphragm helps give you a beautiful background bokeh.
Sony cameras have excellent autofocus systems. And this lens improves AF performance even further. The XD linear motor is fast and accurate, even with moving subjects. It’s exactly what you need with fast sporting action. And the focus mode switch makes it easy to change to manual focus.
Chromatic aberration is a rare occurrence with this lens.
The image quality isn’t in question. And the dust- and moisture-resistant design makes it ideal for outdoor sports. As a Sony E lens, it’s compatible with cameras such as the Sony a6400 and a6600.
Brand Sigma
Maximum Aperture f/ 2.8
Focal Range 70-200 mm
Image Stabilization
Lens Mount EF-Mount
Top Selling Points A fast lens for action shots. The large f/2.8 aperture is ideal for nighttime and indoor sporting events. Available for Canon and Nikon cameras.
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Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Zoom Lens for Canon EF-Mount
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$1,299.00 $1,499.00
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Sigma has bridged the gap between third-party and branded lenses. They are no longer the also-rans of the lens world. And the Sigma sports range can compete with the best lenses. The Sigma 70-200mm f/2.
8 DG OS is the best lens from that range.
The optical quality of the glass elements is fantastic. Aberration and flare are kept to a minimum. The build quality is excellent. And the shaft includes a thermally stable composite material. This helps to regulate the temperature when working in hot or cold conditions. You can shoot everything from beach volleyball matches to ski events.
The lens uses a Hyper-Sonic Motor (HSM) for the autofocus. It works well with fast-moving subjects. And it makes little noise when finding focus. You can also change to manual focus with the flip of a switch.
The focus range limiter is another handy feature for sports photographers. You can set a range limit for the autofocus. It’ll Replace for a subject within this range, reducing the focus time even more.
The fast f/2.8 aperture gives you plenty of natural light. It’s one of the best lenses on the list for low-light situations. And the Sigma 70-300mm Sports uses an 11-blade diaphragm.
That’s more than most lenses. And the result is a beautiful background bokeh when shooting with a shallow depth of field.
The Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS is also available for Nikon F-mount cameras.
Brand Fujifilm
Maximum Aperture f/ 4-5.6
Focal Range 70-300 mm
Image Stabilization
Lens Mount X-Mount
Top Selling Points Fast lens with a large aperture. The large focal range gives you excellent shot versatility. And it's weather-resistant for outdoor shooting.
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Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 LM OIS WR Zoom Lens
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$799.95
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Fujifilm has an excellent range of APS-C mirrorless cameras. And the Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 LM is the best lens for sports photography if you’re a Fujifilm user.
It’s a versatile lens. The wider angles are perfect for stadium shorts and environmental portraits.
And the 300mm focal length helps you get close-up shots from far away. You can capture the action in detail without disturbing the players.
An aperture of f/4 isn’t the fastest. But the quality of the glass helps make up for it. You also have optical image stabilization built-in. That gives you more freedom with exposure settings. And it ensures you have sharp sports shots every time.
The durable construction makes it ideal for sports photography. It’s weather-resistant, so you can keep shooting when the heavens open. And it’ll work in sub-zero temperatures. That’s ideal for the next winter Olympics or snowboarding championship.
This camera is compatible with Fujifilm’s X series cameras. These include the Fujifilm X-T30 II, X-S10, and X-T4. They are all great cameras for sports photography.
Brand Nikon
Maximum Aperture f/ 4.5-5.6
Focal Range 70-300 mm
Image Stabilization
Lens Mount F-Mount
Top Selling Points Bargain price.
It uses Nikon's advanced vibration reduction system. This keeps your images sharp and clear.
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Nikon AF-S FX 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 ED VR Zoom Lens
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$698.00
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Telephoto zoom lenses have a reputation for being expensive pieces of equipment. But the AF-S FX 70-300mm f/4-5.6 lens from Nikon is an absolute bargain. It’s a can’t-miss lens if you’re a sports photographer with a full frame Nikon camera. The only drawback is its smaller max aperture compared to others.
It has a wide focal length range. It allows you to capture different types of sports shots without changing lenses. And the 300mm magnification gets you close to the action without invading the pitch.
The optical quality is outstanding. Every glass element is made with precision. And Nikon has used several Extra-low Dispersion elements to help reduce aberration and distortion. You get a crystal-clear image from corner to corner.
The vibration reduction system is a big bonus for sports photographers.
It keeps your images looking sharp. You don’t need to rely on a tripod. And it allows you to shoot at four shutter speed stops lower without the risk of motion blur.
Brand Canon
Maximum Aperture f/ 4-5.6
Focal Range 55-250 mm
Image Stabilization
Lens Mount EF-Mount
Top Selling Points It's lightweight for a telephoto, so you can shoot handheld. And the 55mm focal length is good for wider sports shots. It's also excellent value.
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Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II STM Zoom Lens
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$286.00 $299.99
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The EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II is the best sports photography lens if you have a Canon APS-C DSLR camera. These cameras include the Canon EOS Rebel T8i and the EOS 90D. Plus, the telephoto lens is excellent value for money.
The 250mm end of your focal length gives you the reach a sports photographer needs.
You can capture the on-court action from the stands. And the 55mm focal length allows you to capture environmental shots and athlete close-ups.
Sports photographers of all levels will appreciate the image stabilizer. It reduces the effect of camera shake. And it gives you more freedom with your shutter speed settings.
The lens uses Canon’s older Direct Drive (DC) motor for the autofocus. It doesn’t have the smoothness of Canon’s USM or STM motors. And it makes a little more noise. But it’s still reliable when the action has started.
The build quality is excellent. And it’s lightweight for a telephoto lens. It isn’t Canon’s most advanced lens. But the agreeable price makes it a must-have for sports photographers.
Brand Sony
Maximum Aperture f/ 4.0
Focal Range 70-200 mm
Image Stabilization
Lens Mount E-Mount
Top Selling Points Sony's OSS stabilizer is one of the best in any telephoto zoom lens, reducing camera shake and motion blur.
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Sony FE 70-200mm f/4.0 SSM G OSS Zoom Lens
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$1,152.35
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The Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 ED G lens is the perfect partner for a full frame Sony camera. Sony’s mirrorless cameras have all the features a sports photographer needs. And this lens completes their sports photography setup.
The 200mm focal length doesn’t give you the range of some of the other lenses on the list. But it gives you enough magnification to capture the action from the sidelines. And the zoom range is large enough for various sports photography shots.
The f/4 max aperture is decent for a telephoto zoom lens. And the max aperture stays at f/4 throughout the zoom range. That’s a blessing for night sports and indoor sporting events.
The lens uses Sony’s Optical SteadyShot (OSS) image stabilization system. It reduces the effects of motion blur and camera shake. You take sharp images no matter how fast the action is. And it allows you to shoot with a slower shutter speed.
That’s another bonus for low-light situations.
The autofocus system is one of the best in any sports photography lens. It uses dual-linear motors for fast and precise focusing. It’s super-reliable with moving subjects. The operation is also near-silent, which is ideal for quieter sports settings.
Brand Olympus
Maximum Aperture f/ 3.5-6.3
Focal Range 12-200 mm
Image Stabilization
Lens Mount Micro 4/3
Top Selling Points It's compatible with all Olympus's MFT cameras. You get good magnification and a lovely wide-angle view at the 12mm focal length.
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Olympus ED 12-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Zoom Lens for Micro 4/3
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$788.35
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This lens is compatible with Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera range. They’re compact mirrorless cameras with fantastic features, great for sports photography.
And Olympus ED 12-200mm f/3.5-6.3 is the ideal lens for sports photographers with an MFT camera.
The large focal length range gives you versatility. And MFT cameras use a smaller sensor. So the 200mm focal length is the same as 400mm on a full frame camera! That’s the type of magnification you need from a sports photography lens. Plus, the 12mm focal length gives you a beautiful wide angle. It’s great for portraits too.
The best lenses for sports photography are durable and tough. And the Olympus ED 12-200mm fits that description. It’s dustproof for summer events. It’s frostproof for winter sports. And it’s weather-resistant for shooting in all conditions. You’ll have no rain delays at your next shoot.
The lens doesn’t have image stabilization. But cameras like the Olympus OM-D E-M5 III and OM-D E-M10 IV have built-in stabilization. It’s a high-quality lens that offers excellent value for money.
Brand Nikon
Maximum Aperture f/ 5.
6
Focal Range 500 mm
Image Stabilization
Lens Mount F-Mount
Top Selling Point Pristine image quality with fantastic super-telephoto reach. It has vibration reduction for sharper images and is weather sealed for outdoor photography.
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Nikon AF-S FX 500mm f/5.6 ED VR Prime Lens
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$3,296.95 $3,599.95
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The Nikon AF-S FX 500mm f/5.6 ED VR is one of Nikon’s finest telephoto prime lenses. You don’t have the shot versatility of a zoom lens. But the image quality is second to none. It’s a professional lens with a professional price tag. But it’s a worthy investment for anyone serious about sports photography.
Many sports photographers opt for prime lenses because of the superior image quality. And this Nikon lens is the perfect example. You get outstanding optical quality with edge-to-edge clarity.
Distortion and chromatic aberration are non-existent.
With a max aperture of f/5.6, it isn’t the fastest lens. That can be limiting if you’re shooting sporting events at night. But Nikon’s vibration reduction system compensates for the slow aperture. It reduces the effect of camera shake and allows you to shoot with slower shutter speeds.
The AF system uses a Silent Wave Motor (SWM). It’s quick and reliable enough for fast sporting action. And it’s practically silent. That means you can still shoot when the crowd is hushed. There’s no distraction for the player, and you can still get the shot you need.
The extensive weather-sealing makes it suitable for outdoor photography. It might be a rainy day pitchside. But the weather can’t stop you from shooting incredible sports photography.
Conclusion
Do you want your sports photos on the cover of Sports Illustrated or FourFourTwo? Then the first thing you need is the best lens for sports photography. It’ll help you get the shots you need to make it as a sports photographer.
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III is our best sports photography lens choice. It’s a fast lens. It has a versatile focal length range a sports photographer needs. And the large f/2.8 aperture helps you cover night and indoor sporting events.
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
Capture the action with this powerful, versatile telephoto lens perfect for sports photography.
Buy from Amazon
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Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Zoom Lens
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$1,899.00
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We’ve listed the best lenses for sports photography. Whether it’s football, tennis, or swimming, we’ve covered the sports photography lens for you. We hope our list helps you find the right lens to capture sporting action… no matter what camera you use!
The Best Canon Outdoor Sports Lens for 2023
What is the ultimate Canon sports lens?
- Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens
- Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens
- Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Lens
- Canon EF 300mm f/2.
8L IS II USM Lens - Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Lens
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens
- Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM Lens
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Lens
- Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Lens
Do you own a Canon mirrorless camera?
Our Best Canon Mirrorless Camera Outdoor Sports Lens recommendations page has your recommendations.
About Canon Sports Lenses
There are a huge number of outdoor sports.
Watching the summer and winter Olympics brings this fact to light very quickly.
Soccer, football (USA), baseball, softball, track and field, field hockey, golf, surfing, racing (many variations), beach volleyball, swimming, waterskiing and other watersports, cycling, inline skating, skateboarding, lacrosse, snow skiing, snowboarding, tennis, badminton, cheerleading, rugby, equestrian, rodeo, and many more.
I can't cover individual lens recommendations for all of these sports here, but I will make some generalizations and recommend some of the best and most popular outdoor sports photography lenses.
When shooting action sports, action-stopping shutter speeds are usually a top priority (1/500, 1/1000, or higher). A wide aperture is the key to get these fast shutter speeds. Outdoor sports are often played in bright daylight conditions where even f/5.6 max aperture lenses will work fine, but fast/wide aperture lenses are still a significant advantage. Wide apertures can blur the especially distracting sports venue backgrounds and can yield the fastest shutter speed/lowest ISO setting combinations.
When cloud cover moves in or the sun is below the skyline, I seldom want a lens with a max aperture narrower than f/2.8.
Even at f/2.8, very high ISO settings are sometimes required after sunset.
And if you are shooting outdoors under the lights, you will likely find f/2.
8 marginally wide enough.
Getting the right focal length is, as usual, very important for selecting a sports lens. Many outdoor sports participants cover a wide range of distances from the photographer's position.
Professional sports photographers shooting big events will usually be using at least three cameras simultaneously, ensuring that they have the right focal length available all the time. Likely is that two will be zoom lenses. Zoom lenses are great for getting the framing right for each opportunity and for delivering a wide range of views and perspectives. But, due to narrow aperture issues, The ultimate sports lenses with focal lengths over 200mm are prime/fixed focal length lenses with ultra-wide apertures.
If you are shooting large field sports (soccer, baseball, American football), you are probably going to want a full-frame 400-600mm focal length angle of view.
If you are shooting track and field with full access to the venue, any focal length from 24mm through 400mm or even 600mm can be useful.
If shooting from outside of the fence or from the bleachers, you are probably going to want 200mm to 400mm or more depending on your subject distance.
Longer focal lengths permit ideally-framed subjects to travel longer distances than wider-angle focal lengths where the subject is only momentarily properly framed.
Understand that heat shimmer/haze/waves can negatively impact long distance image quality.
Sometimes getting closer is the better option.
Autofocus performance is a big differentiator between lenses when action sports are the subject. While most lenses can capture a distant subject running perpendicular from you across a field (a constant focus distance), it takes a good lens (and camera) to be able to focus-track a fast-approaching or departing subject at close distances or with tight framing. Economy lenses will not typically be up to this challenge.
Image stabilization, a feature on many of the lenses I recommend, is not a tremendous advantage for many types of action sports photography.
The required shutter speed for handholding sports lenses is not usually a concern as the shutter speed necessary to stop action is generally fast enough to stop camera shake.
IS is, however, a very useful feature that you might use for other subjects at an event (people in the stands, players on the bench).
In addition, image stabilization can improve AF performance by providing a still image to the AF system.
Many IS lenses have a panning stabilization mode (Mode 2) available, and this mode is especially helpful for capturing motorsports and other flat-track wheeled sports (cycling, for example) with a directional motion-blurred background. I have not found Mode 2 helpful for human runners as there is frequently too much up and down motion going along with the forward motion. Give it a try for your sport(s).
I will start the sports lens recommendations list with the best of the best, and the prices reflect this.
If you are shooting professionally or you really care about the image quality of your sports photos, these are the lenses you need to be using, the investments you need to make.
Buy or rent them.
Note that lenses at this quality level have historically held their value very well. Use them as long as you want, and then you will likely recoup a significant amount of your money back when you resell them (such as when the kids get out of school or no longer participate in sports).
The Ultimate Canon Outdoor Sports Lenses - My Recommendations
Buy ► Rent ►
1. Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens
The Ultimate Sports Lens
If I was responsible for capturing an amazing image at a sporting event and had to pick one lens to do this with, the 400 f/2.8L IS III would be my easy choice.
This lens delivers phenomenal image quality including an extremely strong background blur, it has very fast and very accurate AF, it is weather sealed, and it has impressive build quality.
I can count on this lens to bring home the impressive shot every time (at least when I do my job properly).
The 400mm focal length works on the big field (in many situations), and its reach can be increased with extenders.
This is the longest f/2.8 focal length lens available (aside from Sigma's enormous and incredibly high-priced
Sigma 200-500mm f/2.8 EX DG IF Power Zoom Lens).
Buy ► Rent ►
2. Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens
Impressive Overall Performance
When I want more reach than the 400mm f/2.8L IS III gives me, when I am focusing on subjects/players farther from my vantage point than 400mm adequately reaches, this is my go-to lens. The 600mm focal length reaches deeper into the playing field, track, etc., keeps the photographer farther from any potential danger, and has a larger subject framing distance sweet spot. The longest f/4 max aperture focal length available, 600mm will blur the background very strongly.
The overall build quality and performance of this lens, including image quality and autofocus accuracy, is impressive.
APS-C format body owners will find this focal length too long for most sports uses. Heatwaves will make sharp 600mm mid-field images nearly impossible to obtain on a sunny afternoon — the 400mm options will be a better choice on those days.
Buy ► Rent ►
3. Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Lens
Who Thought a Zoom Lens Could Deliver Image Quality This Impressive?
This lens is large, heavy, and expensive, but it delivers image quality few of us thought would ever be possible from a zoom lens. That image quality, along with the versatile made-for-sports zoom range this lens offers, especially with the built-in 1.4x extender, has launched the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Lens to sports shooter fame. Pro-grade build quality ensures reliable operation for those whose careers depend on getting the shot.
Buy ► Rent ►
4.
Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens
Simply Awesome Lens
It is not as long in focal length as the 400mm f/2.8L IS II, but the 300mm f/2.8L IS II is at least a match in performance, and it is smaller, lighter, and less expensive. And if 400mm is too long (especially possible for an APS-C body) for your need, this is THE lens to have. Or, add an extender — this lens performs exceptionally well with them.
The f/2.8 aperture is as wide as it gets at 300mm, the image quality is as good as it gets at any focal length, and the autofocus speed and accuracy rock. This lens is built for professional use and abuse, including use in inclement weather.
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5. Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Lens
Impressive Performing Lens, Ultra-Light Weight
If the 400mm focal length works for you and an f/4 aperture is wide enough, the 400mm DO II is an excellent performer.
The extreme light weight of this lens (relative to its focal length and aperture) allows comfortable handholding for most.
APS-C format body owners are going to love this focal length when shooting on the big field.
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6. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens
The Ideal General-Purpose Zoom Lens
The 70-200 f/2.8 image stabilized lens is one of the most crucial zoom lenses in most photographers' kits, and the 70-200 f/2.8L III IS Lens is one of the best zoom lenses ever produced.
Professionals and amateurs alike typically have this lens in their hands with high frequency.
Professionals use it because there is no better lens available for many jobs, and amateurs use it additionally because this is the longest focal length available in an affordable, conveniently-sized f/2.8 lens.
The wide f/2.8 max aperture allows action to be captured in low light (think indoor events) and, combined with the telephoto focal lengths, allows the background to be blurred away.
The 70-200 f/2.8L III IS is a completely professional-grade lens with great image quality, fast and accurate AF, and image stabilization in a solidly-built, weather-sealed, fixed-size body. An added benefit is that this lens performs well with extenders, an excellent option for when you need even more focal length.
Especially on a full-frame camera, this is the lens to have for capturing sports action happening relatively close to you. If you watch a professional sporting event, you often see this lens mounted on a camera hanging over the shoulder of a photographer using one of the previously-mentioned super-telephoto lenses on a monopod. When action is happening closer to the photographer, the focal length needed for the desired subject framing changes more rapidly. This makes the zoom feature even more valuable.
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7. Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens
Excellent Focal Length Range, Fast and Accurate AF, Excellent Image Quality, Pro-Grade Build Quality
It is hard to argue with the 100-400mm focal length range for sports.
The hugely-popular 100-400L IS II is an overall incredible lens featuring very impressive image quality at all focal length and aperture settings.
This lens is well-built, including weather sealing.
When wildlife, surfers, aircraft, large-field athletes, and other small/distant subjects are in the viewfinder, you will greatly appreciate having this lens on the camera.
Still, the small size afforded by f/5.6 max aperture means that this is a lens that you can carry and hand-hold for long periods.
This is one of my most-used lenses.
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8. Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM Lens
Impressive Image Quality, Great Build Quality, Fast AF, Excellent Image Stabilization, Compact & Light, Great Value
If you don't need the 70-200 f/2.8L IS III Lens' f/2.8 max aperture, the 70-200 f/4L IS II will give you everything else in a smaller, lighter, and less expensive package.
Without the f/2.8 aperture, you will need twice as much light to stop subject motion (at f/4), and you will not be able to create a background as diffusely blurred.
But, you also give up a substantial amount of size (still fixed), weight, and cost.
You give up very little in image quality or other pro-grade features, including solid, weather-sealed build quality, and you even gain a better IS system than what's found in the f/2.8L IS III model.
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9. Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Lens
Excellent Value, Very Good Image Quality, Pro-Grade Build Quality, Fast AF
If you can't afford any of the other telephoto sports lenses listed on this page, this is the lens for you.
You should not expect to tightly frame subjects in the middle of a large field with a 200mm focal length, but this lens has fast and accurate autofocus along with very good image quality.
It is my entry-level sports lens recommendation.
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10. Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Lens
Very Good Image Quality for a Bargain Price
If your budget is tight, this might be the right lens for you. The 55-250mm focal length is very useful, and this lens's image quality per dollar ratio is high. What is not high is the build quality of this lens, which includes a plastic lens mount. This lens is an "EF-S" model designed for the APS-C imaging sensor format (it is not full-frame compatible).
The list above is not an exhaustive list of lenses that can be used for outdoor sports photography, but these are my top picks. Any of the recommended Canon indoor sports lenses will work well for outdoor sports photography.
Visit the Canon Lens Recommendations page for additional recommendations.
Best Sports Photography Equipment
Best Sports Photography Equipment - Canon EuropeARTICLE
Sports photographers Jorge Ferrari and Jean-Baptiste Luthard talk about the equipment they consider most reliable for capturing exceptional sports shots.
The Canon EOS R full-frame mirrorless system offers a range of outstanding cameras and lenses for sports photographers, including the EOS R5 professional camera and the RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM compact zoom lens. Taken on a Canon EOS R5 with a Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM lens at 100mm, 1/200 sec, f/5.6 and ISO1250. © Jean-Baptiste Luthard
Sports photographers need a camera that is reliable and durable so that they never miss a moment. They need fast, accurate autofocus, plus a fast shutter speed and intuitive control layout that keeps their eyes on the viewfinder as they work.
But what are the best Canon cameras for sports photography? And what lenses do professional sports photographers recommend?
“I work with a Canon DSLR, so the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM, EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM and the short throw zoom lens are the most important,” says Canon Ambassador Jorge Ferrari . However, Jorge, who shoots commercial sports and action scenes, also says the choice of lens will depend on the purpose of the event.
“Let’s say I work at a rugby match,” he continues. “I will be using a 400mm or 600mm lens on my Canon EOS-1D X Mark III as I am trying to capture action-packed close-ups. However, for the award ceremony, I will be using a 70-200mm or 24-70mm lens on the camera as my goals have changed.” nine0003
Unlike many sports photographers who specialize in one sport and travel to photograph competitions, Jorge primarily shoots international competitions in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the Middle East. “There is a lot going on in this region, and I cover a variety of events organized in these countries, from Formula 1 and football to tennis and triathlon,” he says. “I really enjoy working here.”
Fellow Canon Ambassador and extreme sports photographer Jean-Baptiste Luthard travels the world, but prefers to photograph only mountain bikers, a sport he has enjoyed since he was a teenager. Recently, Jean-Baptiste was able to try out the Canon EOS R5, as well as several Canon RF lenses. “I was very pleased with the results with the RF lenses,” he says.
“I'm used to working with quality lenses, but when you look at the RF models, they have superb build quality. You immediately get the impression that you are holding a really finished and thoughtful product in your hands.” nine0003
In this article, Jorge and Jean-Baptiste, along with Mike Burnhill, Professional Product Specialist at Canon Europe, share tips and benefits for cameras and lenses to take your sports photography to the next level.
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Register your equipment and get access to free expert advice, equipment maintenance, exciting events and special offers - join the Canon Professional Services program. nine0003
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Canon The EOS R3 features vehicle tracking, which is ideal for motorsports, ensuring sharp focus even in difficult shooting conditions, such as when a car is surrounded by dense clouds of dust.
Motorsport photographer Vladimir Rys tested the capabilities of this camera by going on difficult shooting rally electric car. Shot with a Canon camera EOS R3 with lens Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM at 400mm, 1/32000 sec, f/2.8 and ISO 400. © Vladimir Rys
Canon The EOS R3 delivers exceptional shooting speeds of up to 30fps to capture even the fastest subjects. Taken on camera Canon EOS R3 with lens Canon RF 100-500mm F4.
5-7.1L IS USM at 472mm, 1/3200 sec, f/7.1 and ISO400.
1. Best mirrorless camera for sports photography: Canon EOS R3
The new flagship model of the EOS R series takes full-frame mirrorless performance to a whole new level. It offers continuous RAW shooting at 30 fps. and full-servo AF/AE with a back-illuminated image sensor and autofocus support up to 60fps.
“It's basically a next-generation image sensor that allows slightly larger pixels and faster readouts than previous cameras,” explains Mike. nine0003
- It offers many benefits. for example, a minimal delay defect, which allows you to shoot fast objects without unnecessary artifacts and distortions. For example, a golf club will appear straighter during the stroke. And the fast data readout prevents tennis and baseballs from deforming into an egg shape as they fly – even a soccer ball could look a bit like a rugby ball on past generations of devices.”
Canon EOS R3
A camera designed to capture fast-moving subjects that meets the highest demands of professional photographers with ultra-fast response, high sensitivity, reliability and durability.
More information
Autofocus is faster and more versatile than ever. The Canon EOS R3 offers a new eye-tracking AF technology that allows you to select the AF point by directing your gaze to the desired area of the frame. People Detection AF now prioritizes eyes, faces, heads, and bodies to provide accurate autofocus even when the person is wearing a mask, helmet, or goggles. nine0003
Subject tracking is also more accurate with new race car and motorcycle tracking, and the new Flexi Zone mode lets you manually select the size and shape of the AF area—for example, you can select a horizontal strip across the frame to focus on to capture the winner of a race and his track.
With superior built-in Image Stabilization, the Canon EOS R3 achieves up to 8 stops of shutter speed with select RF telephoto lenses, adapting to a variety of handheld shooting situations and capturing sharp images even at longer focal lengths. nine0003
“I don't use the RAW format that often because I usually want to send image files fairly quickly,” says Jorge.
“However, I like that if I need RAW files, then I can shoot 16 fps. with the EOS-1D X Mark III mechanical shutter, and the camera's clipboard won't overflow." Taken on a Canon EOS-1D X Mark III with a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens (now succeeded by the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM) at 88mm , 1/2000 sec., f/2.8 and ISO 200. © Jorge Ferrari
2. Best DSLR for sports photography: Canon EOS-1D X Mark III
Professional sports photographers have been using Canon's EOS-1D series cameras for decades to capture superbly detailed sports shots with great detail. The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III is the current generation of this camera; this model offers continuous shooting up to 20 fps. with electronic shutter and up to 16 fps. with a mechanical shutter, Deep Learning Dual Pixel CMOS AF, as well as high build quality and weather protection, which will be very useful for professionals. nine0003
“I love deep learning autofocus,” says Jorge. “She really impressed me at a recent tennis tournament, where the organizers wanted the tournament logo and name to remain visible even in the background of dynamic images.
With the EOS-1D X Mark III, I was able to easily select compositions based on the organizer's requirements and then turn on Servo AF to track the player's face. At that time, it became a significant advantage for me.” nine0003
“The electronic shutter was also very useful. It takes some getting used to, but being able to silently take photos during a tennis match helps a lot. It was a closed event without spectators, so the players could hear any action of the photographer!”
Canon EOS-1D X Mark III
An ideal creative tool with deep learning autofocus, 5.5K RAW movie shooting and effective low-light capabilities. nine0003
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You don't need a super telephoto lens to capture memorable sports photos. Jorge captured the moment by being in the right place and choosing the best composition with a 70-200mm zoom lens. Taken on a Canon EOS-1D X (now succeeded by the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III) with a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens at 115mm, 1/1600 sec, f/3.
2 and ISO 100. © Jorge Ferrari
3. Best Canon lenses for sports photography: Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM and Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Super telephoto lenses are essential for situations where the photographer cannot physically get close to the spot action, but the 70-200mm zoom lens is ideal for almost any other situation. “It can be used to photograph tennis, Formula 1 or football, which are completely different sports,” notes Jorge, who uses a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens (the next generation is now available: Canon EF 70 -200mm f/2.8L IS III USM). “I don’t think you can successfully shoot any sporting event without a 70-200mm lens.” nine0003
Its versatile zoom range makes it ideal for capturing moments that go beyond action-packed close-ups. Mike says, "It could be the coaches' handshake at the start of the game, a coin toss, or an awards ceremony." However, the most important aspect for which all sports photographers take this lens is celebration.
“For football photographers, the moment a player runs to the corner flag to celebrate a goal is the main goal. That is why, in addition to a large telephoto lens, every sports photographer carries a 70-200mm lens with him.” nine0003
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
A modern classic, this fast aperture telephoto zoom lens is loved by photographers of all genres.
More information
Shooting close-ups with an ultra wide-angle or fisheye lens puts the viewer in the center of the action, an effect that cannot be achieved with a telephoto lens. Taken on a Canon EOS-1D X Mark III with a Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM lens at 16mm, 1/30 sec, f/5.6 and ISO100. © Jorge Ferrari
4. Best Canon wide-angle lenses for sports photography: Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM and Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM
According to Jorge, who works with with the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM and Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM lenses, when you shoot a subject at close range with a wide-angle lens, you can create truly mesmerizing images.
“It often happens that I don't get home or to the hotel until late in the evening, so I have to carry all the equipment with me,” he says. “However, if I could take only one short throw zoom lens with me, I would choose 16-35mm, because when shooting with 35mm you can always find a place to crop the frame.” nine0003
The RF equivalent of the RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM, along with the RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM and RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM, is one of Canon's top three professional RF zoom lenses . These are three reference high-performance RF zoom lenses with fast apertures for shooting at wide-angle, standard and telefocal ranges. “This is an excellent choice for a variety of sports photography,” adds Mike. “The RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM and EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM are great for shooting from different perspectives, especially if the camera is far enough behind the gate, for example.” nine0003
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM
Premium ultra wide-angle zoom lens with a constant f/2.
8 maximum aperture for superior image quality even in low light.
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The Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM lens captures even fast-moving subjects with incredible clarity. Taken on camera Canon EOS R5 with lens Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM at 1/160 sec, f/11 and ISO 100.
5. Best Canon Lenses for Sideline Sports Photography: Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM and Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM
Fast 400mm f/2.8 telephoto lenses are a classic option for sports photography, offering the owner of exceptional optical quality and an ideal viewing angle for shooting popular sports. They also support the installation of Canon 1.4x and 2x extenders to increase the maximum focal length if needed by the photographer. nine0003
“I have a Canon EF 1.4x III Extender and use it regularly with a Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM lens,” says Jorge.
“I was working at a rugby tournament a couple of weeks ago and found that this extender lens provided about the same level of focus and clarity as the previous generation 600mm f/4 lens.”
Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM
Super telephoto lens with high optical performance and class-leading portability, performance and image quality. nine0003
More information
High aperture is useful not only for shooting at minimum shutter speeds. “It also provides a nice background blur that draws the viewer's attention to the players rather than the fans in the background,” adds Mike.
Both the EF and RF models are great for monopod and handheld shooting as they offer users an exceptionally lightweight design. The Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM also features a 5-stop Image Stabilizer, while the Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM offers 5.5-stop optical image stabilization. nine0003
When fitted to the Canon EOS R3, the RF lens also benefits from fast communication with the camera via the RF mount, enabling even faster focusing through dual focus motors.
What's more, the new Eye Movement AF technology allows you to select the AF point by looking at it, making focusing more intuitive when using a super zoom lens. The
Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM allows photographers to create perfect images even from across the stadium. Taken on camera Canon EOS R5 with lens Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM at 1/2000 sec, f/5.6 and ISO 200.
6. Best Canon Super Telephoto Lenses for Sports Photography: Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM and Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM
If you can't get closer to the action, get the 600mm f/4 super telephoto lens with legendary L build quality -series will help you shoot from afar without sacrificing optical quality.
“At the Rugby Sevens in Dubai, I chose the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM lens as my primary lens, and it did the job perfectly thanks to the face detection and tracking focus of my Canon EOS-1D X Mark III,” says Jorge.
“I thought it would be difficult for the camera to focus due to the number of faces in the frame, but the only time the autofocus failed was if I was too close to the subject with a 600mm lens.” nine0003
Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM
Super telephoto lens with high optical performance and class-leading portability and optical performance.
More information
Mike believes that while 600mm f/4 lenses are extremely popular with wildlife photographers, they are ideal for shooting many sports. “For example, these are skiing and other winter sports, where the shooting is usually done from a long distance, as the athletes go down the mountain. This includes rugby, where the presence of a large area behind the goal means that photographers need to shoot from a greater distance than at football matches. Moreover, during golf and tennis matches, they can create interesting close-up images.” nine0003
When you attach the Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM to the Canon EOS R3, you can also enjoy even faster autofocus thanks to the high data transfer rate of the RF mount, as well as superb image stabilization even when shooting handheld in situations where telephoto Lenses are most sensitive to any camera vibration.
7. Most versatile super telephoto lens for sports photography: Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x
This versatile professional 200-400mm f/4 zoom lens with built-in 1.4x extender helps you quickly capture the highlights of sports. “Its versatility is the reason for its popularity among a wide range of sports photographers,” says Mike. “Many choose to avoid zoom lenses, but the quality remains extremely high, and the flexibility of operation eliminates all doubts, after which they successfully work with a zoom lens instead of prime models.” nine0003
“If you want to work with a single lens, this model is perfect for you. If you're shooting Formula 1 and walking along the track, this lens is all you need. It offers a wide range of telephoto focal lengths, as well as the ability to use an extender if needed.”
Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x
Professional 200-400mm f/4 lens with built-in 1.4x extender that increases focal lengths to 280-560mm and 4-stop IS to create the clearest images.
nine0003
Additional information
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Essential equipment for sports photography | Articles | Photo, video, optics
Source: fujifilm-x.com
Even though the COVID epidemic is changing the rules for sports competition, which undoubtedly affects sports photography, one truth remains indisputable for this genre: access - it's all.
In this post, based on an article by acclaimed photographer John Harris, we're going to look at a few tips for the aspiring sports photographer, both in terms of equipment and skills. So, back to our hard truth: if you're not near the "action", you just won't have a photo. nine0003
Does this mean you absolutely need a curb pass? Not necessary. Of course, it's nice to be able to shoot competitions in close proximity, but you can get this "access" in many ways. A good sports photo can even be taken off the field, so not having a badge shouldn't scare you. However, in order to get into the "major league" of professional sports photographers, you, of course, sooner or later will have to somehow get passes to events of interest. nine0003
Source: John Harris/bhphotovideo.com
Regarding "events of interest". While you may one day photograph Wimbledon or the Paris-Dakar Rally, the only way to hone your skills is to start by shooting the sports and events you know and love.
And it doesn't have to be big spectator sports. Mountain biking competitions, table tennis, sailing - they all include fast-paced action with beautiful backgrounds, that is, everything you need for great sports photography. When participating in sporting events, take lots of pictures, edit carefully, and look for relevant publications to present your work. nine0003
If you're primarily interested in the most popular sports, but can't get into the stadium, try honing your skills at smaller venues and events. Amateur tournaments, camps and pre-game practice are all great opportunities to develop skills and build a portfolio. Also, try to get access to regional events and tournaments that may not be covered by the mainstream sports media.
Source: adorama.com
Also study the work of other photographers and analyze the difference between shots in daily news releases, online publications and specialized publications. Sports photos in the daily news should simply illustrate the events of the last game - they usually don't take too much time to prepare and are often not very artistically interesting, but they tell a story.
On the other hand, there are sports publications in which sports photography is a real piece of art, such as the Victory Journal. nine0003
No matter where or how you want to publish your shots, there is a standard set of cameras and lenses for sports photographers to get the job done.
Cameras
Of course, almost any camera can be used for sports photography, but it must be able to capture fast action and withstand harsh weather conditions, so a professional DSLR or mirrorless is the best option. There is a suitable range of lenses for these cameras, in particular fast zooms and long telephoto lenses. nine0003
Sony a9 II
While mirrorless cameras such as the Sony a9 II and new full-frame models from Canon and Nikon are becoming part of sports photography, high-end DSLRs from Canon, Nikon and Pentax are still the pros' preferred choice. The Nikon D6 and Canon 1DX Mark III, for example, are flagship DSLRs capable of high-speed shooting with fast and tenacious autofocus and excellent high ISO performance.
They can shoot high-quality video, and the strong case of these models is reliably protected from adverse weather conditions. nine0003
Pentax K-1 Mark II
The Pentax K-1 Mark II is also worth considering. Although the Pentax model is not as fast as Nikon and Canon flagships, it is significantly cheaper. In addition, it has one of the strongest bodies of any full-frame DSLR on the market.
It's important to re-emphasize that although high-end cameras, when used to 100% of their capabilities, can increase your potential and improve your work, there is no need to start with them. In addition, this is far from the only choice of professional photographers. Incredible sports photos are created using a variety of devices - from smartphones to medium format cameras. However, there are mandatory criteria for a sports camera: it must be a model with fast focusing, fast continuous shooting and support for various lenses. nine0003
Olympus OM-D E-M1X is just such a camera, in MFT format (Micro Four Thirds, Micro 4:3).
Despite having a smaller sensor, it retains features on par with the best DSLRs, including a powerful processor and a built-in vertical grip with dual batteries. In addition, the crop factor of the smaller sensor creates a longer equivalent focal length, which can be advantageous when shooting from the sidelines of the playing field, especially given the cost of premium telephoto lenses. nine0003
Canon and Nikon's lineup of DSLRs also has many offerings that balance performance and budget. If you're buying your first camera, consider the Nikon D500, D7500, or Canon EOS 80D. These are cameras with a smaller sensor compared to full-frame models, but they are suitable for the needs of sports photography and are compatible with the best lenses of their brands. This is important because if you continue with sports photography and eventually decide to switch to a high-end camera, you will be able to use the lenses you buy now. nine0003
Nikon D7500
If you already have an entry-level DSLR, you can certainly start shooting with it, but if you are buying a new one, we would not recommend "beginner" DSLRs.
Often they are not strong enough in terms of build and do not provide the speed and options that you will eventually need. Also, do not pay attention to bridge cameras with integrated telephoto zoom lenses. While these are affordable and multi-tasking devices that can capture crisp images at long range (under ideal conditions), these cameras lack speed (focus and burst speed), lens aperture, and ruggedness for professional sports photography. nine0003
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
There are also cameras like the D850, a high resolution Nikon DSLR that doesn't prioritize continuous shooting like the Nikon D6, but its focus system, detail and its compact size makes it a desirable model for many sports photographers. The same applies to Canon 5D series cameras. We can also recommend the Nikon D750, which, despite its venerable age, can still be found new - this is Nikon's most affordable full-frame model. nine0003
Lenses
Cameras come and go, but your best lenses are here to stay.
Therefore, you can often find tips on the net that suggest saving on the first camera and investing in a quality lens. When it comes to sports photography, don't limit yourself to a bad camera, however, by and large, this tip also works. First, you need to find a couple of quality zooms and, perhaps, a telephoto lens with a fixed focal length (the so-called "fix"). nine0003
Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM
A telephoto prime is often a real financial hurdle for aspiring sports photographers, but it's always worth keeping in mind the possibility of renting long lenses for specific events, as well as the possibility of using teleconverters . In addition, you do not have to try to capture the facial expressions of an athlete from 50 meters, at least at first.
Major brands have their own version of the 24-70mm f/2.8 and 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses, which are good lenses to start with. You can also consider buying a 24-105mm f/4 and a 400mm lens. When choosing a 400mm lens, you can quickly notice the difference in price between models, and this is usually related to the maximum aperture, or “aperture” of the lens.
In addition to advanced optics and additional features, more expensive lenses have a maximum aperture of f/2.8, which allows more light to pass through the lens and, in sports, use faster shutter speeds to freeze motion. In daylight conditions, such "bright" lenses may not be as necessary thanks to improvements in optical stabilization systems, so weigh your needs well before investing heavily in an f/2.8 ultra-telephoto prime. nine0003
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Nikkor
The combination of the above zoom lenses and teleconverter to increase the focal length will prepare you for almost any situation. At the same time, do not forget that the teleconverter causes a slight decrease in aperture ratio. Other more affordable options include using ultra-telephoto zoom lenses such as the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR, with its versatile zoom range, or even the Sigma 150-600mm f/5.6-6.3, which offers wide range of focal lengths, but requires constant monitoring when working in less-than-ideal lighting.
nine0003
Modern telezooms have come a long way in image quality. Two noteworthy models are the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR and the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x. Both offer a versatile zoom range, constant aperture, and a built-in teleconverter for zooming up to 560mm at f/5.6. For the MFT system, Olympus has the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25X IS PRO, which is equipped with a 1.25x teleconverter. Add a teleconverter to the crop sensor EGF and you have an extremely efficient 1000mm EGF lens. nine0003
Many sports photographers prefer telephoto primes for their speed and sharpness, and the Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS is one good example of these incredible lenses, but their size and cost pose understandable problems for beginners.
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED
Telephoto lenses are a must for sports photography, but normal and wide angle lenses are just as important. The 24-70mm f/2.8 has already been mentioned earlier as an essential item for your lens kit, but you will also find 85mm primes and wide-angle zooms in the backpacks of many sports photographers, like the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.
8L III USM and the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED. nine0003
Accessories
In addition to cameras and lenses, there are several accessories that are especially important for sports photography. Support for heavy lenses and maintaining stability during extended gaming is critical. While tripods are preferred by some photographers, the portability offered by monopods makes them the preferred choice.
Manfrotto MVMXPROA4 Monopod
You may not always want or be able to use an on-camera flash, but for indoor events you should have a flash, ideally as powerful as you can afford. Since you will be working a lot in burst mode, memory cards with high read and write speeds are essential. Additional batteries are also required. nine0003
Working in the rain and other adverse conditions is not uncommon for a sports photographer, so you should use additional protection for the camera and lenses.
Source: en.wikipedia.
