Need a kids sports/family camera setup for $3k

[jblake]

Those are all great suggestions. I cannot help but wonder if I wait till March/April there may be a 5d4 or possible 6d2 in the works that will actually be an upgrade from what I had. I have had and sold 4 5d3's so feels odd buying one for $2800 with a 24-70 f4 and then here a new one is released with features I want like dpaf focus for video and 4k. Better metering from like the newer 7d2/5ds. Just not knowing and the higher price would be worth it maybe if there are enough benefits. Is that nuts?

??? After this comment, I have come to the conclusion that you "Is that nuts?" are seriously confused.

First you say what can you get for $3K that will allow you to take photo's of kids and sports. Then you talk about a "new" 5D3 +24-70 IS for an amount that will all but shoot your budget, and still not allow you to shoot any sports!

Then you state that you have owned several 5D3's and are not sure if you want to buy another one but to wait for the 5D4 and pay ~$3600+ for? Now you are rambling on about 4K video.
You should already know the answer to the original question you posted?

All used and if you are patient you can find these prices on eBay; 5D3 $1500, 24-70IS $650 and 70-200 2.8 non-IS $850...1500+650+850 = $3000.00. But, 200mm on full frame is way too short for most field sports anyways.

There is no full-frame camera/lens combo's out there that will give you the AF system you want, shoot field sports without serious cropping and come in anywhere near $3K..but I think you know this already.

If you are serious about the $3K budget, but I don't think you are, you will have to settle for a crop camera lens combo. Used on eBay and if patient ; 7D2 $950, 120-300 2.8 OS (non-sport) $1550 and a 17-55IS $500.
950+1550+500= 3000. you may pay a $100 more than what I stated, but it would get you in the ballpark so to speak.

But since we both know you would never be happy with a crop camera and a paltry $3k budget, you will probably buy, hopefully used, 1Dx $3500, 120-300 2.8 OS Sport $2500 and a 24-70 2.8L II $1500. That will come in around $7.5K. You might actually be happy with setup for at least 6 months or so.

 

[kaihp]

Those are all great suggestions. I cannot help but wonder if I wait till March/April there may be a 5d4 or possible 6d2 in the works that will actually be an upgrade from what I had.

The longer you can postpone buying the body + lens, the better deal you'll be able to get. And it would give you more time to save up.

Of course, Canon might introduce a 5D4 or 6D2 and lure you to buy either of those. Needs and wants are two different things, even in the world of cameras

 

[Viggo]

For any great action moments the 6d is far to slow, it's always almost. I just got in from a day in the snow with the kids, and the 6d is just so dissapointing for this type of shooting. It can do slow movement, but those nice short explosive moments it's 20 to 1 if it you get a hit. I miss my 1dx SO much for that.

Get the 5d3, it's much more fun and easier to get those "right time" moments.

With this one the focus is slightly behind, and I took 20 shots, this being the best.

I gave up getting anything with movement, and kept only this from today's outing.

Both shot wide open with the 35 L II and a ad360 in a Profoto 1x4' stripbox.

 

[jdramirez]

for 3 grand...

I'd say get a 35mm Sigma for $800
A 7d mkii for $1000 (I haven't been paying attention the prices lately)
and a 100-400mm v1. for around 1100 new, 900 used...

I have a 24-105... and while I really like it... I'd much prefer just having a sigma 50mm f/1.4, but I'm too much of a wimp to do that.

I have a 70-200 f/2.8 IS mkii and the 1.4 tc and the 2x tc... and those are plenty good... but I think you would wind up blowing too much of your wad on that.

I should have read if it was indoor sports... but if so... then a 70-200 f/2.8 usm, plus a 1.4 IS... not that big of a deal...

full frame is great... I've drank the kool-aid, but if you have decent lighting... you are golden...

ok I read... I think the ff body won't get you as far as having good glass... I am not a big fan of the wide angle images... but I know there are those who are... So... ok... but I don't think 70mm gets you close to the action...

So while I might push you in the direction of an mkiii... I just don't think it would be the best value.

 

[Ozarker]

Given your budget and sports shooting I would try a 70D and a Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8 IS II (A lot of sports are shot in low light). A flash can be added from one of the 3rd party companies for far less than the Canon. You can switch to Canon if you like when you have more money. Someone else mentioned the Canon 40 f/2.8. I'll second that as a short lens.

 

[Ozarker]

For any great action moments the 6d is far to slow, it's always almost. I just got in from a day in the snow with the kids, and the 6d is just so dissapointing for this type of shooting. It can do slow movement, but those nice short explosive moments it's 20 to 1 if it you get a hit. I miss my 1dx SO much for that.

Get the 5d3, it's much more fun and easier to get those "right time" moments.

With this one the focus is slightly behind, and I took 20 shots, this being the best.

I gave up getting anything with movement, and kept only this from today's outing.

Both shot wide open with the 35 L II and a ad360 in a Profoto 1x4' stripbox.

Still beautiful photos. Magical, in fact.

 

[Viggo]

For any great action moments the 6d is far to slow, it's always almost. I just got in from a day in the snow with the kids, and the 6d is just so dissapointing for this type of shooting. It can do slow movement, but those nice short explosive moments it's 20 to 1 if it you get a hit. I miss my 1dx SO much for that.

Get the 5d3, it's much more fun and easier to get those "right time" moments.

With this one the focus is slightly behind, and I took 20 shots, this being the best.

I gave up getting anything with movement, and kept only this from today's outing.

Both shot wide open with the 35 L II and a ad360 in a Profoto 1x4' stripbox.

Still beautiful photos. Magical, in fact.

Thank you so much! Too kind. I have shipped my 1dx away for service AGAIN, this time they said I will get a new one if no fault is found, I'm not that lucky, but at least it will work.

And I have bought a B1 as my light. I recommend, if possible for what you shoot, always bring a flash and modifier, it will do ten times more for your shots than any camera or lens.

 

[StudentOfLight]

For any great action moments the 6d is far to slow, it's always almost. I just got in from a day in the snow with the kids, and the 6d is just so dissapointing for this type of shooting. It can do slow movement, but those nice short explosive moments it's 20 to 1 if it you get a hit. I miss my 1dx SO much for that.

Get the 5d3, it's much more fun and easier to get those "right time" moments.

With this one the focus is slightly behind, and I took 20 shots, this being the best.

I gave up getting anything with movement, and kept only this from today's outing.

Both shot wide open with the 35 L II and a ad360 in a Profoto 1x4' stripbox.

Still beautiful photos. Magical, in fact.

+1 Awesome shots

 

[Viggo]

Thanks !

 

[Ozarker]

The 70-200 f2.8L IS Mark 2 lens is the ideal choice for kid sports. Indoor gyms are often poorly lit and you need the f2.8.

The 5D3 is a great all around body and an underrated sports body. The 6D lacks the AF system that makes the 5D3 great for action. But, if you understand the limits of the 6D, it's a workable option. You will be limited to the center focus point for most Servo shooting. I would miss the expansion points of the 5D3, but this single point limitation might make you a better photographer.

Another lens to consider is the 70-200 f2.8L non-IS. Most sports wold be shot at 1/400 or faster and this lens will work well without the IS. So, 5D3 with this lens is one option.

However, if it were me, I would likely go with the 6D and the 70-200 f2.8L IS II. The lens will hold its value better then the body and the IS will make it a far more flexible lens. I'd rather have the great lens and "suffer" with a "lesser" body until I cold upgrade it.

For a short lens, I would start with the 40 f2.8 until I could afford a short zoom.

Also, consider a Yongnuo YN685 flash. My Yongnuos have been great flashes. With a FF body and a fast lens, you may have little need for a flash, unless you delve into portraits. This will save a couple hundred bucks that you could put toward the better lens.

Glad you mentioned the 40 f/2.8. Great little lens and a real bargain. You are right.

 

[Ozarker]

For any great action moments the 6d is far to slow, it's always almost. I just got in from a day in the snow with the kids, and the 6d is just so dissapointing for this type of shooting. It can do slow movement, but those nice short explosive moments it's 20 to 1 if it you get a hit. I miss my 1dx SO much for that.

Get the 5d3, it's much more fun and easier to get those "right time" moments.

With this one the focus is slightly behind, and I took 20 shots, this being the best.

I gave up getting anything with movement, and kept only this from today's outing.

Both shot wide open with the 35 L II and a ad360 in a Profoto 1x4' stripbox.

Still beautiful photos. Magical, in fact.

Thank you so much! Too kind. I have shipped my 1dx away for service AGAIN, this time they said I will get a new one if no fault is found, I'm not that lucky, but at least it will work.

And I have bought a B1 as my light. I recommend, if possible for what you shoot, always bring a flash and modifier, it will do ten times more for your shots than any camera or lens.

I'll get one or two of those B1s one day. The Flashpoint Streaklight is an excellent alternative to have while money gets saved. In retrospect, I'd have gotten 5 Streaklights instead of my 600EX collection and saved a bundle. Not to step on Canons toes, they are fantastic flashes. For outdoors in the middle of the day more power is needed here in the Mojave desert.

Come to think of it, I like the Streaklight so well I might just skip the B1 (But the lust is strong).

 

[MTCWBY]

5DIII and consider the older 100-400. I shot three years of football and baseball and it did well. The flexibility in zoom is hard to beat for kids sports. The II version of the lens is better but probably twice what you'd pay for the older model. I've shot games under the lights for football and while I had to go up to ISO 4000 to do it, the pictures were more than acceptable quality. Yes there are times that I wish I had more FPS but the IQ of the 7DII wasn't quite as good and for the most part I haven't missed much. I have a 1DXII on order but really can't complain about the 5DIII. It's been a great camera for sports.