[PHOTOGRAPHERS HELP ME OUT] YtseCullen needs advice on camera equipment!

[YtseCullen]

Ok, so here's the deal! I'm looking to upgrade equipment, but the question is, what do I need to upgrade, lately I've been shooting mostly sports, but I still do tons of portrait work. For an 18 year old who only just picked up his first DSLR back in May, my business has really boomed around town, so I want to be able to fulfill everybodys dreams in terms of the final product of my work for them. I really want better picture quality in my sports shots though, I got hired by the local junior team as team photographer and I need something to make my pictures better. I'll tell you what I have, and tell me what I need to get better pictures!

Body:
Canon Rebel T2i/EOS 550D

Lenses:
Canon 18-55 kit lens
50mm F/1.8 lens
and my new baby
the 70-200 f/4l no IS lens.

What do you think I need to get sharper, crisper images to help freeze my sports subject? A faster lens? Or a better body?

Any help would be appreciated!


If you want to check out my sports work and see what needs improving head over to my photography page and look at the sports albums to let me know! thanks!

[ReaPsTA]

First off - I like your Hockey shots.  It feels like you actually know how to use a camera, which is pretty cool.  Thoughts:

 - First and foremost - FIND ACTUAL PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS YOU CAN TALK TO.  I've never seen a photographer who doesn't like to talk about what gear they use and why.  They would probably know more about this than anyone on this forum who isn't a professional.

 - For the sports photography question, I have a feeling that you would want a faster lens.  In theory, you could turn the ISO and Shutter speed up to get images that look frozen, but the high ISO would create grain which is very bad.

 - I have no advice whatsoever on camera bodies.

 - Biggest thing you didn't mention:  How much money are you willing to spend?  This influences everything.  Here are some prime lenses you can get for 300-500 dollars each:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12140-USA/Canon_2515A003_50mm_f_1_4_USM_Autofocus.html
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12119-GREY/Canon_2507A002_Wide_Angle_EF_35mm.html
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12182-USA/Canon_2519A003_85mm_f_1_8_USM_Autofocus.html
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12058-USA/Canon_2518A003_Telephoto_EF_100mm_f_2_0.html
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/102851-USA/Canon_2510A003_Wide_Angle_EF_28mm.html
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12082-GREY/Canon_2509A003_Super_Wide_Angle_EF.html

I would guess these are all fine lenses that are useful for portrait photography.  Which lens specifically is the best choice for you?  No idea.  But I'm sure at least one of these could help you immensely.  On the other hand, A 70-200mm f/2.8 lens will run you about 2000 dollars: 

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/680103-USA/Canon_2751B002_EF_70_200mm_f_2_8L_IS.html

Basically, I'm trying to frame this question in terms of value.  A wide angle 28mm f/1.8 lens will run you about 450 dollars.  The f/2.8 70-200mm will run you about 2000.  So is the 70-200mm lens worth 4.45 times as much to you as the 28mm lens?  I don't know the answer, but I'm pretty sure that's the question.  (NOTE that camera equipment seems to have good resale value, so you could maybe recoup some of the cost of an expensive lens by selling your outdated ones).

Again, consult a professional.  For all I know, a professional portrait photographer might tell you that merely having an f/1.8 50mm lens is totally inadequate.  A sports photographer might tell you than you need a faster lens or you'll get shots that are too dark.

The fact you're doing this stuff and you're only 18 is pretty cool BTW.  It sounds like you have a bright future ahead.  Good luck.

[YtseCullen]

Thanks ReaPsTa! The 2.8 lens I've been looking at is this one https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/689577-REG/Sigma_589101_70_200mm_f_2_8_EX_DG.html, I've definitely talked to a fair share of photographers, but Its still nice to hear everyones thoughts!

[ReaPsTA]

That lens is really intriguing.

[YtseCullen]

I've done my research on Sigma's and since I'm not getting paid huge dollars to do photography yet, then I shouldn't have to spend huge dollars on lenses. This one produces amazing image quality, and is 700$+ less than the canon