need help should I upgrade 7dII to 5dIV over changing lenses for basketball

Honestly, I have no experience with the 7D II, so I can't offer intelligent input. But if you are dissatisfied with the quality of your present images, I think the 5D III or IV will offer far better results.
 
While it has admittedly been a long time since I compared Canon vs Sigma, here's what I found at the time when evaluating the Sigma 120-300/2.8 EX DG HSM being drive by a 1Dm4
  • Canon AF was faster and more accurate for moving subjects, especially in low-light.
  • Sigma image quality was excellent, close to Canon. When in focus. So just as good as Canon for non-moving subjects, but more missed shots on moving subjects.
You mentioned you have an older Sigma lens, so I would probably bet this is true for your camera/lens combo. I cannot say if this is true for the more modern Sigma lenses; they may now be just as fast as the Canons.

The 7D2 + Canon 70-800/2.8 (ii or iii) combo would be what I would recommend first for you, considering your budget.

You might also consider renting combinations that you are considering.
 
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is there any real difference or reason to get the III over the II or even the I? I would like to keep IS in case it's needed one day but for what I do it might not be needed as I'm usually shooting action with high SS.. then again, sometimes I lower it for still shots so maybe a Used II or a new III is best?
Do NOT buy a 5D II for action!!! I can't stress this enough. The 5D II is awesome for motionless subjects, but it can't even focus accurately on someone walking along a sidewalk. I know this for a fact since I shot with them for several years.

I have no experience with the the original 5D, but I suspect its technology is too long in the tooth, especially for low light action.
no not a 5dII, a 5d III or even the 5d IV... or still a bad idea and just stick with the 7dII and some canon glass?
For the bodies, get a 5D3 or the 4. Avoid the II or the original. Very antiquated focusing system. The 3 and 4 are huge upgrades and comparable to the 7D2 for focus systems. The older models basically had entry level Rebel modules. The 5D3 does lack the anti-flicker tech of the newer bodies, which could be a shocker after coming from the 7D2. This feature is very useful for indoor sports.

For the lenses, the II and III are nearly the same lens, I think Canon changed the coating on the III, aside from that practically identical. Most would say the III is a very minor update at best and not worth the price premium. The original IS model is the weakest optically of all the white 70-200s. Not a bad lens but the II was a significant upgrade, plus it's old enough Canon may not service them any more since the replacement came out in 2010. The non-IS version is optically excellent, but obviously lacks IS, and is still a current model you can buy new.
 
all great stuff thanks. I'm going to look for a II or III and see what I can find...

is it safe to get a refurbished one from Canon, and what about a used one is good shape? are these good ideas or not worth the savings compared to new?

Last thing I want to worry about is it not working properly to save a few hundred bucks...
 
How old is your Sigma. I shot with one before getting the Canon. I don't know about the new one but the jump from the old Sigma to the new Canon was really noticeable. It was good in its day but like my old body it don't compete with the younger/newer ones.
 
all great stuff thanks. I'm going to look for a II or III and see what I can find...

is it safe to get a refurbished one from Canon, and what about a used one is good shape? are these good ideas or not worth the savings compared to new?

Last thing I want to worry about is it not working properly to save a few hundred bucks...
Refurbished from Canon is awesome. Gear looks like new and comes with a full warranty. Some say it's better than new as it's been inspected by a factory technician. Very few lemons are reported from the Canon refurb store.

Canon just added lenses to their sale. You can get a 70-200 IS III for $1291 plus tax right now. I'd jump on this if I were you. I watch the sales every year and this is a good one.

More info:

https://www.cpricewatch.com/

EDIT: Nevermind, sold out in about 10 minutes. The IS II is still available for $1376 which isn't bad.

--
My site:
http://www.gipperich-photography.com
 
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How old is your Sigma. I shot with one before getting the Canon. I don't know about the new one but the jump from the old Sigma to the new Canon was really noticeable. It was good in its day but like my old body it don't compete with the younger/newer ones.
 
all great stuff thanks. I'm going to look for a II or III and see what I can find...

is it safe to get a refurbished one from Canon, and what about a used one is good shape? are these good ideas or not worth the savings compared to new?

Last thing I want to worry about is it not working properly to save a few hundred bucks...
Refurbished from Canon is awesome. Gear looks like new and comes with a full warranty. Some say it's better than new as it's been inspected by a factory technician. Very few lemons are reported from the Canon refurb store.

Canon just added lenses to their sale. You can get a 70-200 IS III for $1291 plus tax right now. I'd jump on this if I were you. I watch the sales every year and this is a good one.

More info:

https://www.cpricewatch.com/

EDIT: Nevermind, sold out in about 10 minutes. The IS II is still available for $1376 which isn't bad.
very interesting.. so do these come with the box and all accessories that should be there like new, eg lens hood, case, caps, etc?
 
Some great advice from previous posters. My 2 cents worth. The 70 200 2.8 ll is a fantastic lens. It should pair very nice with the 7dmk2. You WILL see a significant jump up in keeper shots with just the lens upgrade. I would get the lens 1st then upgrade to a different body when and if needed later. Hell that lens makes my old 6d shine!!! You wont be disappointed in the lens!!! And yes do not hesitate to buy Canon refurbished. Have purchased quite a few items that way and saved some significant cash. It will come with front & rear caps plus the carry case. Just a different box. Good luck with your decision and post up some shots when u do change!!
 
Some great advice from previous posters. My 2 cents worth. The 70 200 2.8 ll is a fantastic lens. It should pair very nice with the 7dmk2. You WILL see a significant jump up in keeper shots with just the lens upgrade. I would get the lens 1st then upgrade to a different body when and if needed later. Hell that lens makes my old 6d shine!!! You wont be disappointed in the lens!!! And yes do not hesitate to buy Canon refurbished. Have purchased quite a few items that way and saved some significant cash. It will come with front & rear caps plus the carry case. Just a different box. Good luck with your decision and post up some shots when u do change!!
Thank you. I’m very close to doing this and hope it does help. I do understand my skills need a lot of work too but I believe also this lens should do a better job of focusing and tracking . Time will tell.
 
Some great advice from previous posters. My 2 cents worth. The 70 200 2.8 ll is a fantastic lens. It should pair very nice with the 7dmk2. You WILL see a significant jump up in keeper shots with just the lens upgrade. I would get the lens 1st then upgrade to a different body when and if needed later. Hell that lens makes my old 6d shine!!! You wont be disappointed in the lens!!! And yes do not hesitate to buy Canon refurbished. Have purchased quite a few items that way and saved some significant cash. It will come with front & rear caps plus the carry case. Just a different box. Good luck with your decision and post up some shots when u do change!!
Thank you. I’m very close to doing this and hope it does help. I do understand my skills need a lot of work too but I believe also this lens should do a better job of focusing and tracking . Time will tell.
Right now canon refurb has the 70 200 2.8mk2 on sale for $1619 plus an additional 10% off with code HOLIDAY19. Hell of a deal!!!
 
Some great advice from previous posters. My 2 cents worth. The 70 200 2.8 ll is a fantastic lens. It should pair very nice with the 7dmk2. You WILL see a significant jump up in keeper shots with just the lens upgrade. I would get the lens 1st then upgrade to a different body when and if needed later. Hell that lens makes my old 6d shine!!! You wont be disappointed in the lens!!! And yes do not hesitate to buy Canon refurbished. Have purchased quite a few items that way and saved some significant cash. It will come with front & rear caps plus the carry case. Just a different box. Good luck with your decision and post up some shots when u do change!!
Thank you. I’m very close to doing this and hope it does help. I do understand my skills need a lot of work too but I believe also this lens should do a better job of focusing and tracking . Time will tell.
Right now canon refurb has the 70 200 2.8mk2 on sale for $1619 plus an additional 10% off with code HOLIDAY19. Hell of a deal!!!
yes I think I will be getting one of these... I've always wanted to upgrade to the canon version of the 70-200 on my 7dII and this is probably as good a time as any... given the price of the II from refurb...
 
In low light, 7D2 will be too noisy. If you're shooting basketball, you just need the center focus point so I would get the Canon 70-200 2.8 II (it's the same as III) and the original 6D, which is extremely cheap nowadays. You don't need crazy fps for basketball (5D4 is not fast anyway) and you do not need to crop much as the 70-200 will give you enough reach so the megapixel advantage doesn't matter. KEH sells a 6D in excellent condition for $757 and they have a 10% sale going on right now.

If you have an extra $300, get the 6D II for $1060. 5D4 is nice but you'll have the same exact number of keepers and you won't be able to tell the difference between 6D and 5D4 pictures.
 
In low light, 7D2 will be too noisy. If you're shooting basketball, you just need the center focus point so I would get the Canon 70-200 2.8 II (it's the same as III) and the original 6D, which is extremely cheap nowadays. You don't need crazy fps for basketball (5D4 is not fast anyway) and you do not need to crop much as the 70-200 will give you enough reach so the megapixel advantage doesn't matter. KEH sells a 6D in excellent condition for $757 and they have a 10% sale going on right now.

If you have an extra $300, get the 6D II for $1060. 5D4 is nice but you'll have the same exact number of keepers and you won't be able to tell the difference between 6D and 5D4 pictures.
Interesting and thank you. I'm going to start with the canon 70-200 on the 7dII and see how that goes. yes I suppose the 6dII would be a good FF option.. is the focus system able to really handle basketball properly?
 
Interesting and thank you. I'm going to start with the canon 70-200 on the 7dII and see how that goes. yes I suppose the 6dII would be a good FF option.. is the focus system able to really handle basketball properly?
Original 6D can easily handle basketball; all you need is the center focus point and 6D's center point is amazing. 6DII is an improvement on the 6D but even the first version will suffice.

I once did a test where I shot alternating games with a 5D4 and a 6D. I had the same number of keepers and the pictures were pretty much identical. My other camera - 1DX - has only 18 megapixels and no one has ever complained about the picture quality. I do have a 7D2 but I only shoot it outdoors during the daytime.
 
Interesting and thank you. I'm going to start with the canon 70-200 on the 7dII and see how that goes. yes I suppose the 6dII would be a good FF option.. is the focus system able to really handle basketball properly?
Original 6D can easily handle basketball; all you need is the center focus point and 6D's center point is amazing. 6DII is an improvement on the 6D but even the first version will suffice.

I once did a test where I shot alternating games with a 5D4 and a 6D. I had the same number of keepers and the pictures were pretty much identical. My other camera - 1DX - has only 18 megapixels and no one has ever complained about the picture quality. I do have a 7D2 but I only shoot it outdoors during the daytime.
Interesting, I’m a little surprised as the 7dii has always been regarded as a great indoor sports camera because of some it’s attributes like anti flicker , auto iso, 10 FPS, and it’s auto focus system yet you are very against using it for basketball? It will be difficult for me to switch bodies as it’s expensive and my 7dii is the last upgrade I did so I will lose considerably considering the short time I’ve had it. I really prefer to find lenses that will help overcome the potential issues like the canon 70-200 and maybe one day the sigma 1.8 or a fixed 85mm 1.2 or something....
 
Interesting, I’m a little surprised as the 7dii has always been regarded as a great indoor sports camera because of some it’s attributes like anti flicker , auto iso, 10 FPS, and it’s auto focus system yet you are very against using it for basketball? It will be difficult for me to switch bodies as it’s expensive and my 7dii is the last upgrade I did so I will lose considerably considering the short time I’ve had it. I really prefer to find lenses that will help overcome the potential issues like the canon 70-200 and maybe one day the sigma 1.8 or a fixed 85mm 1.2 or something....
Lighting is constant indoors so you just set your ISO to the proper value. You don't really need 10 fps for basketball and you don't need peripheral focusing points; just shoot at 2.8 and aim for the torso. You're just shooting for parents so if one arena somewhere needs anti flicker, simply don't shoot there. Don't sell the 7D2, it's a great camera; just get a used 6D and a used 70-200 II from a reputable vendor like KEH -- they will cost exactly the same as a new 5D4: $750+$1500 less 10% vs $1999.
 
Lighting is constant indoors so you just set your ISO to the proper value.
That's not always true. It depends on the venue and the lights they are using. If you have cycling lights they can vary by a stop or more depending on where in the cycle the shutter fires.

For the OP, regarding sensor noise. @ ISO 6400, which is approximately what I would guess you are using, you can use the dpreview comparator tool to evaluate for yourself whether the differences between the 6D2 and the 7D2 are worth the expense of switching.
 
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Interesting, I’m a little surprised as the 7dii has always been regarded as a great indoor sports camera because of some it’s attributes like anti flicker , auto iso, 10 FPS, and it’s auto focus system yet you are very against using it for basketball? It will be difficult for me to switch bodies as it’s expensive and my 7dii is the last upgrade I did so I will lose considerably considering the short time I’ve had it. I really prefer to find lenses that will help overcome the potential issues like the canon 70-200 and maybe one day the sigma 1.8 or a fixed 85mm 1.2 or something....
Lighting is constant indoors so you just set your ISO to the proper value. You don't really need 10 fps for basketball and you don't need peripheral focusing points; just shoot at 2.8 and aim for the torso. You're just shooting for parents so if one arena somewhere needs anti flicker, simply don't shoot there. Don't sell the 7D2, it's a great camera; just get a used 6D and a used 70-200 II from a reputable vendor like KEH -- they will cost exactly the same as a new 5D4: $750+$1500 less 10% vs $1999.
i think I’m now back to just grabbing the sigma 1.8 50-100. It covers the focal ranges that I usually shoot and the 1.8 must help tremendously in the poorly lit gyms. I’ve found quite a few samples and videos that both show great shots even on my 7dii and I’ll just keep my sigma 79-200 for when I need reach or have good lightning. Switching to the canon 70-200 while I’m sure a better focusing and sharper lens, will not change anything in the low light situation really, other than it had a better chance of locking focus which don’t get me wrong is important.. but I’m starting to think the 50-100 1.8 will yield more of what I need and allow me to keep my 70-200.
 
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i think I’m now back to just grabbing the sigma 1.8 50-100. It covers the focal ranges that I usually shoot and the 1.8 must help tremendously in the poorly lit gyms. I’ve found quite a few samples and videos that both show great shots even on my 7dii and I’ll just keep my sigma 79-200 for when I need reach or have good lightning. Switching to the canon 70-200 while I’m sure a better focusing and sharper lens, will not change anything in the low light situation really, other than it had a better chance of locking focus which don’t get me wrong is important.. but I’m starting to think the 50-100 1.8 will yield more of what I need and allow me to keep my 70-200.
This might be worth a watch before you commit to the Sigma. Jump to 6:45 of the video. This video is three years old, so maybe firmware updates have since fixed it. Just something to be aware of. I'd do some research before buying.

 

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