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Action shots - Faster lens options (EF preferred) and camera software settings

Started 2 months ago | Discussions thread
R2D2 Forum Pro • Posts: 26,528
Re: Action shots - Faster lens options (EF preferred) and camera software settings

EscVelocity wrote:

The EF 85mm f1.8 USM was recommended by someone else, and at the price I can get it for used from Japan (cheap shipping from there to here in Taiwan) it is my leading candidate, though it is expensive enough still that I'm going to think on it a bit.

On your budget I’d just get the EF 85 f/1.8 and be done with it.  Best bang for the buck ($200-300 used), and it’ll get the job done.  I’ve shot sports both indoors and out with it for many many years.

It’s not the sharpest lens wide open, but you’d have to spend a LOT more to beat it.  It is amazing how versatile it is indoors and out, even on the ball field (I often feel that I can forego a 70-200, esp when I’m able to crop a bit).  Indoors for say basketball, you can position yourself at around the 3-point line (on the baseline).  Other indoor sports, no problem.  As mentioned already, autofocus is fast.

The EF 100 f/2 is its identical twin (literally).  It has a tad less CA (purple fringing) than the 85, however IME 100mm is a bit tight indoors for a lot of subjects.  Both lenses do exhibit a fair amount of veiling glare when pointed toward bright light sources, so shoot with the light behind you.

I do wonder if I should be worried about the lack of IS at 85mm (something discussed in a few reviews I've seen), but it's my leader.

For action, keep stabilization turned off (it’ll fight you).  Use Spot Autofocus.  Follow the subject precisely (do your own tracking).

Searching for EF 100mm f2 USM on BH and Amazon US, IU only found an f2.8 with IS labelled as a Macro lens at a much higher price. However on Amazon Japan I did find the EF 100mm f2 USM. It runs negligibly more expensive, but the reviews of the 85mm seem stronger on the whole.

They were designed together.  They perform identically.  Focal length is the determiner.

I don't know anything about diffractive optics, but the price difference between new and used on the EF 70-300 f4.5-5.6 DO IS USM is blowing my mind. It lists at well over US$1,000 but is available used and described as "Very Good" in both the US and Japan for around US$275, and if I'm willing to take a risk on a "Good" description I can get that thing for US$217 from Japan. This is really tempting, but I'm having a hard time understanding how something at f4.5 would be fast, though.

Outdoors, see how your EF-S 55-250 does for you first.  The M50 may drive it pretty well.

I too would recommend DxO Photolab 6 (shooting RAW).  It’s an absolute game changer, esp for action shooting.  Holler if you have questions!

Best of luck!

R2

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