best camera/lens for fast focusing

[zombiesniper]

If a DSLR and lens with an internal focusing motor doesn't do the job, I would recommend learning how to focus manually. Photographers have been capturing motion with manual focus for decades.

I doubt with the suggestions already anyone but the most dedicated person will ever get a hit count manually that will rival 7DM2/D500 for action.

 

[coastalconn]

If a DSLR and lens with an internal focusing motor doesn't do the job, I would recommend learning how to focus manually. Photographers have been capturing motion with manual focus for decades.

I doubt with the suggestions already anyone but the most dedicated person will ever get a hit count manually that will rival 7DM2/D500 for action.

Agreed Zombiesniper! Sorry fmw, but I find that to be bad advice. I know my D500 and all the other cameras I have used are a lot smarter and faster than I am. I'm surprised you didn't suggest to buy a film camera also...

 

[table1349]

Thanks for the replies Everyone! Will look into a few of these but that 7D Mark II looks like it could work.

The camera will work, but from reading your original post I doubt that the results will be much better. The 70D is perfectly capable of capturing a child playing in the hands of someone who understands how to use it. My suspicion is you set the camera on one of the auto modes and press the shutter. While acceptable in many situations action shooting requires control by the photographer, not the camera.

I would suggest that you start here, Digital Photography Tutorials and learn photography. Also learn all the functions of the camera by reading the manual. Practice what you learn. Then put that together and practice action shooting.

 

[vintagesnaps]

Practice shooting action... there you go. (see Gryph's comment).

I've worked with young kids and done my share of chasing two year olds around. I've also photographed my share of sports, mostly hockey. So I can relate to either.

I don't think shooting wildlife is the same as sports (well, at least I don't think so! not the same kind of wild anyway). So what works for CoastalConn to get the spectacular photos he gets may or may not work for other types of action.

But really, it takes anticipating the action, where the play or the subject etc. will go next. It probably will take being ready and maybe try focusing on something near where your daughter is headed and wait for her to come into view. Think about where is a good vantage point as soon as you get outside (or where she'll be playing) and maybe try a few test shots to see if you're in a good spot to get her and allow for enough room for her movement and running around. It's probably going to take plenty of practice.

I focus manually because that's how I learned and I can do it. I found the focus points in an autofocus camera to be more aggravating than useful because I'm in charge, not the camera, and I'm smarter than the camera. I think. But you probably need to figure out what works for you.

You might think about used. Try KEH or Adorama. If there's a store you can go in and try out some cameras and get a feel for them that might help. I'd go with a nice sharp lens and buy used if that helps make it more affordable.

 

[fmw]

If a DSLR and lens with an internal focusing motor doesn't do the job, I would recommend learning how to focus manually. Photographers have been capturing motion with manual focus for decades.

I doubt with the suggestions already anyone but the most dedicated person will ever get a hit count manually that will rival 7DM2/D500 for action.

Agreed Zombiesniper! Sorry fmw, but I find that to be bad advice. I know my D500 and all the other cameras I have used are a lot smarter and faster than I am. I'm surprised you didn't suggest to buy a film camera also...

Of course. You think the answer to photographic challenges is new equipment rather than new skills. The comment about the film camera was intended to insult I assume?

 

[Braineack]

I dont use ABS in my car either. I pull the fuse.

 

[zombiesniper]

Of course. You think the answer to photographic challenges is new equipment rather than new skills. The comment about the film camera was intended to insult I assume?

See what you did there? Made an assumption based on absolutely no information.
I have no issue solving a problem by learning. All I did was state a fact. That you nor any other normal person can get the same hit rate as a great camera/lens combo in action shots without DECADES of practice. So since the OP has stated he wants shots of children it would seem counter productive to take on the manual focus approach.

Now see what I did. Made an argument without trying to insult or troll anyone.

 

[astroNikon]

Thanks for the replies Everyone! Will look into a few of these but that 7D Mark II looks like it could work.

The camera will work, but from reading your original post I doubt that the results will be much better. The 70D is perfectly capable of capturing a child playing in the hands of someone who understands how to use it. My suspicion is you set the camera on one of the auto modes and press the shutter. While acceptable in many situations action shooting requires control by the photographer, not the camera.

I would suggest that you start here, Digital Photography Tutorials and learn photography. Also learn all the functions of the camera by reading the manual. Practice what you learn. Then put that together and practice action shooting.

That is the reason I recommended the OP
"Maybe provide some photos of the not so good ones."

Then we could analyze it to determine if maybe the Shutter speed was too slow. Or using the wrong Focus point selection mode, etc etc. But without a photo hopefully with EXIF we can only recommend a better camera which is what the OP wishes.

So I figured the top of the line camera would be the best step up in performance with no budget limitations, or something in between.

 

[hfocal]

If you want to stick with Canon, the logical choice would be the 7dm2 if you are happy with the ISO performance of the 70D. If you go that route, make sure You buy from a retailer with a good return policy since it is a flawed camera and it might take a few bodies to get a good one. You could also look at the 1d4 which sells for around 12-1500 used. Great pro build, but a little outdated now. But solid performance, very responsive and also 10 FPS. The 5d4 will be announced in the coming weeks and will have a very good sensor (in theory) and good AF performance but only 7 FPS..

Glad I found this post. I was just looking to get 7d mark ii at Amazon as an upgrade to my Olympus e500 but if it has to take me a few cameras to get the right body, I don't know. Not looking to spend on return shipping.

I might still try but wondering what other cameras can compare to it other than canon 6d. Something that I can use for action, still, and low light. I might extend my budget to 2.5k (lens included).

 

[SnappingShark]

I'm going to say Leica Summicron 2.0 is the fastest focus I've ever had! Manual lens

 

[astroNikon]

If you want to stick with Canon, the logical choice would be the 7dm2 if you are happy with the ISO performance of the 70D. If you go that route, make sure You buy from a retailer with a good return policy since it is a flawed camera and it might take a few bodies to get a good one. You could also look at the 1d4 which sells for around 12-1500 used. Great pro build, but a little outdated now. But solid performance, very responsive and also 10 FPS. The 5d4 will be announced in the coming weeks and will have a very good sensor (in theory) and good AF performance but only 7 FPS..

Glad I found this post. I was just looking to get 7d mark ii at Amazon as an upgrade to my Olympus e500 but if it has to take me a few cameras to get the right body, I don't know. Not looking to spend on return shipping.

I might still try but wondering what other cameras can compare to it other than canon 6d. Something that I can use for action, still, and low light. I might extend my budget to 2.5k (lens included).

If you want to compare to Nikon you have the Nikon D500 - a super fast focusing system. Also it's twin the FF D5. Then you have the D750 FF. A D600 compares to a 6D.

 

[coastalconn]

If you want to stick with Canon, the logical choice would be the 7dm2 if you are happy with the ISO performance of the 70D. If you go that route, make sure You buy from a retailer with a good return policy since it is a flawed camera and it might take a few bodies to get a good one. You could also look at the 1d4 which sells for around 12-1500 used. Great pro build, but a little outdated now. But solid performance, very responsive and also 10 FPS. The 5d4 will be announced in the coming weeks and will have a very good sensor (in theory) and good AF performance but only 7 FPS..

Glad I found this post. I was just looking to get 7d mark ii at Amazon as an upgrade to my Olympus e500 but if it has to take me a few cameras to get the right body, I don't know. Not looking to spend on return shipping.

I might still try but wondering what other cameras can compare to it other than canon 6d. Something that I can use for action, still, and low light. I might extend my budget to 2.5k (lens included).

The 80D is OK, IQ is improved over the 7dm2 and 70D.. If you need speed and don't mind an older pro body, look into the 1d4. It's a 1.3x camera so in between FX and Dx, but I always thought it produced nice colors. Price should be around 1100. If you can find a 1DX that would be your best bet..

 

[coastalconn]

I don't think shooting wildlife is the same as sports (well, at least I don't think so! not the same kind of wild anyway). So what works for CoastalConn to get the spectacular photos he gets may or may not work for other types of action.

You are correct, wildlife is much more difficult, you have no control over the light or you subject. You can't always anticipate what will happen next because flying/diving/taking flight happens randomly. Also you are dealing with smaller faster subjects and trying to resolve more detail at the same time...

 

[chuasam]

7D Mk II and faster reflexes

 

[hfocal]

Hi guys,

Just responding to those who've quoted me, I'm currently awaiting my Nikon D7200 which comes at the end of the day (according to UPS site).

I'm excited to test it. I'm coming from a 3-point focus to 51 and that's what I like about this. 5-7 fps isn't too bad and ISO range as well. Will see and maybe do my review on it.