Getting Really Into Sport Photography. Need Input

[Derrel]

Good decision on buying the 85mm f/1.8--it's a solid performer, and will be pretty useful when you need realllly fast aperture settings, plus a lightweight, easy-to-handle lens.

 

[MLCIII]

I'm an enthusiast 7D shooter, and I can say I've never had issues with it's ISO. It has 2 DIGIC IV processors, making it's low-light processing much better than what you'd get out of an entry-level dSLR. Also, shooting in RAW will help when doing noise reduction in post. It's cheaper than the 6D (by a lot), which you won't be able to use your EF-S lens with. and the 7D's 1.6x crop sensor will give you more effective reach. Also, don't worry about it becoming obsolete any time soon. Canon released a firmware update last August that quelled rumors of a replacement coming soon. That update now allows you to burst up to 25 RAWs at 8fps, which will seriously make you happy pants if you haven't experienced it before

 

[Juga]

I'm an enthusiast 7D shooter, and I can say I've never had issues with it's ISO. It has 2 DIGIC IV processors, making it's low-light processing much better than what you'd get out of an entry-level dSLR. Also, shooting in RAW will help when doing noise reduction in post. It's cheaper than the 6D (by a lot), which you won't be able to use your EF-S lens with. and the 7D's 1.6x crop sensor will give you more effective reach. Also, don't worry about it becoming obsolete any time soon. Canon released a firmware update last August that quelled rumors of a replacement coming soon. That update now allows you to burst up to 25 RAWs at 8fps, which will seriously make you happy pants if you haven't experienced it before

What do you consider low light and how fast can you get your shutter speeds? Plus I doubt he will be using his EF-S lenses indoors with his 70-200 available making those less useful for his purpose of sports action.

 

[MLCIII]

I also agree with Derrel, the 85/1.8 is fantastic for low light once you're used to shooting with a prime lens. Here's a shot with my 7D and 85/1.8. Exif attached, for those too lazy:
85mm, f/1.8, 1/640, ISO 1600

It was night roller derby match held on a basketball court, so exactly same environment OP has explained.


IMG_3921 (1) by MLCIII, on Flickr

 

[Juga]

Very nice shot.

Having used the 5D MK III quite a bit it would make my decision extremely difficult but no doubt the 7D is nice as I have already stated. Sure beats my entry DSLR...