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Used Canon Recommendation
A co-worker has asked my advice on which of the lower end Canon DSLRs would be good for him to look at. He is thinking about something 2 - 3 years old. I shoot with Nikon and have no idea which Canons he should be looking at. He wants something for shooting a fast moving kid and taking with him on hikes with said kid. Are there any lenses he should beware of?
I would appreciate your help in making a recommendation to him.
Knapp
I would appreciate your help in making a recommendation to him.
Knapp
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Understand that in the Canon world all lenses have an AF motor in the lens body. However, not all AF motors are created equally, and for a fast-moving child I recommend a lens with a ring-type ultrasonic AF motor technology. Unfortunately, these lenses are not cheap.
A very nice standard zoom lens is the Canon EF-S 17-55mm, f2.8 IS USM. I have this lens and it is capable of action photography, including active children. I don't see any used copies at KEH now, but expect to pay around $1000(ish).
I strongly recommend use of a flash and flash-modifier for best results, especially indoors but a flash will help for many outdoor opportunities as well. Here the lowest recommendation I make is the Sigma DG Super flashes, and either a Sigma EF 530 DG Super or Sigma EF 610 DG Super in Canon E-TTL II should be fine. Expect to pay around $200 for a used 530 and around $225* for a used 610.
A flash like this is important indoors for several reasons:
2) It provides light to allow lower ISOs and shorter shutter speeds.
3) Used with the above modifiers, and when they are used correctly, the light and resulting shadows are generally much more visually desirable.
For flash modifiers I can recommend a DIY "scoop" modifier which will cost around $3 each and take around 15 minutes or less to cut and assemble.
http://www.fototime.com/inv/908195739C4C0D3
Another useful device is a DIY "bounce card". These work best when you have a suitable white or very light neutral ceiling or wall to use as the primary reflective surface, and the bounce card as fill.
http://youtu.be/RNCmuExlHvM
Joe Demb also makes an interesting device for sale (reasonable):
http://www.dembflashproducts.com/flipit/
I own a FlipIt product and it works well and is very well made.
If you follow the above advice you can expect fairly consistent results with a high keeper rate. All of the following used a similar configuration (although not necessarily these exact components) and all are active children in a dynamic situation:
*(Edit: I see that both B&H and Adorama have brand "new" Sigma EF 610 DG Super flashes for $225USD, after an instant rebate.
Adorama also includes batteries and charger with free shipping for the same $225:
http://www.adorama.com/SG610EOSA.html
I think that B&H also has a free shipping option:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/741717-REG/Sigma_189101_EF610_DG_Super_Flash.html)
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
Thanks Ziggy - This is a great help.
Knapp
Stone Coast Photography Facebook
Right, these are not designed for a sports application. Still, they are great for family and event shooting, including weddings. The E-TTL II is very capable and compatible with Canon equipment (as long as you get the proper flash model, of course).
For sports I would consider 2 - Canon 580 EX (original) flashes plus an external high-voltage pack for each, plus a PocketWizard MultiMAX setup with sequential triggering. Heavy, but fast.
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
Yeah, I just looked 580EX are now down to about 250-275 at KEH.
I have a multimax for a trigger but will use the PW3 for receivers. Already have 3-580II's and 1-580, but I'm thinking of doing both sides of the court next year which means, lots of battery packs and lots of receivers!
Depends on the budget, if they want lightweight model for hiking then an older T3i or T2i would be good, if shooting sports then a 50D or 60D would be better.
sure, Canon was selling the 60D on their refurbished site for less than $600