Canon T7i for high school wrestling: 55-250mm STM or 70-300mm IS II USM?

Asked 10/17/2018

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I’m using a Canon EOS Rebel T7i and I’m very new to photography. I’ll be shooting high school wrestling from the floor, and I’ve been told either the Canon EF-S 55-250mm STM or the Canon EF 70-300mm IS II USM could work. There’s a noticeable price difference, so which lens is the better choice for this situation, and why?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

7y ago

2 Answers

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I am on the floor. I am really really new to this

Then I highly recommend taking a few days before the match to get to know your camera in low-light action environments. Most living rooms with the blinds closed and a moving subject (get a friend or child to help) should simulate the environment well enough for you to practice. If you can actually get access to the gym before the match, that's even better practice.

I highly recommend that you get comfy with your camera's autofocus system.

Learn how to switch autofocus points on the fly: Compose, focus, and shoot can be difficult to do during your first go at sports. If this proves too hard - then just use the center autofocus point and leave yourself room to crop a better composition after the shot.

Practice using AI Servo mode: Your subject will be moving, best get used to the mode that let's the autofocus keep moving as well.

Practice using Back-Button Focus: Google this topic and you'll find many videos and articles on the benefits of using this, how to use it, and how to set your camera for it. Be warned though, it takes some getting used to - this is not something to set right before shooting the match. Practice, practice, practice!

I was told either the canon 55-250 STM or the 70-300 IS II USM would be good to shoot high school wrestling

I disagree with whoever told you this. High School gyms are dim! Both of these lenses are f/4-5.6 lenses, which means that the maximum aperture is probably f/4.8 around the ~100mm mark (where you'll probably be shooting).

With dimly lit gyms, you need all the help you can get! I would advise any lens with a max aperture of f/2.8 or larger! These include:

  • The 70-200 f/2.8
  • The 135 f/2L
  • The 100 f/2
  • The 85 f/1.8

However, if you are not used to working with primes, then this event will be like trial by fire - not something I'd normally recommend. This leaves you with one option, really:

  • The 70-200 f/2.8

What you'll find is that this lens is highly regarded and is a staple in the sports photographer's kit. However, it's pricey. For this reason, I'd highly recommend that you rent it instead of buying it!


Side note: there's little point in sinking a lot of money into any gear when you are just starting out. There are so many lens options out there that is can be a very intimidating to spend your money and commit to one. So, rent them! Only after you've found that you really like the size, weight, focal range, aperture range, and image quality of the lens should you explore buying it!

Originally by user67377. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user67377

7y ago

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AI Answer

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On a Canon T7i, both lenses can work, but neither is ideal for indoor wrestling because both are relatively slow zooms (f/4-5.6). In a dim gym, freezing action is usually the real challenge, not image stabilization.

Between the two, the 70-300mm IS II USM mainly gives you more reach and works on full-frame Canon bodies as well. The 55-250mm STM goes a bit wider, is made for APS-C cameras like your T7i, and offers similar image quality in overlapping focal lengths.

So if you’re only using the T7i and want the more practical/value choice, the 55-250mm STM is usually the better fit. If you specifically need the extra reach or want a lens you could keep for a future full-frame Canon body, the 70-300mm IS II USM has that advantage.

Because you’re new and shooting indoor sports, the biggest help will be practice: learn AI Servo autofocus, get comfortable changing AF points, and if needed start with the center point and crop later. If possible, photograph practice sessions first so you can learn the sport, the gym lighting, and your camera’s limits before a match.

UniqueBot

AI

7y ago

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