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Assembling the best sports photography equipment kit can be challenging when shooting sports photos. This is because there are so many different environments to deal with.
Gear is not usually a one-size-fits-all scenario. A lens that may be ideal for one situation won’t be the best choice for sports. A tripod is best for product photography but would be cumbersome for event photography. So, what about sports photography?
We cover the basic gear you need and the best sports photography accessories. Read on to find out more!
Our Top Choices for a Versatile Sports Photography Camera Kit
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Capturing dynamic sports photos demands top-notch sports photography equipment. We list cameras with excellent autofocus, precision-engineered lenses, and the best accessories. Here’s a guide to assembling the ultimate toolkit for beginners, enthusiasts, and professionals:
Nikon and Canon used to be the top choice in cameras for sports photography. Their flagship full-frame cameras were popular for a reason. They had the fastest auto-tracking and continuous shooting features available on the market.
But this has changed with some of the best mirrorless and Micro Four Thirds cameras that have come out. DSLRs used to dominate the world of sports, but that is no longer the case.
No matter the brand, sports camera bodies need certain features. These include high-ISO performance, autofocus tracking, and continuous shooting. The bigger decision is whether you want a cropped or full-frame sensor.
APS-C cameras with cropped sensors are less expensive. This is because they’re cheaper for camera manufacturers to make. If you’re starting, this is likely a better choice for your budget.
Another advantage of this sensor size is that the crop factor makes the lens “longer” than on a full-frame camera body. This gives you extra “reach” or a wider field of view. But remember that full-frame cameras are more robust and give you better performance.
Check out our full article on the best cameras for sports photography. Otherwise, here are our top three choices for sports photography cameras.
Our Top 3 Sports Photography Cameras
Our Top Choice
OM System OM-1
A versatile hybrid camera for sports photography. Its weather-sealed design makes it ready for any outdoor challenge.
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The OM System OM-1 has a Micro Four Thirds sensor that delivers an impressive 20 MP resolution and remarkable image quality. And with a high-res shot mode, you can capture stunning 50 MP images handheld.
Its burst mode offers unrivaled 120 fps sequential shooting, ensuring you never miss a moment. While lacking AF tracking at maximum speed, it excels at capturing split-second actions.
Also, its five-axis image stabilization provides five stops of shutter speed compensation. It’s ideal for indoor and night events. And it’s our top choice for sports photography.
Best for Beginners
Nikon Z-50
An affordable beginner camera for sports photography. A versatile, budget-friendly camera perfect for capturing dynamic sports moments.
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The Nikon Z50 is an ideal choice for beginner sports photographers. Its compact design and lightweight build make it travel-friendly. Its 20.9 MP APS-C sensor and fast EXPEED 6 processor deliver high-quality images with minimal lag.
Its hybrid autofocus system with 209 focus points ensures sharpness across the frame, even with moving subjects. Its continuous shooting speed is 11 fps, and its LCD screen fully articulates. It also features built-in effects and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Best Full-Frame Mirrorless
Canon EOS R7
A top-tier full-frame mirrorless camera tailored for sports photography. It excels in detail and color rendition and has a wide dynamic range.
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The Canon EOS R7 has a 32.5 MP sensor, and its robust ISO range ensures noise-free images in low light. The Dual-Pixel CMOS AF system with 651 focus points effortlessly tracks fast-moving subjects. It’s aided by head, face, and eye detection.
No moment is missed with a mechanical shutter providing a 15 fps burst rate and an electronic shutter offering 30 fps. Video capabilities include 4K resolution at 60 fps, with five-axis image stabilization. This ensures smooth footage, even handheld, with this Canon camera.
Best Sports Photography Lenses
Lenses should take up most of your budget no matter what photography genre you shoot. Sports photography requires high-quality, fast glass. The challenge is deciding whether to go with a zoom or prime lens.
A prime lens is undoubtedly your best option for getting tack-sharp pictures. This is especially important when shooting sports. You’ll often be far from your subjects, which will be moving. You don’t get a second chance to re-shoot a blurry photo!
You might want to carry a prime and a zoom lens to games. Many pro sports photographers shoot with two cameras because there’s no time to switch lenses.
If you’re starting with sports photography, you might have only one camera and one lens. In that case, you must decide which is best for the sports you will likely shoot.
The drawback is that prime lenses are not as flexible. They can hamper your ability to get the shot if you are too close or far from the action. Even if you move around, the action might be much wider and faster than you manage to capture.
Zoom lenses let you get closer or wider, making your job much easier. But this feature may cause you to lose sharpness.
That being said, some zoom lenses are pretty sharp, regardless. For example, I find the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 quite sharp. If you have a cropped sensor, this would be a good option for indoor sports where you can get close to the action.
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The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III has an f/2.8 aperture that allows flexibility in exposure settings. It captures wide environmental shots at 70mm and close-up action at 200mm.
Exceptional build quality includes weather sealing and image stabilization for sharp images. Its 23 glass elements with Air Sphere Coating ensure edge-to-edge sharpness and reduced flare.
The Ultrasonic Motor enables quick, quiet autofocus, ideal for silent sports. It is highly durable and withstands dust and water, ensuring reliability in adverse conditions.
Best for Nikon APS-C
Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3G ED VR
A wide zoom range to capture a variety of sports photos. It offers a wide zoom range that is perfect for sports photography.
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The AF-S DX 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens is ideal for Nikon DSLR APS-C cameras. Compact yet powerful, it captures stadium-wide shots with an 18mm focal length and tight spaces with a 300mm magnification.
Built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) minimizes camera shake for sharper images, making it suitable for capturing fast-paced sporting moments.
It’s compatible with cameras like the D500 and D7500. And it’s a top choice for sports photographers seeking precision and affordability in one lens. Using an FTZ II adapter, it’s also compatible with the Z50.
Best for OM-System
Olympus ED 12-200mm f/3.5-6.3
Excellent focal range and built for outdoor sports photography. It offers excellent value for sports photographers seeking durability and versatility.
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The Olympus ED 12-200mm f/3.5-6.3 lens is perfect for sports photography with Micro Four Thirds (MFT) cameras. Its versatile focal length range is equal to 400mm on full-frame, providing even greater magnification.
With a wide 12mm angle, it’s also great for portraits. It’s also built to be tough, weather-resistant, and withstand harsh conditions. While image stabilization is lacking, MFT cameras like the OM System OM-1 compensate for this.
Best Sports Photography Accessories
Some accessories are necessary when shooting sports photography. These include having several memory cards and a lens cleaning kit. Others will make your shooting sports photography easier.
A tripod can be awkward and is often prohibited in many sporting venues. A monopod can give you a third point of stabilization. It helps you hit those slower shutter speeds without being cumbersome.
3 Legged Thing is a brand that delivers high quality for a relatively affordable price. Check out the 3 Legged Thing Trent 2.0 Monopod. It’s a bargain and hard to beat. It also comes in a carbon model that is only a touch more expensive.
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Shot with a Nikon Z50. 90mm, f/6.3, 1/2,500 s, ISO 630. Nik (Unsplash)
Conclusion: Best Sports Photography Equipment
No matter your budget, many sports photography camera bodies, lenses, and accessories options exist. The best sports photography equipment can help you get great images.
But it’s more about understanding the sport you’re shooting and your camera settings for sports photography. Know how to get the most out of your sports photography accessories in various circumstances.
Top Choices for the Best Pro Sports Photography Camera Kit
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