Stupid ? but I need to ask

[trierden]

I want to know what you think. I want to upgrade but can't choose between the body or the lens. My passion is sports photography. I'm currently working with a Canon T1 and the EF 75-300 and EFS 18-55. I'm on a budget so can't go "all-in" in one shot. I can afford to move to a Mark II body (used) or the EF 100-400 lens. Which would you choose and why?
T

[PhotoRebel4]

Which do you feel is holding you back more?

Out of curiosity, why the mkii? First off, if you move to a full frame, then you'll be left with one lens as your 18-55 is an EF-S mount. Secondly, and assuming you mean the 5D mkii, that body isn't really designed as a sports lens. I've heard it isn't the quickest when it comes to focusing. It won't really get you an increase frame rate over the T1i. It will also make your 75-300 wider than you're used to with the crop sensor T1i.

Personally, I'd upgrade the glass. But if you feel the camera body is really holding you back, then go for that upgrade, although I'd go with a 7D and save some money over the 5D mkii to start saving for that 100-400. The 7D will get you 8fps for shooting sports, and the crop sensor will give you an equivalent of 120-480mm with your 75-300.

[RichardTaylor]

Canon 100-400.

Why.
The TIi (500D) is OK (not great).
The 100-400 is an excellent lens with super quick focussing and great IQ (it runs rings around the 75-300). I own both lenses (and a 350D (rebel Xt), 40D & 5D)

What sports are you shooting and it what light?.

[Tzetsin]

I would forget both.

You already can reach to 300mm, and while the 100-400 is an AWSOME lens, I think you would get more out of a 7D

The 5D is an old piece of poo if your not using it for landscapes or portraits, its got a very slow autofocus which hunts around like a blind pig looking for marbles, its got very few AF points which make tracking in sports pretty much impossible (manual focus works better...) and the frame rates a wopping 3 fps. The 5Dmkii is pretty much the antichrist of sports shooters.

Grab the 7D, if you can afford the other two, you can afford the body of this guy brand new and It is MADE for action shooting. The autofocusing system is top notch, the tracking is great and the framerates are as good as your going to see for anything less than 5 grand. Its also got a 1.6 crop sensor, which i'm sure your familiar with, that will make that 300mm you already have continue to have such a great reach, unlike the 5D would being full frame.

But to actually "answer" your question, get the 100-400 over the 5Dmkii. The 5D is not at all going to make you a happy camper.

[RichardTaylor]

The OP may be talking about a 1D Mark II which is still a pretty good camera but the 75-300 would cripple it as far as focussing speed goes..

[Tzetsin]

Originally Posted by RichardTaylor

The OP may be talking about a 1D Mark II which is still a pretty good camera but the 75-300 would cripple it as far as focussing speed goes..

Ah well. Assuming he means a 5Dmkii

[taschrief]

Buy the lens.
I used a T1i for sports like ice hockey, basketball, baseball and football. For an amateur like me 3.4 fps was quite adequate, still is. I used the 70-300 IS USM and found it to be the limiting factor in my sports photography. It focuses slowly and is very soft wide open at 300mm. And it is supposedly better than your 75-300. I sold it. I bought faster glass with USM (the 70-300 is micro-motor, not ring USM) : the 135 f/2 and the 85 f/1.8. Wider aperture and real USM helped my shots more than a new body would have. I am currently saving and debating between the Canon 100-400 and the 400 f/5.6. Versatility versus IQ and focus speed.
Buy the lens.

I have since upgraded to the 60D and I think it is a much nicer camera. For sports you get 9 cross-type focus points, 5.3 fps and most importantly more flexible AUTO ISO. On the 60D, YOU select the auto ISO range and you can use it in Manual mode. On the T1i you only get 100-1600 and MUST be in Tv/Av. Manual is fixed at 400 when in AUTO ISO. Plus you get "Safety Shift" when using Av or Tv if the camera detects a bad exposure at your chosen settings. The controls are also much better on the 60D. EC is breeze on the fly with a rear wheel, you must be in Av or Tv though. I thought EC was much more cumbersome on the T1i.
Buy the lens.