Another Football Picture - I need ADVISE

[Zack Huckleberry]

I need help and would greatly appreciate any feedback. I'm taking pics for MS football team and have had great results from my Canon XSi with EFS 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS lens. When it gets dark, it just doesn't work. Should I upgrade to a better lens and camera, or just a really good f/2.8 lens? My talents go no further than Sports Mode right now, but will strive to become more advanced after the season is complete. Any ideas? I'm able to be on the sidelines so I can get good vantage points, just need clear shots for clicking away at the action on the field. Thanks much! IMG_1854.jpg Unedited before removing Portajohn.

[lputman]

I strongly suggest you do an upgrade to your lens first if you had to choose between lens and camera. A model that performs better with high ISO would be next for the camera.

[RichardTaylor]

One problem is that the lens you are using is not capturing enough light.
You may (this will be very much dependant on light levels) be able solve the problem by taking control of your camera.
Take it out of sports mode.
Put it in aperture priority and set the aperture to maximum (lowest F number), this will allow the lens to gather as much light as possible.
Set ISO to maximum (this will make the camera more sensitive)
Take what ever shutter speed you can get.
If you find you have more than enough light then consider reducing the ISO (less noise)
Shoot RAW - this will give you more leeway when post processing.
Keep in mind your lens may also have problems focussing in low light, or be slow to focus.

This tutorial may help.
Kelly 2 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Fast lenses are needed when shooting hand held in low light - let alone sport in low light.
Yes a F2.8 good lens (fast focussing and sharp wide open) , is a good idea (focal length to meet your needs (I havn't shot football)) would be my first choice.