Volleyball -- differences in shooting b/w boys/girls?

[MacGrad]

As mentioned in the "Volleyball Pictures" thread, I'm starting to shoot my son's volleyball games after having shot my daughter's for 6 years.

For my daughter, I was using a 7D and switching between a 100/2 and the 50/1.8 for the most part... now, getting back into the swing of things, I'm wondering if I should do a minor/major gear upgrade for the boys.

For those people who have shot both, did you find there was a difference in the style of play and how you were framing your shots? Would you recommend upgrading from the 7D and, if so, which body would you recommend? Or lens?

And how did your attitude / mindset change between shifting from the girls' game to the boys'?

Caveat: I'm not looking to reinvest in the newest tech -- at this point, I don't have the desire to switch to mirrorless and replace my existing lenses.

 

[96whiteknight]

You don't have the desire to switch to mirrorless because you haven't tried mirrorless. Subject detection in mirrorless cameras is a game-changer, especially for a fast-paced game like volleyball. Buy the adapter and keep your current lenses.

 

[MacGrad]

You don't have the desire to switch to mirrorless because you haven't tried mirrorless. Subject detection in mirrorless cameras is a game-changer, especially for a fast-paced game like volleyball. Buy the adapter and keep your current lenses.

Then again, it could be that I don't have the budget for mirrorless and/or the need to upgrade to the latest tech for what is essentially a hobby.

I'm positive some DSLR upgrades from the 7D would match my skill / needs... but if the style of play didn't require a gear change, then I'd stay with the current body and try to adjust my shooting style/locations/etc. That's why I'm coming to the experts before I make a possibly unnecessary change.

 

[96whiteknight]

Well, not having a desire and not having a budget are two totally different things. You mentioned the former in your original post, not the latter.

To answer your question, boys, in general, are going to be jumping higher at the net and maybe running a bit faster. I'm not sure there's really much for a photographer to adjust though, when moving from girls to boys. No difference in framing the shots.

In my opinion, I'd recommend a used R6 and a used EF 85mm f/1.4 L IS USM with adapter. Great combo for high ISO, fast-paced shots and still somewhat affordable for someone looking to upgrade their arsenal.

 

[314photo]

I haven't noticed much difference between boys and girls volleyball. Both move at about the same speed and patterns.

Going from a 7D2 or a 5D3 to a R3 and R5 has been a true game changer for volleyball. You can now get a sharp face through the net and the subject tracking is incredible. I'd highly recommend considering it or at least renting to see what the differences are for you. I think you'd notice a very big difference, especially over the original 7D (loved mine to the tune of 200,000 frames through it, but it's pretty old tech).

 

[modemv92]

Well, not having a desire and not having a budget are two totally different things. You mentioned the former in your original post, not the latter.

To answer your question, boys, in general, are going to be jumping higher at the net and maybe running a bit faster. I'm not sure there's really much for a photographer to adjust though, when moving from girls to boys. No difference in framing the shots.

In my opinion, I'd recommend a used R6 and a used EF 85mm f/1.4 L IS USM with adapter. Great combo for high ISO, fast-paced shots and still somewhat affordable for someone looking to upgrade their arsenal.

Sounds like a reasonable recommendations to me. I use that combo works well from my own personal opinion.

I think both of these are from sigma art 85a (i also use 50a and 135a). Point being is i using R6mk1 with converter for those lenses.