What Gear do the TOP PRO Sports Photographers use?

The items featured in the video:
Canon 70-200mm: geni.us/Q9ZDCqd
Think Tank BackPack: geni.us/1kY4Axq
ThinkTank Roller: geni.us/qZoQdi
Pelicase: geni.us/3yGwh
Laptop: geni.us/kQL4
Minimax Stool: geni.us/ZAi0z1O
ThinkTank Rain Cover: geni.us/sI2y
iCap Rain Cover: geni.us/BMga
Cable for tethering: geni.us/osua7sR
Monopod: geni.us/SXQalkx
Rain Cover Optech: geni.us/UBuj
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The gear I use:
Roller Bag an awesome price: geni.us/AKvSdws
BackPack: geni.us/1kY4Axq
Lock Cables for Bag: geni.us/e0qsVQ
Laptop: geni.us/kQL4
Card Reader: geni.us/kbyW9F
Laptop Secure Cable: geni.us/c3Ifg
Rain Cover Optech: geni.us/UBuj
Rain Cover Matin: geni.us/S6ShXg
Camera Strap: geni.us/P6YUdBn
The Towel: geni.us/7dzU
Network Cable: geni.us/osua7sR
Cable Holder: geni.us/AUTH
Teleconverter: geni.us/J54fjT
Canon R6: geni.us/4QT5Lh
Canon 1dx: geni.us/COBgG
Canon 7dii: geni.us/MJIBe
Canon 70-200mm: geni.us/Q9ZDCqd
Rubber Lens Hood: geni.us/v8tALqD
Canon 17-40mm: geni.us/ZPIO
Canon 24-70mm: geni.us/l9yg9I
Canon 400m Cover: geni.us/AwQpEh
Memory Card Pouch for SD: geni.us/AA9Ce9
Memory Card Pouch for CF: geni.us/sCUngrx
Battery Pouch: geni.us/aQeBBN
Batteries: geni.us/OcFk9oM
A great monopod: geni.us/SXQalkx
Laptop: geni.us/kQL4
Card Reader: geni.us/kbyW9F
My hard drives: geni.us/zuzDAHZ
My New backpack: geni.us/1kY4Axq
Great bag which I still use all the time: geni.us/z0bh
Most of the links in the description are affiliate links meaning that if you do make a purchase, I could make a small commission which goes back into supporting the channel - Thank you!

[@bigpappas65ss]

I’m not a pro but have been shooting sports for many years(football, soccer, baseball and wrestling). Was using a Canon 30D until it died recently 7/2023. With a canon EF70-200mm 2.8. Since July I purchased a Canon EOS R6 and a Canon 100-500mm 4.0

[@sportsshooter2574]

I gave up on the 400/2.8 a while ago and replaced it with 400 DO MKII purely for the weight. It's an excellent lens .No lap top for me , unless I send images to our friend. I sent photos live via FTP transmitter and the agency editor takes care of the rest. I find that the high ISO capability of the newer Canon cameras allow for f4 lenses which saves costs and weight. Nice video Rob . Merry Xmas

[@RobSambles]

I bet it's nice with the lighter setup. Merry Christmas

[@AndrewCCM]

Just wanted to say you’re pretty much spot on (sans the monopod - at least here in USA. Gitzo is the most common). Been using some iteration of your list for past 18yrs.

[@JohnScarrott]

Nice to know the pro's are using the R3. 24MP means smaller files to transmit quickly to the publishers. The option of LAN or USB (3.2 Gen 2) is also great for those guys to get their files quickly off the camera without fiddling with the memory cards. Plus the great AF tracking it has, and high shutter speeds make it a great sports camera. I have an R3, although not done sports yet, I am looking to have a go next year with some Rugby and some Surfing, so I'm always looking to learn more before I get started.

[@RobSambles]

The file size helps when editing and sending live

[@Methodical2]

@@RobSambles All the previous 1D bodies were in the 18-24mp range which is what was and still is used to shoot sports. Don't listen to those who cry for more MP, they are those landscape photographers or wildlife photographers who like to crop a lot. With sports, you are shooting big humans and don't crop much, if at all.

[@yuhu102]

I do football-shooting in Norway and swopped from Canon to Sony three years ago. I have my 600 mm f4 on a sturdy leveled up tripod which I find more easy to always have a straight horizon. I use a Pelican Air 1615 which I also sits on, pretty low. Of course a 70-200 f2,8. Photo Mechanic is a must combined with Photoshop

[@leschase1824]

Using Nikon D5 and tethering saved pictures at half and full time of UK football soccer, then Mechanic for cropping and captioning . Using basic Mac software for touching up. Covering lower end non league soccer steps 8, 9, 10 or 4-6 on the non league pyramid , I have night games up to iso 25600 to 32000 when needed as a lot of grounds can have 14-16 floodlights to cover the whole pitch. Also, when I get it back from repair 70-200 f2.8 then iso comes down a bit. I can use currently 200-400 f4 due to no 70-200 being in for long term repair, thanks for NIkon parts hard to get hold of. I also have an earlier 400 f2.8 which sometimes I can use. Another good all round GP lens is the Nikon 80-400 for media work, I find. I am just a one man freelancer photographing for a smaller regional newspaper, and I am able to get paid a fee, being a senior sports photographer for the paper. I, however do not get paid for later used stock images. Most papers, I have found will not pay a penny, just a name credit, even with £10000 plus worth of kit at a game. Finally, a Waterproof Notebook Lined by Fernhurst Books which are around £7.00 on line or check boat chandlers. Using an ordinary HB pencil, one is able to make notes in the pouring rain or possibly underwater. Also, the paper dose not tend to stick together. I use it to make notes of player numbers to camera photo numbers for captioning.

[@RobSambles]

Thanks for sharing this

[@davidmag479]

I would concur with everything you've covered Rob. Shooting sports on a freelance basis I meet guys shooting for the larger photography agencies and they're mostly using the gear you've referred to. Most get their kit supplied by their agencies which is a huge bonus for them. Sadly I'm not in their league and have had to purchase all my own gear over the years, using good quality used kit if I can pick it up at reasonable money. I'm using the Canon EF200-400 F4 with the R3 tethered to my Dell XPS13 for football. Never use a monopod as I find it too restrictive when working pitchside, so its all handheld for me. The 200-400 is excellent as its so versatile and it means I don't need to swap to a 70-200 for the closer shots. I use the Icap rain cover the majority of time as it protects the laptop from all sorts of weather and reduces the glare from the sun or floodlights. Added advantage is that it helps keep the laptop battery from discharging too quick when the temperature is close to zero. Shooting tethered means I have the images directly in front of me to select on the laptop screen for a quick edit, caption and send as the action unfolds. I can continue to shoot if anything happens when I'm editing during the game. Bit manic at times, but it works.

[@RobSambles]

I'd love to try out that 200-400 at some point, looks like a lovely lens

[@davidmag479]

@@RobSambles its a terrific lens Rob as you also have the benefit of the 1.4 extender built in which means if you're positioned behind the goal line, you can get shots at the other end of the pitch at 560mm. I used to use the Sigma 120-300 f2.8 sport, and it was a great lens for football, but when I picked up the 200-400 it's been my go to lens for almost everything I do including motorsport or wildlife pics. Works really well with the adapter on the R3.

[@Methodical2]

The Think Tank roller bag is so convenient, especially when traveling. I have the international version and it fits all big lenses up to the 600, 2 camera bodies, zoom lens (70-200 2.8 or RF 100-500) and host of other stuff. I just love that roller bag. I have also used the Canon 85 1.8 and 135 f2 to shoot basketball games and the 135 to shoot football game down in the end zone. I do not do this for a living, but I shoot local high school games.

[@RobSambles]

A lovely bag

[@mroberts254]

I covered the Rugby League world cup a few weeks ago. There was a nice variety of kit being used must admit i use Sony these days swapped from canon, same things were being said by other photographer you use A. What you are comfortable with B. Everyone is different. You use what fits your needs more than anything but will never stop you having a nosey what other are using!

[@RobSambles]

Yeah Sony has really come along the last few years

How can I send select photos on back from 1dxii with a wft e8a connected to iPhone . With 1dx ii i need to crop in cam and send specific pics only to my iPhone. Canon is useless I tried .

[@angelogarciajr5356]

My dream gear, R1 but for now R3 with the RF 400 f2.8 and the RF 28-70 f2. Dream On

[@jeffvader2675]

Hi Rob, Very useful info thanks. I bought one of those iCap laptop covers - OMG - it’s the devil’s own device! Not sure pro’s would bother folding one of those things up after use - what a waste of time. On another point, when pitch-side at UK footy matches, the weather is often pants - usual endless rain. Is there a favourite rain cover / poncho / jacket etc that pro’s wear? Thanks - really enjoying your content. Tim.

[@davidgibsonphotography]

Would be interested to see how to shoot tethered Rob. Voyage of discovery for you and the viewers

[@RobSambles]

Yeah good idea

[@kmacdizzle]

I’ve actually never seen anyone shoot sports with their laptop near by. I’ve never shot pro but I have shot quite a bit of NCAA D1 sports with tons of pros around. That would seriously cut down on running around if you were going to shoot a whole game from the same spot

[@ZUMBAKIRSTIN]

Hi Rob, Just come across your video, so sorry in advance for a delayed question. I see on many pro laptops a small box attached to the front. Could you explain what that is. Also, working remotely requires MI - FI ( mobile WiFi). I would love some info on this as well.

[@tendingthenets]

Another great video. Keep them coming!

[@kevinhumphries763]

Thanks for another informative video Rob. All the very best to you and yours. People cant believe how heavy my 400 2.8 is (Mk1). You now have me worried about my copy stool 🤪

[@RobSambles]

I see a lot of people using them, they're still decent

[@rayfuller7704]

Great video, very informative. Thanks.

[@RobSambles]

Glad you liked it

[@bngr_bngr]

I’m using a monopod by LeoFoto. They have a higher weight rating than most at 55 lbs. The Gitzo also is great but if I’m standing the LeoFoto feels more solid. I’m currently trying the MPQ 405c. It’s 5 sections. The top tube is 40mm and the bottom 22mm. I found the Sirius to wobbly with a 400 or 600 lens.

[@erik5024]

Same here. It's very sturdy and handles my 12 pound EF 400 2.8 with ease. Build quality is fantastic, light weight and very affordable

[@SanGioSports]

Wonder if the camera mix you are seeing is UK specific. Here in the US it seems that most independent / free lance stills shooters are using Z9s or R3s. Affiliated photographers use whatever their agency gives them. Video and hybrid shooters are almost all Sony folks it seems. The footage and reports I’ve seen of the FIFA World Cup seems to reflect that as well.

[@RobSambles]

Yeah that's only experience from here in the UK

[@paultrunfull3324]

Happy Christmas Rob and have a fantastic 2023

[@RobSambles]

Happy Christmas Paul

[@robertlawrence7958]

What do the top pros use to pay for all that kit Rob and where can I find the link for that? 😂😂😂😂😂😂 Best wishes for Christmas to you and your family and wishing you plenty of success in 2023.

[@RobSambles]

Haha - Merry Christmas to you and your family too 🌲

[@willeam9709]

Would you say that a 100-400 would be a good “catch-all” lens, assuming I only shoot soccer in the day light? Also have a 24-70 for more wide angle.

[@9rider11]

Thanks! Another awesome video.

[@RobSambles]

Thank you 👊

[@toddquinn7216]

what remote power source do you use for a tethered laptop when the battery life of the laptop isn't good enough and there isn't permanent power there?

[@vinstyles]

great vid, thanks

[@BenLovesPlanes]

£20k? That wouldn’t buy you 4 bodies! Then another couple of grand on Angelbird memory cards. At least 30k on the glass and you are somewhere nearer! 😮

[@davewaddicorphotography4710]

nice one rob,

[@ryanjones6122]

Hi Rob, thanks of the great video, just got my 400mm f2.8 and struggling to work out monopods, just so many to choose and minimal differences. Any suggestions on specific models?? Know you said Manfrotto and the Sirui ones in the video.

[@usedcameraguy]

have a look at '3 Legged Thing' they carry the weight and good height

[@lanzarotepersonaltraining1563]

Fantastic as always. My question is. Do the pros upgrade as much as the majority of KZbinrs or do they stick and learn the gear before changing because something is new?

[@RobSambles]

Depends on the KZbinr. People like myself don't change very often whereas someone like Fro will change every new release because he needs to review them. Sports Pros will certainly change as soon as there's a new sports camera (for example I imagine loads of them will switch to R1 when it's released).

[@lanzarotepersonaltraining1563]

@@RobSambles thank you. And your channel is fantastic.

[@michaellekas27]

Hi Rob excellent and informative video. I'm curious but was the r7 used by some pro photographers?

[@RobSambles]

It'll definitely be used by some - at this stage I doubt many though

[@jmendezh]

Greate video.

[@elliotttaylor3394]

0:31

[@kingweddingmedia]

How do sports photographers manage to afford all of that kit? My understanding was that sports photography is very very low pay - do most go into huge debt or have another full time job?

[@chankwanting]

The biggest handfull of the photo agencies will supply some or all of the kit to their full time employees. Fewer and fewer of those positions around though. Yes, many freelancers are or at least start off part time with a day job.

[@RobSambles]

It varies really. A lot of the top, top pros will work with brands (like being a Canon ambassador for example) others might work with organisations that provide them some kit

[@bokehlicious.nlsportfotogr8913]

That's why you see a lot of pro's shooting with older equipment. And yes a lot of pro's have other streams of income. In Holland a lot of pro's have switched from Nikon/Canon to Sony because Sony offered them very good deals.

[@ihall27]

See a lot of comments about cost. I have started using a lens hire service. Every year I go to one of the main airshows but can’t warrant the cost of the lens. So I hire it for a weekend. Might not be for everyone but it’s also a great way to try out kit you that normally wouldn’t get the chance to. Have a great Christmas everyone and thanks Rob for your content this year.

[@AndrewCCM]

I built my gear up over time. UtilIzed Canon CPS loaners early on and at major events they provide you with all of the latest gear to test out. I’ve been at it for about 20yrs and only in the last 13 or so been shooting for the major agencies. As others have said, support often comes from a “day job” as most are freelancers these days. Not like it used to be. Rates have changed a TON over past decade or so. Sadly.

[@eosuser1]

Thx Rob…can you give a few names of your fav sports photographers we should be following on social media?

[@RobSambles]

Ah there's so many Dennis. You've given me a great idea for a video though! I think that'll be my end of year special!

[@eosuser1]

@@RobSambles that would be great…. Knowing and seeing what a good sports photo is key. Thanks for your insight into this over the years!

[@dougcolorado1608]

Go knicks!

[@hagopboghossian6841]

❤️❤️❤️