The Truth About Camera Gear in Sports Photography

Does Camera Gear Matter? Does camera gear matter for sports photography? Will a new camera improve my photography? These are all questions we've asked ourselves. A better question to ask is "Is this camera gear worth it?" Because maybe a new camera or lens will help your photography or maybe you just need to improve your skills.
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Check out my images at www.paulrutherfordphotography.com
As always, leave any questions in the comments!

[@Paul_Rutherford]

But really, how fun is it to buy new camera gear!?

[@rafishotit]

very fun😉

[@PeteMazPhoto]

Hi, my name is Peter. I have GAS. Gear Acquisition Syndrome

[@Paul_Rutherford]

@@PeteMazPhoto Don't we all! So fun getting new gear but it makes me wish I had a high paying job and could just buy photo gear as a hobby!

[@antonoat]

Understanding the fundamentals of photography will massively improve everyones results, it's amazing and very surprising how many KZbin photographers don't have a grasp of the fundamentals! lol.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Gotta put in the work!

[@retirementhobbyfarmdiyadve1511]

Excellent comments!

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Thanks!

[@MatiasMatusAcebo]

A few of my best rugby photos (sentimental value) were taken with my first camera: a humble Canon Rebel T5. So... my fancy new equipment is cool but you have to make the best you can out of what you have!

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Agreed! So many good ones with the old stuff

[@bquinn722]

It’s an interesting topic and you did a great job looking at it from both sides. Gotta shoot with what you have and find ways to make it work. At the same time, it sure is fun to get new and improved gear! I’d say it is not needed but it does help. Having a 400 2.8 (which I do not have) would definitely help with night games. Instead I have to use a 70-200 2.8 at night so I lose reach. It makes a difference but I have to find ways to adjust what I shoot without as much reach. Always enjoy your videos Paul.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Thanks for watching! Adjusting to what you have is key. You'll find shots with the 70-200 that others will miss because they have a 400, just a little more leg work for you!

[@Martin26Photos]

Hey Paul! I've been watching your content for about a year or so and it really inspires me to put myself out there with my sports photography. I really hope to one day shoot a major sports event like you! Thanks man!

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Thanks for watching and glad it helps! Keep practicing and you'll be able to!

[@justinflor4665]

My lenses are 15-20 years old, but they still work like a charm.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Glad to hear! My 20 year old 400mm is still taking great frames!

[@justinflor4665]

@@Paul_Rutherford that’s great to know! I see 400mm F2.8 FD lenses that I contemplate on getting because they’re affordable and still look to be fine!

[@mauriziocascone]

Great value for your videos, thanks for sharing!

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Thanks for watching!

[@Twobarpsi]

I love Canon!! Great menus and magical L Series lenses!!

[@Paul_Rutherford]

The best!

[@rjcaubalejo]

Now you convinced me not to buy that a7iii until my a6000 stops working

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Glad its helpful!

[@isailopez2878]

sell me ur a6000 plz

[@petersteiger9561]

Hi Paul! The trail of vision just started playing basketball. I would photograph him as a hobby. Now I have a sony zve-10 with a sigma 23mm f1.4 lens. Do you think another lens would be sufficient (what do you recommend) or is the full frame camera necessary? Thank you in advance for your answer!

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Its hard to recommend gear without knowing all the details. But I do suggest a 70-200 for action photos. I don't know much about sony cameras though so not sure about the camera. Sorry I can't be of more help!

[@annagraceredd4257]

hi paul! i just started photography over the summer with a Canon EOS XSI camera and a 75-300mm f/4-5.6 lens. Right now I shoot football and softball for my highschool but I’m planning to shoot most of the sports at my school! Do you have any suggestions for new cameras? I want something a little more advanced and to shoot a little faster. I’m also looking for a 400mm f/2.8 lens that isn’t a million dollars😂. when you get a chance could you lead me to some newer sports photography cameras that don’t cost an arm and a leg that could maybe fit me better? thank you!

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Sent you an instagram message!

[@sadeqsegaraga8766]

What body are you using now?

[@Paul_Rutherford]

I use a Canon 1dx Mark ii for my main sports body and and R5 as my back up and primary for events and portraits.

[@MikeJones-oo7wi]

The only thing you need to learn are the cheating techniques

[@Paul_Rutherford]

But there are so many cheats to learn!