Selects: Top 12 Camera Setups for Sports Photography

Are you looking for camera gear for sports photography? Well, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, MPB experts recommend options covering DSLR and mirrorless, full-frame and cropped-sensor cameras, and compatible lenses to complete each setup. Whatever your budget or level of expertise, you’ll find the perfect camera gear for your sports photography. 

It’s important to remember that, at first, the most expensive camera equipment won’t necessarily help you take better pictures. You’ll probably pay over the odds for features you might never use. Instead, start with a generalised setup that can do most things well enough. Then, as you find your feet and work out your requirements, you can trade in and upgrade accordingly.

Compare the different brands, systems and sensor formats, and remember to factor in the cost of lenses. 

Our recommendations:

• APS-C DSLRs: Canon EOS 7D or Nikon D300S

• Full-frame DSLRs: Canon EOS 1DX Mark II or Nikon D5

• APS-C Mirrorless: Fujifilm X-T4, Canon EOS R7 or Nikon Z50

• Micro Four Thirds: Panasonic G9 or OM System OM-1

• Full-frame Mirrorless: Sony A9, Canon EOS R3 or Nikon Z9

How to Choose a Sports Photography Camera

Your choice of camera gear will depend on the sport, your creative preferences and your budget. Instead of splashing out on the latest camera, start with an older DSLR. These tend to cost less, leaving you with enough money for those all-important lenses. 

When buying a camera for sports photography, you’ll want a camera with fast shutter speeds and high ISO capabilities. A full-frame sensor is usually best for improved image quality, but you can still capture good sports photography using a crop-sensor camera. DSLRs offer longer battery life, while mirrorless cameras offer the latest features at the cost of battery life—but you can always bring multiple batteries. 

Cameras are mostly divided into two systems: DSLR and mirrorless. Within these, there are different sensor formats. In order of size, these are medium format, full frame, APS-C and Micro Four Thirds. Medium-format cameras tend to be slow, so sports photographers traditionally avoid these. Full-frame is usually the standard sensor format for sports photography, as these cameras offer a good balance between image quality and speed. APS-C and Micro Four Thirds cameras tend to cost less, making them a good choice for beginners. In this section, let’s look at a few sports photography options for each type of camera.  

How to Choose Sports Photography Lenses

In terms of lenses, sports photography usually involves telephoto lenses—either primes or zooms—to help get you closer to the action, while remaining on the sidelines. Many photographers bring a range of lenses with different focal lengths, and will sometimes have dedicated cameras attached to each lens for faster and more efficient shooting. 

So, which lenses? First, work out the average distance between you and the athletes. This will impact your choice of focal length—table tennis, for example, will require a shorter focal length than, say, motorsports. You can then get a zoom or telephoto zoom lens. These allow you to change your focal length without changing your lens. Later, you can review your images’ metadata and establish your most commonly used focal length—and then get a prime of that focal length.

Best APS-C DSLRs & Lenses for Sports Photography

In 2020, Canon and Nikon announced the end of their DSLR production. These APS-C models offer some of the best value for money for sports photography beginners. You’ll soon want to upgrade to a full-frame DSLR—or an APS-C or full-frame mirrorless camera—as you continue improving your sports photography, but APS-C DSLRs are still a great starting off point.

Best Canon APS-C DSLR: Canon EOS 7D

Released back in 2009, the Canon EOS 7D represents excellent value for money. It’s a good option for sports photography, shooting 8 frames per second at 1/8000. While it may struggle in low-light conditions, the 7D is still a great choice for sports photography beginners on a budget. This camera won’t put a huge dent in your budget, opening up options for different lenses. 

Specs

• 18-megapixel APS-C sensor

• Burst shooting up to 8fps 

• 1/8000 max shutter speed

• ISO 100–6,400

• 19 autofocus points

Pros

• Great value for money

• Shutter speed & burst are good enough for sports beginners

Cons 

• Limited autofocus

If you’re looking for a low-budget Canon DSLR to start sports photography, get the Canon EOS 7D. Alternatively, the pricier 2014 Canon EOS 7D Mark II offers 10 frames per second. 

In terms of lenses, you have a decision to make. You can choose APS-C lenses, Canon EF-S or Nikon DX, which only work with APS-C cameras but are generally more affordable. You can also go with full-frame lenses, Canon EF or Nikon FX, which tend to cost a little more. But you can continue using them if you upgrade your camera body. We’ll go into those a little later in this article.

Building a low-budget Canon APS-C setup for sports photography? Get the Canon EOS 7D and the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II and EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lenses. These lenses offer great value for money and offer an ‘equivalent’ reach of up to 400mm. This setup is a great starting point for beginners in sports photography. 

Best Nikon APS-C DSLR: Nikon D300S

The Nikon D300s will offer up to 7 frames per second—and up to 8 fps if you add the Nikon MB-D10 Battery Grip—up to 8/000. The D300S offers specs and a price-point similar to the Canon EOS 7D. Likewise, for the price, the Nikon D300S is a surprisingly good option for sports photography. You’ll soon want to upgrade. But, if you like the look of the Nikon ecosystem, then start with the 2009 Nikon D300S. 

Specs

• 12-megapixel APS-C sensor

• Burst shooting up to 7fps (8fps with battery grip)

• 1/8000 max shutter speed

• ISO 200–3,200

• Dual SD & CF card slots

• 51 autofocus points

Pros

• Good value for money

• More autofocus points vs 7D

• Shutter speed & burst are good enough for sports beginners

Cons 

• Limited sensor

• Poor ISO performance

Or, if you want to continue with Nikon APS-C DSLR, there’s the 2017 Nikon D500 with its 10 max fps. However, this costs almost twice the Canon EOS 7D Mark II, with most of the sports-relevant specifications similar across both models. 

For lenses, you’ll want to decide whether you want APS-C or full-frame lenses. If you choose APS-C, we’d recommend the Nikon DX AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED and Nikon DX AF-S 55-200mm f/4-5.6G II. 

Best Full-frame DSLRs & Lenses for Sports Photography

As the traditional choice for sports, many photographers remain married to their DSLR setups—and with good reason. Super reliable, with fantastic battery life and affordability, DSLRs are still a great choice for sports photography. Let’s look at the best full-frame DSLRs and lenses for sports photography.  

Best Full-frame Canon DSLR: Canon EOS 1DX Mark II

The Canon EOS 1DX Mark II is a veritable stalwart of the pro world. Its phenomenal ergonomics make its considerable weight feel great in the hand. Capable of capturing 16 frames per second from its full-frame 20-megapixel sensor, the Canon EOS 1DX Mark II cemented Canon’s reputation for creating top-tier pro gear.

Specs

• 20-megapixel full-frame sensor

• 16fps burst mode

• 1/8000 max shutter speed

• 100–51,200 ISO

• 61 autofocus points

Pros

• Excellent max burst mode of 16fps

• Good shutter speed

• Useful low-light performance

• Best overall Canon DSLR for sports

Cons 

•  Heavy

Or, you could—like Eddie Keogh—use the Canon EOS 1DX Mark III. “What’s not to like? Incredible autofocus, wonderful colours and image quality, 12 frames a second, top-of-the-range comms for sending pictures from the camera, and tough enough to take the knocks of daily use.”

So, which lenses does Eddie Keogh use for sports photography? “The Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L III USM lens is so handy when you just need to get super wide. Sharp all the way through. I’m never without the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II USM; it’s always around my neck when I head to sporting events. And the sports photographers’ workhorse, the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS III USM. When the action is not too far away, and the subject is in your point of focus, this lens will nail it. Plus, a dream of a lens, the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS III USM. At f/2.8, the background disappears, and the subject jumps out of the screen. And the autofocus is a joy.”

Best Nikon Full-frame DSLR: Nikon D5

For every model that Canon releases, there’s an equivalent response from Nikon. And just as capable as the Canon EOS 1DX Mark II is the Nikon D5 Dual CF. With its 21-megapixel full-frame sensor, 14 frames-per-second shooting speed and fast autofocus, it’s no wonder sports photographers worldwide adopted the Nikon D5. With legendary ergonomics and balance, this camera makes the shooting experience as comfortable as possible.

Specs

• 21-megapixel full-frame sensor

• 14fps burst mode

• 1/8000 max shutter speed

• 153 focus points

• 100–102,400 ISO

• Dual CF or dual XQD card slots

Pros

• Excellent low-light performance

• Great battery life

• Very good max burst mode of 14fps

• Best overall Nikon DSLR for sports

Cons 

• Heavy

If you’re looking for the very best Nikon full-frame lenses, then get the Nikon FX AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR and 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR. You could also get the Nikon AF-S 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR for the greatest reach and aperture. This trio of lenses, together with the Nikon D5, will create a pro-level sports photography setup. 

Best APS-C Mirrorless Cameras & Lenses for Sports Photography

If you’re not a fan of full-frame, or you’re looking to upgrade from a crop-sensor DSLR, an APS-C mirrorless camera might be the one for your sports photography. 

Best Fujifilm APS-C Mirrorless: Fujifilm X-T4

Bigger and heavier than the Fujifilm X-T3, the Fujifilm X-T4 boasts a range of impressive updates—including five-axis image stabilisation, longer battery life and improved autofocus capabilities. Stills or video, the Fujifilm X-T4 handles everything in a stylish and compact package. If you’re looking for a crop-sensor mirrorless camera for sports photography, look no further than the Fujifilm X-T4.

Specs

• 26-megapixel APS-C sensor

• In-body image stabilisation 

• 15fps burst mode (20fps with electronic shutter)

• 1/8000 max shutter speed

• 425 focus points

• 80-51200 ISO

• Dual SD UHS-II card slots

Pros

• Lightweight

• Subject tracking and face/eye detection 

• Fast burst mode

• Good battery life

• Highly customisable buttons

Cons 

• Autofocus quality is highly lens-dependent  

The Fujifilm X-T4 can shoot up to 15 fps with its mechanical shutter—while it can shoot at higher fps with its electronic shutter, you’ll want to stick to mechanical to avoid any rolling–shutter effect.

Alternatively, the Fujifilm X-H2S is an outstanding APS-C option for sports photography. Its back-lit stacked sensor means the X-H2S can use its electronic shutter to shoot up to 40fps—with little to no rolling shutter effect. This makes the Fujifilm X-H2S a particularly exciting option for fast-moving sports photography, like motorsports.

In terms of lenses, we’d recommend starting with the XF 50-140mm f/2.8 LM OIS WR and if you find you need more reach then the XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR or the 200mm f/2 OIS WR with 1.4x WR. Maybe consider the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR for portraits and wider shooting situations.

Best Canon APS-C Mirrorless: Canon EOS R7

Shooting up to 15 fps with its mechanical shutter, the 2022 Canon EOS R7 is another excellent APS-C mirrorless camera for sports photography. Its dual-pixel autofocus with human, animal and vehicle tracking, is particularly well suited to sports photography. This camera can capture impressive 32.5-megapixel images.

Specs

• 32.5-megapixel APS-C sensor

• In-body image stabilisation

• 15fps burst mode (30fps with electronic shutter)

• 1/8000 sec max shutter speed (1/16000 electronic) 

• 651 focus points

• 100-32000 ISO

• Dual SD UHS-II card slots

Pros

• Very impressive burst rates

• Top-quality autofocus tracking system

Cons 

• Not many RF-S lens options yet

• Electronic viewfinder could be better

For getting started in sports, consider the Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM as a great all-purpose lens. Or, for sports that are closer, try the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM. If you find you need more reach, the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS is a great option, too. 

Best Nikon APS-C Mirrorless: Nikon Z50

If you prefer Nikon, the 2019 Nikon Z50 can shoot up to 11 fps (mechanical shutter) and capture 20.9-megapixel images. The Nikon Z50 is a more-than-capable sports photography camera.

Specs

• 20.9-megapixel APS-C sensor

• 11 fps burst mode

• 1/4000 sec max shutter speed

• 209 focus points

• 100-51200 ISO

• Single SD UHS-I card slot 

Pros

• Comfortable, ergonomic grip

• Good customisation options 

Cons 

•  No in-body image stabilisation

•  Limited lens availability from Nikon

It’s easy to get to grips with the Nikon Z50. Thanks to its uncomplicated approach to useability, it just works well. The camera's grip is well-designed and should be a good fit for most photographer’s hands. And, being very lightweight, it’s a breeze to carry and use all day. 

With its 209 phase-detect focus points, the Z50’s excellent subject tracking helps retain focus on fast-moving athletes. ISO performance is robust, up to ISO 6400, helping to create clean and sharp sports photography, even in low-light conditions.

Kick-start your sports photography career by pairing the Nikon Z50 with the Nikon Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR or Nikon Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR. These are both good all-rounder telephoto lenses.

Best Micro Four Thirds Mirrorless Cameras & Lenses for Sports Photography

Micro Four Thirds cameras and lenses have compelling advantages for sports photographers. Compared to full-frame setups, Micro Four Thirds benefits from a smaller size and weight, allowing greater mobility and portability. These are particularly welcome for sports photographers covering all-day events. 

Some sports photographers use Micro Four Thirds because of the 2x crop factor. The Micro Four Thirds sensor, which is half the size of full-frame, captures a smaller rectangle within the lens’ image circle. The resulting image, once blown up, appears to ‘reach’ twice as far. For example, a 300mm telephoto lens on a Micro Four Thirds camera has an equivalent reach of a 600mm lens on full-frame. The images won’t be the same. But, if portability, price and reach are your key considerations, then a Micro Four Thirds setup is a good option. 

Best Panasonic Micro Four Thirds: Panasonic G9

The Panasonic DC-G9 is a well-rounded camera, especially for sports photography. The G9 packs a lot into a small package—most importantly, the 20fps continuous burst mode and in-body image stabilisation.

Specs

• 20-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor

• In-body stabilisation, up to 6.5 stops

• 20fps burst mode

• 1/8000 sec max shutter speed (1/32000 sec electronic)

• 225 focus points

• 20025600 ISO

Pros

• Very long buffer means you can shoot continuously for a long time 

• Impressive burst mode

• Very small and light

Cons 

• No phase detect autofocus

• Low-light performance lacklustre  

If you need a higher burst rate and improved autofocus, the younger sibling—the Panasonic DC-G9 II—is an even better Micro Four Thirds option for sports photography. But, for the price, the original Panasonic G9 is an excellent choice.

For sports, we’d recommend the Panasonic G X Vario 12-35mm f/2.8 II ASPH P. OIS and 35-100mm f/2.8 II P. OIS. You could also add the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 50-200mm f/2.8-4 ASPH Power OIS.

Best Olympus Micro Four Thirds: OM System OM-1

The OM System OM-1 is an interesting option for sports photography. The OM-1 features a 20-megapixel stacked Micro Four Thirds sensor with a 50-megapixel handheld high-resolution shot mode. Its subject-tracking autofocus—and up to 120fps burst mode—makes the OM-1 particularly well-suited to sports photography.  

Specs

• 20-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor

• In-body image stabilisation

• Up to 50fps burst mode

• Max shutter speed of 1/8000

• 1053 focus points

• 80-25,600 ISO

• Dual SD UHS-II card slots

Pros

• Small and robust body

• Fast autofocus and large number of focus points

Cons 

• Image quality and detail lacking, compared to APS-C and full frame cameras 

• Megapixel count could be higher

• Low-light performance is relatively poor

At under 600g, the OM-1 is small and light. Even with 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO lens attached, the setup is still under 1,500g. Compared to an equivalent DSLR setup, the low weight of the OM-1 really does help when you’re shooting sports all day.  

As part of the Micro Four Thirds family, the OM-1 offers access to various lenses from Panasonic and Olympus/OM System. There are options for any field of view, from fish-eye to super telephoto. The lenses are generally smaller, which—combined with in-body stabilisation—results in a portable, useful sports photography setup. 

We recommend pairing the OM System OM-1 with the Olympus ED 300mm f/4 IS PRO, 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II ED and 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO.

Best Full-frame Mirrorless Cameras for Sports Photography

Full-frame mirrorless cameras are quickly becoming the go-to system for professional sports photographers, with ever-growing options and capabilities. 

Generally speaking, full-frame mirrorless cameras provide sports photographers with faster burst rates, no viewfinder blackout when continuous shooting, improved autofocus with live subject tracking, near-silent shooting and better low-light performance. 

Usually smaller and lighter than their DSLR counterparts, full-frame mirrorless cameras are the ultimate tools for capturing sports photography—and even video. 

Best Sony Full-frame Mirrorless: Sony A9

As growing numbers of sports photographers move to mirrorless, the Sony A9 is surely the camera that turned the tide. This was the first mirrorless camera to challenge pro DSLRs. The original Sony A9 represents great value for money and still holds its own in the pro market. But if you want to spend more and upgrade further, the Sony A9 II is also a brilliant choice.

Specs

• 24-megapixel full-frame sensor

• In-body image stabilisation

• 20fps burst mode

• 1/8000 sec max shutter speed (1/32000 sec electronic) 

• 693 focus points 

• 100-51,200 ISO

• Dual SD card slots (One of which UHS-II compatible)

Pros

• Incredible all-round speed and performance 

• Impressive 20fps with silent burst shooting option

• Fantastic battery life

Cons 

• No lossless compressed RAW option 

• One SD slot is UHS-II 

You can’t go wrong with the f/2.8 GM lenses. There’s the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM, FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS and FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS. 

If you want to save money and get a single, versatile zoom lens, the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS offers a useful range of focal lengths—but you’ll have to compromise on aperture.

Best Canon Full-frame Mirrorless: Canon EOS R3

The full-frame mirrorless Canon EOS R3 has a max shutter speed of 1/64,000 and up to 12 fps continuous shooting with its mechanical shutter. Also, the backlit stacked sensor allows shooting up to 30 fps while reducing any ’rolling shutter’ effect. When combined with autofocus technology, which can track face, eye, animal and vehicle, the Canon R3 is a top choice for professional sports photographers. Read our full Canon EOS R3 review.

Specs

• 24-megapixel full-frame sensor

• 12 fps mechanical, 30 fps electronic continuous, 195fps high-speed burst mode

• 5.7-million dot electronic viewfinder with 120fps refresh rate

• In-body image stabilisation, up to 8 stops

• 1053 focus points

• 1/8000 max shutter speed (1/64000 sec electronic shutter)

• 100-102400 ISO

• Dual SD UHS-II card slots  

Pros

• Fasted burst mode of any still camera, technically up to 195 fps 

• World-class performance

• Ultra-detailed electronic viewfinder

Cons 

• Expensive

If you’re shooting on a Canon full-frame mirrorless camera, you’ll ideally want a set of f/2.8 L IS USM lenses. There’s the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS, RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS and RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS. 

As with the Sony 100-400, you could go even further with one zoom lens—the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS. 

Best Nikon Full-frame Mirrorless: Nikon Z9

Similar to the Canon EOS R3, the full-frame mirrorless Nikon Z9 has a stacked sensor and shoots 45.7-megapixel RAW files at 20fps. While its shutter is electronic only (no mechanical shutter available), it manages to limit any ‘rolling shutter’ effect through hyper-fast read-out speeds. This makes the Nikon Z9 particularly well-suited to sports photography. Read our full Nikon Z9 review.

Specs

• 46-megapixel full-frame sensor

• 20 fps in RAW, 30fps in JPEG, 120fps in 11-megapixel shooting mode

• In-body image stabilisation

• 493 focus points

• 1/32000 max shutter speed

• 64-25,600 ISO 

• Dual CFexpress card or XQD card slots 

Pros

• Powerful, easy-to-use autofocus

• Really fast

Cons 

• Heavy

What sets the Nikon Z9 apart is its top-notch autofocus tech, which grabs focus almost instantaneously. This is a huge benefit for sports photography in particular. Leave the focus to the camera, so you can concentrate on the action and framing of the shot. 

The Nikon Z9 can also shoot a 120fps burst in under a second—albeit limited to 11-megapixel images—making sure you never miss the ‘decisive moment’. The sheer speed of its burst mode makes the Z9 a groundbreaking camera for sports photography.    

In terms of lenses, there’s the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S and Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S. Otherwise, there’s the respectable Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S.

Overall, for sports photography, your choice of camera gear will depend on your budget, creative requirements and physical strength. This article will have given you all the info and insight you need to make the decision for yourself. As your skills improve and technical needs change, remember you can always trade in and upgrade your setup accordingly. 

Looking for more sports photography content? 

This article is part of the MPB Guide to Sports Photography, our comprehensive look at how to create sports photography, with camera recommendations, advice and interviews with experts.