Q-Ball40

Greetings,

My Canon EOS Rebel T2i was dropped into a rogue wave and the salt water destroyed the camera body & lens. I

am looking for replacements, either Canon or Sony for below $1,500 including body & lens. I shoot mostly outdoor

sports & indoor sports, at distances from 20' - 200'. I also shoot birds in flight & landscapes. I would like to buy a

camera body, either DSLR or mirrorless & a zoom lens with a max. focal length of at least 200mm, with a low f/2.8

aperture. Any recommendations are appreciated. Thank you.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The newest EOS T8i, a Rebel line model in the US, is the most advanced Rebel ever. Seriously consider this model / price as compared to the more advanced EOS 90D. These are new models with new model prices. Used bodies may be an option too.

Balancing the body to any lens needs is important of you need to buy both. What other lenses do you have that were not damaged / lost in this event? Or, what lens also needs to be replaced?

Changing to Sony or an EOS mirrorless body will (should) maintain compatibility with your existing lenses. It may / may not be a relevant consideration once we know more about the existing lens portfolio.

Q-Ball40

Hi CHG_CANON, Thanks for the kind reply. My Canon EF-S 18-55mm, 3.5-5.6 IS lens is still good. I need a longer zoom lens for the Canon T8i or D90 with at least a focal length of 200mm and an aperture of f/2.8 for indoor photos of fast moving volleyball. Any ideas?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Let me spend your money.

There's nothing 'wrong' with your 18-55, but you might consider the more useful EF-S 18-135. There's multiple versions, probably the newest "IS USM" is the best option.

To your volleyball question, consider the EF 135 f/2L. If the action is a bit more distant, just pop on the 1.4x III and get to an effective 189mm at f/2.8 (302mm with the EOS crop factor).

I've also used the EF 200 f/2.8L II. The images and sharpness are beautify, just like the 135L. With the crop factor, you're much the same as the extended 135L at 320mm via the crop factor.

If 135mm is too long for your crop and shooting situation, consider the EF 85 f/1.8 or EF 100 f/2, wonderfully sharp & fast lenses, and both more physically compact than the two L-series lenses above. All these ideas are 'old' models with plenty of used versions in the resale market.

The higher pixel resolution of the 90D at 32MP lets you work maybe a bit 'shorter' and crop into the sharp results. You'll get a 'bump' in resolution at 24MP with the T8i vs your 18MP T2i.

Consider renting the mostly likely candidate for a lens / focal length for 1 or 2 matches to confirm before buying.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

👍👍 Excellent suggestions. Another alternative is a gently used Canon 5D MkIII and a EF 70-200 f2.8L MKI or any of the primes mentioned by Paul above if you want to take a shot at full frame.

TSHDGTL

Sony A77II, Sony 16-50 2.8DT and Minolta 80-200HS lenses. One key feature of the A77II is focus range limit which lets you choose near and far limit. No more focusing on the backstop fence instead of the hitter in base-softball.

Q-Ball40

Thank you all for your input and informative suggestions.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

There is a used 5D MkIII in the classified section.

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

I'm really happy with my T8i, as I am with both my T4i and T1i, considered a Canon mirrorless but saw no advantage if I did not choose to change all my lenses. I do frequently use a Sigma 17-70 f2.8/f4 instead of the kit lens, in fact for the T8i I bought body only, have two kit lenses if I want something lighter to carry.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Yep, with the advent of the 5D4 and the mirrorless R series, 5D3s can be had in the $700-$800 range, and they are excellent solid pro grade workhorses built like a tank and used by zillions of working pros - many of Paul’s (ChgCanon) photos published on UHH were taken with a 5D3. I sold my 5D3 (to buy a 5D4 for some added features I needed) with 258,000 exposures, and it looked and worked like new. That’s the camera that proved the value of FF to me.

leftj Loc: Texas

I agree on the 5D III. I like to buy slightly older DSLR's. I recently bought a 5D III from a UHHer. It is in pristine condition. I've had it about a week. The longest lens I currently have is the 24-105mm F4. I love the images I'm getting. I also have a fully refurbished (including new shutter) Nikon D750 and love it as well.

LEWHITE7747 Loc: 33773

I would look for a good used 80D. Then a good used 70-200(2.8) lens. The camera is a great camera probably used for $400. Then the lens, which is one of the best lens ever made hopefully you can get for a little more than $1000. This will give you an incredible set-up.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

It will be almost impossible to achieve your criteria if buying new. Since you come from an APS-C camera and keeping to your budget, I'd go with an 80D for $899. Then add a Canon 200 f2.8L for $749 totaling $1648 and you almost keep to your budget.

If you go to a refurbished 80D for about $720 and you are there. https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/eos-80d-body-refurbished

hrblaine

>Then a good used 70-200(2.8) lens. The lens, which is one of the best lens ever made....

Since I needed the 200mm for outdoor/daylight only, I got the F4. What a great lens! Harry

LEWHITE7747 Loc: 33773

If you go to the Canon site you can get a refurbished 80D and a 55-250 lens and a 18-135 STM lens for $999 and a year warranty. The 80D is an awesome crop (24megapixel) camera!