Camera recommendations for sports and portraits

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My friend is looking to join me doing some equestrian photography, but they also want to do portraits (humans!).

So the camera needs to do a bit of everything I guess and be a decent enough all rounder.

We have been to park cameras and the shortlist so far is:

D750 - best all rounder?
D500 - fast for sports - but portraits I'm not sure?
XT2 - gamble? No idea as neither of us have had any experience in Fuji
6D Mk2 - same as D750 I guess - good all rounder?
7D Mk2 - fast for sports and again not sure how it will be for portraits

She has no lens commitments or brand loyalty so it's a bit of a blank canvas! She has had cameras before so it doesn't have to be entry level.
 
The 750 is full frame, but you can go into DX mode if you need longer reach for a few shot - for what you are needing them for the CLIENT will never know the difference. It wasn't that long ago top advertising campaigns were being shot on a D2X, DX format and everyone though they were fantastic......how big will the finished product be? You'll get 10 years out of the 750. It doesn't matter what else comes on the market, the images churned out will still be as good in 10 years time as they are now. Only they'll actually be better, because YOU will get better.

What is the final use? Riders buying pictures for themselves? Some in print advertising at maximum of A3? Digital advertising you can do on a phone, so doesn't even come into the equation, because a compact camera is better than digital media can see. :pint:
 
Final product could range from 6x4 prints, to canvas prints depending on how successful the venture is.

I have the 70-200 F4 on my D750 but she has the funds for the 2.8 is she goes the D750 route.
 
Formal portraits or reportage types? The D750 + 70-200 2.8 would be good for both situations, if a little chunky. She might also consider a 70-200 f4 for the equestrian and something in the 85-135 range with an f2 or larger aperture for portraits.
 
ancient_mariner said:
Formal portraits or reportage types? The D750 + 70-200 2.8 would be good for both situations, if a little chunky. She might also consider a 70-200 f4 for the equestrian and something in the 85-135 range with an f2 or larger aperture for portraits.
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More arty style outdoor work. Not studio shots. She can borrow my 70-200 for equestrian work to see how it works out.
 
70-200 2.8 would likely be better for outdoor then, reducing the need to zoom with feet a little. Personally I love the appearance from a longer prime with a large aperture, but they do require a proactive approach from the user, and an ability to 'see' the image before you set things up.
 
1dx with 400mm f2.8 - best portrait and sports camera and lens I've ever used
 
If the portrait is quite tight such as head and shoulders to upper body I'd say that f2.8 is quite enough and indeed may be a little much as at 70 to 200mm the depth of field is going to be slim. Personally I like the head at least to be fully in the depth of field so I don't see a great advantage for primes here as at a useable DoF of f2.8 to f5.6 or so few would probably be able to tell what lens was used. Unless light is an issue and a wider aperture is needed at the expense of depth.
 
My sister uses a D750 for equestrian and weddings, seems like the best tool for the job. In this situation it's what I'd get.
 
I have 7d2 great for wildlife. To be honest if I can't take a decent portrait with it then there's something wrong
 
rob-nikon said:
If it's a joint venture won't it be advantageous for you both to use the same brand? It may help being able to share the same lenses and perhaps batteries (nothing worse than one of you running out of power)
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Very sensible suggestion!
 
rob-nikon said:
If it's a joint venture won't it be advantageous for you both to use the same brand? It may help being able to share the same lenses and perhaps batteries (nothing worse than one of you running out of power)
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Spot on.

With regard to glass, as per everyone else, get a 70-200 as a starting point.
 
80d & 70-200 2.8.
 
Lensflare said:
It doesn't matter what else comes on the market, the images churned out will still be as good in 10 years time as they are now.
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I have to disagree with this, some of the images I take now I couldn't have taken 10 years ago. It's only due to the advance in camera tech that it's possible. The images taken in 10 years time with a D750 will still be ok but not up to the standard of the equivalent body at the time?
 
D750
 
JJ! said:
My friend is looking to join me doing some equestrian photography, but they also want to do portraits (humans!).

So the camera needs to do a bit of everything I guess and be a decent enough all rounder.

We have been to park cameras and the shortlist so far is:

D750 - best all rounder?
D500 - fast for sports - but portraits I'm not sure?
XT2 - gamble? No idea as neither of us have had any experience in Fuji
6D Mk2 - same as D750 I guess - good all rounder?
7D Mk2 - fast for sports and again not sure how it will be for portraits

She has no lens commitments or brand loyalty so it's a bit of a blank canvas! She has had cameras before so it doesn't have to be entry level.
Click to expand...
Sony A9 with 100-400 and 70-200
 
A9 out of budget.

It's pretty much now between D750 and D500.

A debate that brings up so many views on the net!
 
D750. And nikons 85mm f1.8 a great combination for portraits. The older 80-200 f2.8 is great value too and well worth a look.
 
JJ! said:
A9 out of budget.

It's pretty much now between D750 and D500.

A debate that brings up so many views on the net!
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As you know I've had both. The final image is better from the D750, plus AF is more than capable of taking equestrian pics so would be the obvious choice for me. Plus being slightly lighter and smaller may suit your friend.

Either is great though. The Sigma 85mm f1.4 ex is a great lens for the D750 too.
 
snerkler said:
As you know I've had both. The final image is better from the D750, plus AF is more than capable of taking equestrian pics so would be the obvious choice for me. Plus being slightly lighter and smaller may suit your friend.

Either is great though. The Sigma 85mm f1.4 ex is a great lens for the D750 too.
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Yeah she thought the D500 was as big or bigger than she wanted!
 
Get a short list a few ad cards and go try them out
 
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