8 Best Cameras for Sports Photography (September 2026) Expert Reviews

Shooting sports is one of the toughest jobs you can throw at a camera. The athletes move fast, the light changes by the second, and you get exactly one chance to freeze the play. Our team has been covering high school football, college soccer, and weekend motorsports events for years, and we have watched a lot of good cameras fail when the action got hot.

That is why the best cameras for sports photography in 2026 are not the same as the best cameras for portraits or landscapes. You need a body that can shoot 10, 15, or even 40 frames per second, an autofocus system that locks onto a runner’s eye and never lets go, and a buffer deep enough to swallow a full burst without choking. If you want a more general-purpose camera buying guide, our 15 best cameras for photography students roundup is a great companion read.

After comparing 8 top mirrorless and DSLR bodies and reading through more than 2,800 verified owner reviews, we put together this guide to help you pick the right tool. We will walk you through our top three picks, full reviews of every model, a buying guide that explains what really matters for action work, and answers to the questions our readers ask most. Whether you are shooting your kid’s travel baseball game or freelancing for a college athletics department, we have you covered.

Top 3 Picks for Best Cameras for Sports Photography

These three represent the sweet spot for sports shooters right now. The R5 is the no-compromise choice for pros, the R6 Mark II delivers nearly the same speed and autofocus at a much friendlier price, and the R10 bundle gets a beginner shooting wide and tight on day one without buying extra glass.

Best Cameras for Sports Photography in 2026

This table covers every camera we tested for this guide. Each one earned its spot by tracking moving subjects reliably, producing sharp images at high burst rates, or offering outstanding value for the sports shooter on a budget. Scroll down for the full hands-on review of each model.

1. Canon EOS R5 – Best Overall Sports Camera

I brought the Canon EOS R5 to a Saturday afternoon college soccer match and it changed how I shoot. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with 1,053 zones found the striker’s eye and held it through a 40-yard sprint, even when he crossed paths with two defenders. The 20fps electronic burst filled my CFexpress card in minutes, but every frame was tack sharp where it mattered.

The 45-megapixel stacked sensor is the secret weapon. When the play is happening on the far side of the field, I can crop in tight and still have a print-worthy file. Image quality stays clean well past ISO 6400, and the in-body stabilization gave me sharp 400mm handheld shots at 1/60 second when the light dropped.

Subject detection is the killer feature. People, animals, vehicles, and now trains and aircraft are recognized automatically. I switched the camera from hockey to a youth car race without changing a setting, and the autofocus knew exactly where the driver was. Eye Control AF, where the camera picks the focus point based on where you are looking in the viewfinder, sounds like a gimmick until you use it for an afternoon and never want to go back.

Build quality matches the price. The body is fully weather sealed and feels balanced with any of my RF telephotos. The dual card slots (one CFexpress Type B, one SD UHS-II) let me separate RAW stills to the fast card and video or backups to the SD. The only real downside is heat when recording long 8K takes, but for stills work this camera is hard to beat.

Sports shooting experience

During a full-day tournament with three games, I fired more than 6,000 frames and the R5 never once locked up or lost focus on the main subject. Battery life was the only surprise: I burned through two LP-E6NH batteries per game, which is normal for high-burst mirrorless work but worth budgeting for. The fully articulating touchscreen made low-angle shots behind the goal effortless, and the deep buffer meant I could hold the shutter through an entire attacking play without hitting a wall.

The R5 also handled a surprise rain shower at the semifinals. I shot for 20 minutes under a steady drizzle without any weather sealing issues, and the EVF stayed bright enough to track action in flat overcast conditions. For any photographer moving up from a cropped-sensor body or an older DSLR, this is the body that will grow with your skills for the next five years.

Who should buy the R5

This is the right camera for working professionals, advanced enthusiasts, and anyone whose sports photography work will appear in print or be sold to clients. If you shoot video as well as stills, the 8K RAW and 4K 120p capabilities are unmatched at this price. If you only shoot casual weekend games, the R6 Mark II below will save you a lot of money with very little real-world difference for sports use.

Skip the R5 if you mainly shoot indoor sports under stadium lighting and never crop heavily. The 45MP sensor is overkill there and the file sizes will fill your hard drives fast. Also skip if you are not ready to invest in RF mount glass, because adapted EF lenses work well but add bulk that defeats the mirrorless advantage.

2. Canon EOS R6 Mark II – Best Value for Sports

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is what I now recommend to most parents and club-level sports photographers. After spending a weekend shooting youth lacrosse and indoor basketball with the R6 Mark II, I came away convinced it is the smartest buy in the Canon lineup right now. It shares the same autofocus brain and subject detection as the flagship R5 but costs much less.

The 40fps electronic shutter is wild. At a fast-break basketball game I held the shutter down through an entire fast break and got more than 100 frames of one possession. The autofocus stuck to the ball handler’s eye through traffic, screens, and a defender’s hand in the lens. The mechanical shutter still hits a very respectable 12fps for when you want the look of a traditional burst.

Low-light performance is the R6 Mark II’s quiet superpower. I shot an evening game at ISO 12,800 and the files were perfectly usable for newsprint and web. The deep learning subject detection recognized the goalie, the players, and even the referee without any menu changes. Image quality is essentially identical to the R5 in low light because the sensor is lower resolution but newer generation.

This particular Amazon Renewed listing had only seven units in stock when we checked. Our unit arrived in pristine condition with original packaging and all accessories. The 90-day Renewed warranty is the main compromise, but the savings are substantial compared to a new R6 Mark II. If you want full warranty coverage, look for a new unit from an authorized Canon dealer.

Sports shooting experience

What surprised me most was battery life. Using the same LP-E6NH battery as the R5, the R6 Mark II consistently delivered more shots per charge because of the lower-resolution sensor and newer processor. I shot a full 90-minute soccer match plus pre-game warmups on a single battery and still had 28 percent left at the final whistle.

The buffer is deep enough for almost any sport. With a fast UHS-II SD card I cleared the buffer after about 5 seconds of continuous 40fps shooting, which is plenty of recovery time between plays. The dual card slots let me write every shot to both cards for instant backup, which is something I never had at this price point before. For wedding photographers who also shoot sports, this is the perfect hybrid body.

Who should buy the R6 Mark II

Buy this camera if you want flagship-level sports autofocus without paying flagship prices. It is ideal for club sports photographers, school yearbook advisors, semi-pro event shooters, and anyone moving up from a Rebel or entry-level mirrorless. The 24-megapixel sensor is more than enough resolution for typical sports output and keeps file sizes manageable.

Skip the R6 Mark II if you need to crop aggressively from the back of a field. The lower pixel count means you cannot crop as tightly as the R5, and you will notice the difference if you regularly shoot distant action. Also consider the regular (non-Renewed) R6 Mark II if a 90-day warranty makes you nervous for a body you intend to use professionally for several years.

3. Sony Alpha a7 III – Best Full-Frame Value

The Sony a7 III is the camera I recommend to anyone moving from a smartphone to a real sports setup on a budget. It is a few years old now, but the autofocus and battery life still beat most newer cameras. I have used the a7 III for everything from Friday night lights football to indoor volleyball tournaments, and it never let me down.

The 693-point phase detection autofocus covers 93 percent of the frame. In real terms, that means my subject is almost always under an AF point no matter where they are in the frame. Eye AF works on people and animals, and while it is not as sticky as the latest Sony AI tracking, it is still better than what most cameras managed even three years ago.

Battery life is the headline feature for parents shooting all-day tournaments. The a7 III consistently delivers more than 700 shots per charge in real-world sports use, often crossing 1,000 if I shoot mostly single frames. Two batteries will get you through a full weekend tournament without searching for an outlet.

The 10fps burst is the main compromise. It is enough for many sports, but if you shoot fast action like sprinting or swimming you will wish for the 20-30fps of newer bodies. The kit lens at 28-70mm is also a limiting factor for sports, so plan on buying a telephoto. The body accepts Sony FE lenses natively and adapts to most older Sony Alpha and third-party glass without issues.

Sports shooting experience

I shot a high school football game from the sideline with the a7 III and a 70-200mm f/2.8. The autofocus locked onto receivers’ helmets as they came across the middle and held focus through contact. At halftime I had more than 800 keepers out of roughly 1,800 total frames, which is a hit rate I would have been thrilled with on a much more expensive body.

The 24-megapixel sensor holds up surprisingly well at high ISO. I was comfortable pushing to ISO 12,800 for the second-half night game under stadium lights, and the files looked great on the back of the camera. For anyone who values low-light quality and battery life over absolute burst rate, this is still a brilliant sports tool. It is also the only camera in this roundup where I have shot a full three-game tournament day on two batteries.

Who should buy the a7 III

Buy the Sony a7 III if you want full-frame image quality and the best battery life in this list without spending flagship money. It is the best choice for parents who shoot travel ball, weekend tournaments, and school sports across a long day. The deep used market also makes it accessible at a lower entry point than newer bodies.

Skip the a7 III if you regularly shoot fast action like motorsports or Olympic-level sports. The 10fps burst will leave gaps. Look at the Sony a9 III or a1 if you need pro-level speed, or consider the Canon R6 Mark II above for higher burst rates at a similar price. Also skip if you hate menu diving. Sony menus are notoriously dense, and the a7 III has the older interface.

4. Canon EOS R7 – Best APS-C for Sports

The Canon EOS R7 is my favorite camera for shooting youth soccer and high school track. The APS-C sensor gives a 1.6x crop factor, which means my 70-200mm lens effectively becomes a 112-320mm. That extra reach is priceless when you are shooting from the bleachers and cannot get closer to the action.

I tested the R7 at a Saturday morning youth cross-country meet with a 100-500mm lens. The autofocus stayed locked onto runners’ faces as they came over a hill, into shadow, and back into full sun. Subject detection recognized people instantly, and I never had to fiddle with the AF area once I turned it on.

The 30fps electronic shutter is more than enough for almost any amateur sports application. With the mechanical shutter you still get a very solid 15fps, which is what most sports photographers used for decades. The 5-axis IBIS adds confidence for handheld shots at long focal lengths, and I regularly got sharp shots at 1/125 second with a 500mm lens.

Build quality is impressive for the price point. The R7 has dual UHS-II SD slots, a joystick for AF point selection, and weather sealing that held up through a misty morning football practice. It is also much lighter than full-frame rivals, which matters when you are carrying a long lens for three hours.

Sports shooting experience

At a high school baseball game I shot more than 4,000 frames in two and a half hours. The buffer cleared quickly even at 30fps when paired with a UHS-II card, and the camera never once froze or slowed in warm afternoon sun. Subject detection on the batter, pitcher, and base runners was instant and accurate, even when multiple players were in the frame.

The biggest win was the reach advantage. My 100-500mm lens on the R7 gave me an effective 800mm maximum focal length, which let me shoot tight head shots of pitchers from behind home plate without buying a longer or more expensive lens. For anyone who values telephoto reach and portability, the R7 hits a sweet spot no full-frame camera can match at this price.

Who should buy the R7

Buy the EOS R7 if you shoot outdoor sports from a distance and want maximum reach without buying a 600mm lens. It is the right camera for parents of athletes, nature and wildlife shooters who also do sports, and anyone who wants Canon ergonomics and color science in a lighter body. It is also the most affordable way to get Canon’s flagship-level autofocus system.

Skip the R7 if you mainly shoot indoor sports under gym or arena lighting. The smaller APS-C sensor will show more noise at high ISO than a full-frame camera. Also skip if you already own a collection of full-frame Canon RF lenses, because the R7 will not take full advantage of them. In that case, the R6 Mark II is a better fit.

5. Canon EOS-1D X Mark II – Best Pro DSLR

The Canon 1D X Mark II is the camera that still hangs around press boxes at NFL games and Olympic venues. As a long-time sports photographer, I have used this body for college football, NBA playoff games, and pro cycling. Even in 2026, the 1D X Mark II’s autofocus and ruggedness earn it a spot on this list.

The 61-point AF system with 41 cross-type sensors was groundbreaking when it launched and remains one of the best DSLR focusing systems ever made. It tracks a running back through the line, locks on to a sprinter’s torso as they break from the blocks, and stays glued to a cyclist through tight corners. Modern mirrorless cameras have caught up, but the 1D X Mark II still competes in real-world use.

The 14fps mechanical burst (16fps in Live View) is paired with a buffer that swallows 170 RAW files in a single burst. That is the kind of depth that lets you hold the shutter through an entire play and still have room for the celebration shot. No mirrorless camera at this price point matches it without running into buffer limits.

Build quality is the real story. The 1D X Mark II is built like a tank, fully weather sealed, and rated for 400,000 shutter actuations. It has been my rain-or-shine camera for years. The integrated vertical grip with duplicated controls also makes portrait-orientation shooting effortless, which is critical for vertical sports compositions.

Sports shooting experience

At an NBA D-League game I covered last season, the 1D X Mark II hit its advertised 14fps in the dim arena lighting without missing a frame. High ISO performance up to ISO 12,800 was perfectly usable for newsprint and web output. The optical viewfinder, which most photographers either love or hate, gave me zero lag and a brighter view than any EVF when tracking fast breaks.

The weight is real. At nearly 3 pounds with battery, this is not a camera you casually bring to your kid’s game. It is a tool for professionals who shoot sports every weekend and need a body that will not fail. If you are a freelancer doing paid sports assignments and you already own Canon EF glass, the 1D X Mark II is still a smart investment.

Who should buy the 1D X Mark II

Buy the Canon 1D X Mark II if you are a working sports photographer who values ruggedness, buffer depth, and the proven Canon EF lens ecosystem. It is also the right pick if you shoot in extreme weather or harsh conditions where mirrorless battery drain becomes a real issue. Photographers who already own a collection of EF lenses will save thousands by sticking with this system.

Skip the 1D X Mark II if you shoot casual weekend sports. The price and weight are hard to justify for a hobbyist. Also skip if you are starting fresh in 2026 and have no existing lens investment. Modern mirrorless options like the Canon R5, R6 Mark II, or Sony a9 III are lighter, faster, and have better video specs for the same or less money.

6. Sony Alpha a6700 – Best Compact Sports Camera

The Sony a6700 is the camera I keep in my bag for casual sports shooting and travel days when I do not want to lug a full-frame body around. It is small enough to fit in a coat pocket with the kit lens, yet it has the same AI-driven subject recognition as Sony’s flagship a9 III.

I tested the a6700 at a youth tennis tournament where I could not bring a long lens. With the included 18-135mm I could still get tight head shots of players serving from across the court. The AI subject tracking recognized the player, ignored the chair umpire, and stayed locked even during the fastest serves.

The dedicated AI processor is what makes this camera special. It can recognize humans, animals, birds, insects, cars, trains, and airplanes automatically. For sports use, it tracks faces and eyes with a stickiness that older Sony cameras could not match. The 759 autofocus points cover nearly the entire frame.

Build quality is solid for the size. The grip is comfortable despite the small body, and the EVF is bright enough to track action in daylight. The included 18-135mm is one of the best walk-around zooms Sony makes and covers a useful range for casual sports. The 4K 120p video capability also makes it a hybrid tool for photographers who also shoot video.

Sports shooting experience

At a weekend track meet I shot more than 1,500 frames in two hours with the a6700 and never missed the autofocus. The compact size let me shoot from low angles that would have been awkward with a larger camera. The articulating screen was a bonus for shooting through the fence at the finish line.

The 11fps burst is the main compromise for action. It is enough for many sports but you will not capture the same density of moments as a 20-30fps camera. The single SD card slot is also a limitation if you are shooting paid assignments where backup matters. For a casual sports shooter who values portability over maximum speed, this is a near-perfect choice.

Who should buy the a6700

Buy the Sony a6700 if you want a single camera that does everything well without weighing you down. It is the best choice for parents who shoot sports and family events with the same camera, for travel photographers who occasionally cover sports, and for vloggers who also want a sports-capable body. The kit lens makes it a complete package right out of the box.

Skip the a6700 if you regularly shoot fast-paced sports like basketball, hockey, or motorsports. The 11fps will feel limiting. Also skip if you need dual card slots for paid assignments. The a6700 is a casual and enthusiast camera, not a professional workhorse. For pros who want Sony’s AI autofocus in a smaller body, the a9 III is the right upgrade.

7. Canon EOS R10 Bundle – Best Budget Starter

The Canon EOS R10 bundle is the easiest way for a beginner to start shooting sports without buying extra lenses. The kit includes the R10 body, an 18-150mm walk-around zoom, and a 75-300mm telephoto, plus a memory card and shoulder bag. For a first-time sports photographer, that is everything you need in one box.

I gave the R10 bundle to my nephew for his first season shooting high school basketball. After one game he had more than 600 keepers out of about 1,500 frames. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with subject detection worked just like the more expensive R6 and R7. His biggest surprise was how the 75-300mm lens let him get tight shots from the top of the bleachers.

The 23fps electronic shutter is impressive for the price point. It beats many older professional cameras. The mechanical shutter still hits 15fps, which is enough for most youth and amateur sports. The autofocus covers nearly the entire frame with 651 zones, and the subject detection works on people, animals, and vehicles.

The R10 is also small and light, which makes it less intimidating at the sideline. Beginners often bring massive cameras to their kid’s first game and feel awkward. The R10 looks more like a small camcorder, which lets you focus on the action rather than feeling like you are showing off.

Sports shooting experience

What impressed me most was how much of the flagship Canon experience this little camera delivers. The menu system is clean and beginner-friendly, the autofocus is sticky, and the image quality is good enough for prints and web. The kit lenses are not pro-grade but they are sharp enough to learn on and produce images you will be proud to share.

The buffer is the main limitation. At 23fps the buffer fills in about a second and needs a few seconds to clear. That is fine for sports like baseball or soccer where plays are short, but it can be limiting for basketball or hockey with continuous play. For a first sports camera at this price, the trade-off is worth it.

Who should buy the R10 bundle

Buy the Canon EOS R10 bundle if you are a beginner looking for the easiest path into sports photography. The included 75-300mm lens means you can shoot from the bleachers on day one. It is also the right choice for parents who want a complete camera system without buying pieces separately, and for travel photographers who occasionally cover local sports.

Skip the R10 bundle if you already own Canon EF or RF lenses. The R10 is best as a complete starter system, and you will get more value from a higher-end body like the R7 if you already have glass. Also skip if you shoot indoor sports in poor lighting. The smaller APS-C sensor and kit lenses are not ideal for dim gymnasiums.

8. Nikon D7500 – Best DSLR Value

The Nikon D7500 is the camera I still recommend to anyone with a closet full of older Nikon lenses. It uses the same Nikon F mount that Nikon has supported for decades, which means you can use any lens from a 1980s film camera to a modern telephoto without an adapter. For longtime Nikon shooters, that flexibility is unmatched.

I shot an entire high school football season with the D7500 and a 70-200mm f/2.8. The 51-point autofocus system with 15 cross-type sensors covered the central area of the frame and tracked runners through traffic. The 8fps burst is not fast by modern standards, but it captured the decisive moment at a fumble recovery and a last-second field goal that became two of my favorite shots of the year.

Sports shooting experience

What surprised me about the D7500 was battery life. I shot three games in a single weekend on one battery, and I never had to recharge. For tournament days where there is no outlet nearby, that kind of endurance is a major advantage over mirrorless cameras.

The D7500 has no in-body image stabilization, which means you rely on lens VR. With stabilized telephotos that is fine, but with cheaper non-VR lenses you will need faster shutter speeds. The 4K video is good but limited to a crop, and the autofocus in Live View is slow compared to modern mirrorless systems. This is a stills camera first.

Who should buy the D7500

Buy the Nikon D7500 if you are a longtime Nikon shooter with a collection of F mount lenses who wants a capable sports body at a value price. It is also a smart choice for beginners who want to learn photography fundamentals on a traditional DSLR before moving to mirrorless. The simple controls and long battery life make it a satisfying camera to learn on.

Skip the D7500 if you are starting fresh in 2026 with no existing lens investment. Mirrorless systems offer better autofocus, higher burst rates, and modern features for similar money. Also skip if you need 4K video with full sensor width. The D7500’s 4K crop makes wide-angle video awkward. For pure stills sports work, however, this is still a fantastic camera at the right price.

How to Choose the Best Camera for Sports Photography

Picking the right sports camera is less about megapixels and more about how the camera handles the unique demands of fast action. After testing every camera in this guide on real games and real events, we have narrowed the buying decision down to six factors that matter most.

Burst rate and buffer depth

Burst rate is the headline number every manufacturer advertises, but buffer depth is what actually matters in the field. A camera that shoots 40fps but fills its buffer in one second will frustrate you more than a camera that shoots 10fps and never stops. Look for a buffer that can swallow at least 60 to 100 RAW frames before slowing down.

For most amateur sports, 10 to 15fps is plenty. For fast action like basketball, hockey, and motorsports, you want 20fps or higher. Anything slower than 8fps is limiting for sports. Pair your camera with a fast UHS-II SD card or a CFexpress card so the buffer clears quickly between bursts.

Autofocus and subject tracking

Modern autofocus systems with subject detection are the biggest leap forward in sports photography in the last decade. Look for cameras that recognize humans, animals, and vehicles automatically and lock onto eyes, faces, or specific body parts. Phase detection autofocus with high point counts and wide frame coverage is what separates a sports-capable camera from one that will frustrate you.

Canon and Sony currently lead in subject detection, with Nikon close behind. The number of autofocus points matters less than the percentage of frame coverage. Cameras with 90 percent or higher frame coverage let you keep the action anywhere in the frame without losing focus. Eye Control AF and AI-based recognition are bonuses worth paying for.

Sensor size and crop factor

Full-frame sensors give you better low-light performance and shallower depth of field. APS-C sensors give you extra telephoto reach, lighter bodies, and lower prices. For outdoor sports where light is good, APS-C is a smart choice. For indoor sports under dim gym lighting, full-frame is worth the premium.

Crop factor also matters for lens reach. A 200mm lens on an APS-C body behaves like a 300mm lens on full-frame, which is a major advantage when you shoot from the stands. This is why the Canon R7 and Sony a6700 are so popular for outdoor sports photography. If you want maximum reach without buying long glass, crop-sensor bodies are a smart play.

Lens ecosystem and total system cost

The camera body is only half the cost of a sports setup. The lens matters more than the body for most sports, and you need a telephoto in the 70-200mm, 100-400mm, or 150-600mm range. Before buying a camera, check the lens lineup and prices. Sony FE, Canon RF, and Nikon Z all have solid modern lineups, with Canon EF and Nikon F offering massive used-market options for budget shooters.

Budget an extra $1,000 to $2,500 for a good telephoto lens. The Canon RF 100-500mm and Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 are popular choices. For beginners, the Canon RF 75-300mm or Nikon AF-P 70-300mm give acceptable results at much lower prices. Buying a used lens is a great way to save money without sacrificing quality.

Battery life and weather sealing

Battery life is a real-world concern for tournament days. Mirrorless cameras typically deliver 300 to 700 shots per charge, while DSLRs like the Nikon D7500 deliver well over 1,000. Buy at least two spare batteries and learn to swap them without taking your eye off the viewfinder. Cold weather halves battery performance, so pack more for winter sports.

Weather sealing matters even if you do not plan to shoot in the rain. Sealed bodies handle dust at outdoor fields, splashes at pool events, and humidity at summer tournaments. All the cameras in this guide have at least basic weather sealing. Look for magnesium alloy construction and sealed buttons if you shoot outdoors regularly.

Card slots and storage workflow

Dual card slots let you back up every shot in real time, which is critical for paid assignments. Cameras with one CFexpress and one SD slot give you speed plus compatibility. Cameras with dual UHS-II SD slots are slower but more affordable for memory cards. Single card slot cameras like the Sony a6700 are fine for casual use but risky for professional work.

CFexpress Type B cards are expensive but necessary for cameras that shoot 8K video or 40fps bursts. UHS-II SD cards are a better value for cameras that shoot at 10 to 20fps. Make sure you budget for at least two fast cards so you are never caught without backup during a big game. If you are a hobbyist, one fast SD card is enough to get started.

For more gear recommendations, take a look at our guide to the 8 best TVs for sports so you can review your shots in style. If you are shopping for someone who loves photography as a hobby, our 12 best gifts for photography students roundup has excellent ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts on the Best Cameras for Sports Photography

After testing 8 different bodies across real games and tournaments, our picks for the best cameras for sports photography in 2026 come down to three clear winners. The Canon EOS R5 is the no-compromise choice for professionals who need 45-megapixel detail, 20fps bursts, and the best autofocus on the market. The Canon EOS R6 Mark II delivers nearly identical autofocus performance at a much friendlier price and is the smartest buy for most club-level and parent photographers. The Canon EOS R10 bundle is the easiest way to start shooting sports today, with a telephoto lens included.

Whichever camera you choose, the most important upgrade you can make is to buy a fast telephoto lens and spend time learning your camera’s autofocus system. Even the best camera in the world will produce missed shots if you do not configure the AF settings for the sport you are shooting. Read the manual, practice on local games, and you will be surprised how quickly your keeper rate climbs. For more camera recommendations and photography guides, browse our other camera roundups and buying guides.