I’ve been photographing my kids’ sports for the past few years. Whether it’s soccer, basketball, or a school event, I’ve tried all kinds of cameras and lenses to figure out what actually works in real life, not just on paper.
My Canon R5 with a 70–200mm lens is probably the best setup in terms of image quality and autofocus, but it’s not practical for a kids’ soccer game. It’s heavy, bulky, and ends up turning a simple afternoon into a full production. What I really want is to be present, not to spend the whole time guarding my camera bag.
That’s where the Micro Four Thirds system fits perfectly. The smaller cameras and lightweight lenses make it easy to shoot, move around, and still enjoy the moment. The camera becomes part of the experience, not the center of it.
Lens Comparisons
Over the years, I’ve tried a few different lenses for sports and family moments:
- Sigma 56mm f/1.4: Very sharp with great subject separation, but sometimes a bit too tight for fast action if you’re close to the field.
- Lumix 35–100mm f/2.8: Fast, flexible, and very sharp. Works well for sports, portraits, and travel.
- Olympus 45mm f/1.8: Small, quick, and dependable. It’s an underrated little lens that focuses fast and delivers sharp results.
- Olympus 75mm f/1.8: My personal favorite. The images have beautiful color, smooth background blur, and a natural depth that feels almost cinematic.
Why I Prefer the 75mm
The Olympus 75mm f/1.8 is one of those lenses that reminds you why you love photography in the first place. Indoors, it gives warm, rich colors and smooth transitions. It’s sharp but not clinical, and it brings a nice sense of atmosphere to every shot.
For sports, it’s not perfect because you can’t zoom, so you’ll miss a few moments when the action moves in or out. But when you get the shot, it’s worth it. The images just feel right. I’d rather miss a few frames and come away with photos that have real character than shoot everything and have it look flat.
The 35–100mm f/2.8
The Lumix 35–100mm f/2.8 is the smarter choice if you need flexibility. You can zoom in or out depending on what’s happening, and it stays sharp across the range. Autofocus is fast, and it handles movement easily.
Even with that, I still find myself preferring the 75mm. There’s something about its look and color that makes the photos feel more personal. The 35–100mm is a great tool. The 75mm makes me feel connected to the moment.
Why I Skip the 45–150mm
On paper, the Olympus 45–150mm should be perfect. It’s light, versatile, and covers a great range. But for me, it crosses the line where the setup starts to feel like work. I want something I can toss in my bag and forget about until I see something worth shooting. I don’t want to spend the day worrying about keeping my gear safe instead of watching my kids play.
Final Thoughts
In the end, the best camera setup is the one that lets you enjoy the moment. For me, that’s usually a small Micro Four Thirds body with the Olympus 75mm f/1.8. It’s portable, easy to carry, and produces images that have real life and warmth in them.
Below are sample photos taken with the Lumix 35–100mm f/2.8 and the Olympus 75mm f/1.8.
What do you think – which images do you like best and can you tell the difference between the lenses?
