photography Adventures 
the Spirit of the Dance: My Canon 6D, Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8, and the Power of Access

By: Scott Umstattd, Lead Photographer at San Miguel Photography Adventures

When people see the photographs of vibrant Azteca dancers in San Miguel de Allende, they often assume they are made using the latest, greatest gear — top-of-the-line, cutting-edge equipment built for fast action and low light. The truth?

I’m shooting with a Canon 6D and a Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 USD VC lens — both about a decade old.

A Decade Old — And Still Powerful

Let’s start with the Canon 6D.

Originally released in 2012, this full-frame DSLR may not boast the lightning-fast autofocus or high frame rates of newer models, but it delivers incredible image quality, especially in dynamic lighting. The 20.2MP sensor captures rich colors and deep textures — perfect for the ornate details of the dancers’ feathers, beadwork, and hand-sewn garments.

The Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 USD VC lens has been my loyal partner through these photography adventures. Sharp, fast enough for the action, and with a sturdy build, it balances nicely on the 6D. The image stabilization (VC) system is incredibly useful during handheld shooting at longer focal lengths, and the f/2.8 aperture lets in enough light to work even during the softer, dusky moments of the dance.

Is it perfect?

No.

The Canon 6D’s autofocus can struggle to keep up with extremely fast motion. It has only 11 focus points — a far cry from the 60+ on today’s mirrorless cameras.

And my Tamron, while solid, doesn’t snap focus quite like newer lenses with updated motors. But that's the point — even without the "perfect" gear, it's possible to create magazine-cover quality images.

The magic isn’t just in the gear. It’s in access, connection, and preparation. That’s what San Miguel Photography Adventures (SMPA) is all about.

Better Gear for Fast Action Today (If You Want It)

If you're looking for gear that gives you every technological advantage for fast-action, low-light photography, here’s what I'd recommend today:

• Camera: Canon R6 Mark II 24.2MP full-frame sensor 40 frames per second shooting Lightning-fast autofocus with subject tracking Fantastic low-light capabilities
• Lens: Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Compact design compared to older models Super-fast autofocus Superior image stabilization Stunning sharpness edge-to-edge

Or, if you're looking for a non-Canon option:

• Camera: Sony A7 IV
• Lens: Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II

These combinations will absolutely make capturing fast-moving dancers even easier. You'll get faster focus locks, more frames per second, and even better low-light performance.

But even with all the advancements, the same truth holds: no matter how good the gear is, what matters most is access.

Why access Matters More Than Gear

San Miguel Photography Adventures is designed to give photographers something most never get — a front-row seat inside the culture, inside the movement, and inside the moment.

When you come to one of our workshops, you’re not fighting a crowd, or stuck fifty feet back with a telephoto lens desperately trying to compose a clean frame. You’re right there — close enough to feel the drum beats through your chest, close enough to make eye contact with a dancer before capturing their spirit in a single frame.

You don't need the latest gear to create stunning images.

You need access.
You need opportunity.
You need a sense of adventure.

And that's exactly what we provide.

Some of my favorite images — the ones that look like they belong on the cover of National Geographic — were taken with gear many photographers would consider "outdated." If I can do it with a Canon 6D and an old Tamron lens, so can you.

Through the right environment, the right coaching, and the right connection to the culture you’re photographing, you’ll learn how to pull incredible, emotional, powerful images from whatever camera you bring.

Learn more about San Miguel Photography Adventures.

final Shot

Would I recommend the Canon 6D and the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 USD VC today?

Absolutely — especially for photographers who care more about composition, story, and emotion than about having the newest toy. It’s affordable, reliable, and produces beautiful results when you know how to use it.

Find them on Amazon: Canon 6D | Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8

If you want to go high-end and stack the deck a little more in your favor, today’s mirrorless offerings — like the Canon R6 Mark II or Sony A7 IV — are phenomenal choices for fast-moving, low-light conditions.

Find them here: Canon R6 Mark II | Sony A7 IV
And the lenses: Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 | Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II

But remember — the best camera is the one you bring with you.
And the best shot is the one you're close enough, prepared enough, and engaged enough to take.

Come join me in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
Bring whatever camera you have.

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