What lens are you using?

[G_Ilott]

Hullo,

I'm thinking of returning to motorsport photography later this year and, as this coincides with my intention to purchase a longer lens for nature and landscape shots I thought I'd tie it in with motorsport needs as well. So if I can get an idea of what is important in a lens (400mm +) for motorsport I can input that into my lens options.


Cheers chaps!

[G_Ilott]

Come on, people. You're not all pinhole enthusiasts surely?

Does anyone use either of the following :

Canon 100-400 IS
Canon 400 f5.6
Sigma or Tokina 300 f2.8 + convertors
Sigma 100-400 f5.6 APO Macro

And if not, WHY NOT? You should all have had the foresight to buy and use these lenses in the knowledge that one day, I, Graham of Dorset, would turn up at the door jabbing my finger at your Lowepro and INSISTING that you divulge worldly secrets to me on pain of chamois leather round yer briskets.

Or something like that, you know...?

[redshoes]

Depends on what circuits you are going to (i.e how far away the track is) and what sort of pics you want to take. I've been using a 70-300 which is just about ok, although the 1.4x factor now it's on a digi helps a lot.

[tanalised]

I've been using a Sigma 400mm f5.6 lately, manual focus. I'm damned pleased with the results

[KC]

I have a Tamron 80-210mm f5.6 I purchased on a budget. I also use a 2x extender with it as well. However, the resulting loss of stops sucks for anything less than bright daylight. However, I could not justify adding a zero on the to end of the price just to get down to f2.0, but it would be nice to do so.

The broad daylight is also the bane of the great shot as well. Harsh shadows can kill a good image, but a flash with the appropriate range is far too much money for the limited use of it. Then my Canon EOS Rebel won't synch faster than 1/90th second so its a moot point. That just won't do for most motorsports.

So I have pretty much switched to my Olympus C2100UZ digital. Optical zoom of 38-380 with the integrated (read non-replaceable) lense, the option of a 3x digital zoom (rarely ever used) and Canon Image Stabilization system. It has yet to fail me to gather enough light at the shutter speeds I like. I wish it took more than a 2.1 mpixel image but I have printed some 11 X 17 (280mm x 432mm) images with acceptable graining. It makes fantastic 8 x 10 (203mm x 254mm) images. Together with two 128MB smartmedia cards I can get over 900 standard HQ jpeg images, 180 SHQ jpegs, or 44 TIFF images. It also shoot almost as fast as my Canon does, something that many digitals fail at miserably.

[G_Ilott]

I forgot to mention the Sigma 400 5.6. It's sharp but the Macro version is difficult to find used. The normal version would need extension tubes to focus close enough for wildflower shots.

I post on a photography forum elsewhere (where a load of pros stand around in their dark green corduroy tank-tops, blowing the smoke of fish paste into the faces of passers-by) and they've reminded me that Sigma is bringing out a 80-400 with image stabilisation. Forgot about that.

I'm in love with the Tokina 300 2.8 II :

http://www.grizzlyjhphoto.com/gear/a...ml#300andkenko *swoon*


"Moot" comes from the Old English for the location (usually a rounded hummock or raised area) where local manorial courts were held. Local law cases would be argued there, thus a "moot point" is an arguable premise.


I've got me wellies on...

[MolsonBoy]

I use a Tamron 300 f2.8 & 1.4 converter. It is manual focus but has done me well for the last 13 years. I now have a Canon EOS 1N with a 70-200 f2.8 & a 2x converter. I would like to get a 300 f2.8 or 400 f2.8 in auto focus because my old Canon F1 has done it's job and has earned retirement.

[G_Ilott]

How are you getting along with the 1N? Serious bit of kit is it not? I could have my 1N's babies.

Do you have the Sigma 70-200 2.8 and Sigma convertor? I've heard good things about that combination but I'm looking for less contrast loss and capacity for over 400mm.

[MolsonBoy]

I like the 1N. Have shot one race with it but very impressed with the results. I bought it used along with a Canon 70-200 and a Canon Converter. I got everything for less than a new 1V.

[G_Ilott]

I didn't know the EX convertors could be used with the Canon 70-200 2.8.

You learn something every day.

Do you find the grip on the 1N a tad bit too small. I could really do with the battery pack to add a few centimetres.

[G_Ilott]

I've now chomped on the proverbial ammunition and put a deposit down on a 300 2.8 & 1.4x convertor.