Motorsport. Which Lens? [Archive]

jammy_c

12-03-2009, 20:55

Hello All!

I have a Nikon D40 which i'm looking to buy a new lens for.

I'm into motorsports, and that's what i'm planning on using my camera a lot for over the spring/summer.

I'm on a fairly tight budget, but looking to buy a telephoto.

shall i go for the bargain 55-200mm AF-S VR (http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/products/Nikon/55-200mm%20f4.-5.6%20AFS%20DX%20VR%20Lens%20(Black)-50317/Show.html), or...
the considerably more expensive 70-300mm AF-S VR (http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/KeywordSearch.html?keyword=70-300mm%20af-s%20vr&pageIndex=1&sortDirection=Descending&sortProperty=Relevance)?

I like the look of both, and have been spending more time looking at the 55-200, but now i'm wondering if i'm going to be itching for more zoom after i've got it, and wished that i'd saved for the bigger lens.

Anyone have experience of either or can advise me on which to get?

mainly this year is going to be Drag Racing at Santa Pod & Test Days/races at Silverstone I guess.

Cheers in advance.

Syx

12-03-2009, 21:03

For me, it's the 70-300mm without question. Having that extra reach makes a big difference, especially at some circuits where you cannot get that close to the track.

If you really can't decide, rent one and see how you get along with it before you make up your mind.

fil_b

12-03-2009, 21:08

do places rent lens??

i didnt know that

Photek

12-03-2009, 21:14

Had both and settled on the 70-300. My usual fare is BTCC and WTCC at Brands and Snetterton so perhaps similar to you?

jammy_c

12-03-2009, 21:15

yeah, www.lensesforhire.co.uk might be worth a try? :) good idea

andrewc

12-03-2009, 21:23

For silverstone you'll be better off with the 300...

Syx

12-03-2009, 21:25

Yep, give it a go. I'm planning to do something similar with the 80-400 as I can't decide from the reviews alone! :thumbs:

Jamesemt

13-03-2009, 09:37

As a slight thread hijack, what would anyone recommend for a canon user ? Canon 100-400?

hampshire3321

13-03-2009, 09:40

Depends what kind of motorsport - Would be a good lense for road racing and touring cars (closed circuit), but if you can get close like you can at Motocross you'd be better off with a 70-200mm L 2.8 . I shoot mainly motocross and use a 28-300mm L.

Andy

foggy4ever

13-03-2009, 09:41

As a slight thread hijack, what would anyone recommend for a canon user ? Canon 100-400?

eeerrrrr:thinking:

get a NIKON :D

andrewc

13-03-2009, 09:49

apkent

13-03-2009, 12:38

I started off in motorsport with the Canon 55-250 (F4 - 5.6) on a 400D which I thought gave enough reach. I then upgraded to a 300mm F4 which was a faster lens and a little more reach just before going full frame.

I sold the 55-250mm and now use the 300mm on my Canon 5D which is a great combination. Even at Silverstone though, I consider the 55-250 adequate - if you choose the right locations you can still get some great pictures :thumbs:

Scotty B

13-03-2009, 12:39

I bought the 70-300VR for my D40 and it's a great lens for motorsport.

jammy_c

13-03-2009, 13:20

I bought the 70-300VR for my D40 and it's a great lens for motorsport.

Were did you find the best deal for the lens?

whitey

13-03-2009, 13:42

70-300 VR is a good lens to start with

foggy4ever

13-03-2009, 13:58

Were did you find the best deal for the lens?

You'd be suprised.:eek:

Try Argos(£391) and if you get one of there cards you can get 'buy now pay in 6 months'. When I first noticed they had one I thought 'bit expensive' but there prices are fixed as everybody else has gone skywards.They can go for upto £360 on ebay:cuckoo:

I used there buy now pay 12 months to get my D60 twin lense kit.:thumbs:

desantnik

13-03-2009, 14:40

I'd definitely recommend the Nikon 70-300 VR as the best low budget motorsport lens. I know its not exactly "cheap" but its the right side of the line for being able to get some decent shots with.

For the money there is nothing else anyone makes for Nikon fit that comes close.

If you want the Canon equivalent, get their 70-300 IS, it is a belter and half the time people didn't believe I was shooting using only that - yes it is that good.

RichardC27

13-03-2009, 15:24

As a slight thread hijack, what would anyone recommend for a canon user ? Canon 100-400?

depends how much you want to spend.

Canon 70-200 f4 L
Sigma 100-300 f4EX
Canon 70-200 f4 L IS
Canon 300mm f4 IS
Canon 400mm f5.6
Canon 70-200 f2.8 L
Canon 100-400 f4.5 - f5.6 IS L
Canon 70-200 f2.8 L IS
Sigma 120-300 f2.8

Sigma 500mm
Canon 600mm IS

As I always bang on about in this kind of thread, add the Sigma 120-400mm f4.5-5.6 OS HSM to that list. Excellent lens for the money, and is equally applicable to Nikonites as well.

jammy_c

13-03-2009, 15:28

Do Sigma do a good alternative? a 300mm HSM with Sigma's version of VR (do they call it DC or something?)

Cheers for the alternatives. they're all a bit pricy for me atm though i'm afraid. not looking to spend more than £400.

RichardC27

13-03-2009, 15:30

I don't think any of their 300mm lenses have the optical stabilisation yet. The Sigma 120-400mm I've suggested can be had for just over 500 quid at the moment. A little outside your budget I know, but not massively so.

desantnik

13-03-2009, 21:11

70-300 VR:

http://www.onestop-digital.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=24_27&products_id=389

Sub 400 quid shipped, assuming you aren't squeemish about ordering from HK

jammy_c

15-03-2009, 13:31

foggy4ever

15-03-2009, 17:22

cheers for the link. however, i'd much rater get it from Argos for £2 less! :thumbs: think i would be a bit squeemish ordering something from HK worth more than a tenner. :lol:

Cheers for the link Foggy!

Glad to help, its a cracking lense. It looks the dogs danglies on my D60:D

You need to get to some track days to test it out. I'm hoping to try mine at Cadwell next saturday.

jammy_c

15-03-2009, 17:46

Cool. Would you mind posting some piccies on here after you've been? :) just watched a review of the lens on youtube (click here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t52oDrMb6nw)).

It does look awesome. I must admit! ;) :thumbs:

Do you use it free-hand or on a monopod/tripod?

foggy4ever

15-03-2009, 17:55

Only if there any good:lol::lol:

Try this link on flickr its a group dedicated to the 70-300 lense and shows some great motorsport shots. its what helped me decide.

http://www.flickr.com/search/groups/?q=motorsport&w=32456670%40N00&m=pool

jammy_c

15-03-2009, 18:00

nice one! cheers :thumbs:

wack61

15-03-2009, 18:31

70-300 VR:

http://www.onestop-digital.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=24_27&products_id=389

Sub 400 quid shipped, assuming you aren't squeemish about ordering from HK

£352.11 + £4.95 delivery at www.dixons.co.uk using the code MARCH10 :)

foggy4ever

15-03-2009, 19:03

nice find I hope he's watching:clap:

desantnik

15-03-2009, 19:22

Have a look at a lot of my motorsport threads from last year... most of those are Canon 30D and 70-300 IS.... the EXIF will show you... if its 300mm or greater its not the 70-300, but the 300F4, but have a rumage.

I still look at them and am pleased, despite having moved onward and upward!

Tractor Boy

15-03-2009, 20:56

I got the 70-300 AF-S VR for my D40 recently and it is bang on for motorsport, much better than the 55-200 (although I have got the non VR model). I used it on Friday for my first test day at snetterton. Have a look in the motorsport photo section at the thread - all the photo's were taken with it.

jammy_c

16-03-2009, 13:50

:thumbs: cheers all! :)

jammy_c

17-03-2009, 08:57

Awesome, guys, some great shots! :thumbs:

Just gotta work out how to free up the funds whilst paying off the upcoming wedding in August. :thinking:

and convincing the missus it's a good idea! :nono: lol :lol:

cyclone

17-03-2009, 09:01

and convincing the missus it's a good idea! :nono: lol :lol:

This bit is easy, you have to base your argument on value.
Your mate needs the long lens to get some nice backup shots at the wedding without getting in the pro's way.
The fact that you also have a use for the lens after the event just adds value to the deal :thumbs:

jammy_c

17-03-2009, 09:05

This bit is easy, you have to base your argument on value.
Your mate needs the long lens to get some nice backup shots at the wedding without getting in the pro's way.
The fact that you also have a use for the lens after the event just adds value to the deal :thumbs:

:lol: I like your thinking! :clap: although i've already let slip that I want to get it for the drag racing at SantaPod next month. i could say it needs testing out. ;) lol.

jammy_c

17-03-2009, 09:12

Ah, something else I meant to ask. how does the VR function affect battery life?

cyclone

17-03-2009, 21:35

Hard to say really.
I only ever turn VR off when I use a tripod, and I can get 800 shots on a battery with my D80.
Never done a VR/Non VR battery test.

tonyfish

17-03-2009, 22:28

Definitely the 70-300, if you buy the 55-200 you will immediately want more reach!

jammy_c

31-03-2009, 11:43

Cheers for all your assistance, guys! the 70-300 has been ordered courtesy of Dixons - £351 (with a £10-off promo code) + £4.95 del.! :thumbs: :)
Cant wait!

desantnik

31-03-2009, 11:54

A good price, think you'll be pleased with that!

Syx

31-03-2009, 14:51

You'll be very happy with it, I assure you :)

jammy_c

31-03-2009, 20:16

So, the lens is on it's way :D do you chaps advise i start looking round for a polarising filter?

if so, is this (http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_1&products_id=5973)any good? :thinking:

jammy_c

01-04-2009, 10:43

She's Arrived! :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/jammy_c/01042009105.jpg

foggy4ever

01-04-2009, 11:15

Thats a big un:D

I purchased the same lense a couple of monthe ago, its cracking! Was planning on using it for some motorsport this year but found TP classifieds and also picked up a siggy 70-200 f2.8 and siggy 100-300 f4 to try as well. The 100-300 looks like a rocket launcher on my D60.

SEPkent

09-04-2009, 15:40

pete.rush

09-04-2009, 15:57

It's all so cofusing... I like to shoot motocross and wildlife images and can't decide on the best way to go. Advice would be great. Thanks I have a D200 & D90
Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM (Nikon Mount) @ £570
Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G AF-S VR NIKKOR @ £380.00
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 II EX MACRO HSM (Nikon Mount) @ £580

Depends what wildlife shots you want to take, but at least a minimum of 300mm is required for a wildlife lens, maybe even 400mm, especially for birds, where as with motorcross your closer to the action so a 70-200 would work fine. The sigma 120-400 is new'ish on the market and stepped down in good light it should produce some decent shots, but I'm not a great fan of these budget zooms, promise alot and deliver not a great deal. If your budget would reach, I would recommend getting 2 lenses, one for wildlife one for motorsport.

Peter

jammy_c

10-04-2009, 12:42

If your budget would reach, I would recommend getting 2 lenses, one for wildlife one for motorsport.
:agree:

However, if not, I have been told to get the best glass you can afford to stretch to at the time, otherwise you'll just want to get something better in 6months and wish you'd done that in the first place.

I personally think that the Nikon VR system is massively Under-rated. you will definetly want it!
I switched it off for a few shots the other day, and won't be doing that again :bonk: Lol. it also has a feature which knows when you are panning, and only damps vertical movements, not horizontal, so that's great for motorsport & animals running. this is a shot I took with mine last weekend:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/jammy_c/WMSP/DSC_5047.jpg

however, the shutter speed that you'll be able to achiveve with that f2.8 should sort out most problems with shake! ;) you'll need to get closer to the action though, you certainly would't regret having that extra 100mm focal length!

kingy

10-04-2009, 20:59

I've got the same lense on the same camera body. Had it for about 9 months I think and absolute love it. its so versatile and not too bulky to carry around :) Enjoy!

chrism_scotland

11-04-2009, 06:29

On the subject of motorsport lenses is the Beercan good for it?

SEPkent

12-04-2009, 09:17

Wildlife - Birds really. Was thinking of building a hide. So 300+ is the length I need! may have to sell my R1c1 flash kit to enable me to get 300+.

SEPkent

12-04-2009, 09:18

Which 300+ should I go for?
120-300 Sigma?

wack61

12-04-2009, 09:37

I'm going to oulton park tomorrow with a Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 and a Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR

I know the VR will have much faster AF but i'm keen to see how the sigma copes, it's a heavy lens though, you need a monopod if you're lumping it about all day

Which 300+ should I go for?
120-300 Sigma?

just noticed you're looking at shooting wildlife, th 120-300 is great for wildlife because you can add the 1.4X TC which gets you to 420mm with no real loss of quality and the 2x gets you to 600mm but there is a drop, the advantage is you're still only at f/5.6 at 600mm so AF still works