1.4 extender

SpikeK6

SpikeK6

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Hi guys this year we are having our holiday in USA just around the time of the Moto GP ay Laguna saca.:D

all tickets are booked and was looking last night where our seats are.

We are quite close to the last corner as the bikes will come out of that and past us down to the start finish, BUT we are a little way from the track probably about 40 to 50 feet. I will be taking my 50D and my 100-400 with me but was wondering if this will be enough or should I get the 1.4 to give me that extra reach??

Lighting will probably not be an issue as it will be summer time and there should be loads of available sun light so shutter speeds should/will be high.

Is this a good idea or should I just use the lens and crop when I get home???

thanks

spike
 
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Perhaps you should get down to your nearest busy stretch of road Spike at about 50ft away, and run a few shots off of bikes going past, this will give you the best idea imo.
 
Maybe once the weather drys up abit lol.
To be honest I wrote this with thinking one way, and one way only. and not at the bigger picture so to speak.

I took some pics last year of a hill climb and I got a good spot on a straight but I was about 60-70 feet away.
I forgot I had the pics so had a look at the exif data and most where at the 250mm mark so just answered my own question really.

thanks

spike
 
There is absolutely no way that a 100-400 with a TC will allow you to focus quickly enough for fast-moving bikes. Even the bare lens will struggle, but is worth trying.
 
50D + 400mm at 50' from subject should give you nice shots of their helmets....

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hollis_f said:
There is absolutely no way that a 100-400 with a TC will allow you to focus quickly enough for fast-moving bikes. Even the bare lens will struggle, but is worth trying.
Click to expand...

My Canon efs 55-250 IS focused plenty fast enough even with a 400d at the Moto GPs I went to in 2008 and Brit Superbikes more recently!! A 100-400L should focus fine on its own and I doubt you'd need the TC anyway! Its easy locking onto a Moto GP bike, never had a problem even with my slower lenses.
 
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The final corner at Mazda Speedway AKA Laguna Seca is very slow, the slowest place on the track in fact (1st gear). Also the track is quite short so they use short gears and accelerate very quickly. The stands are quite far away from the exit of the turn though you'll need as much length as you can afford to get them exiting. By time they pass you they may be going to fast to capture with any accuracy (panning). You may also find that you are shooting through the fence as the front straight fence is tall given the speed. If you head towards turn one you can get shots over the fences (and view @25% of the track turns 1,2,3,4,5) but by far the number one place to shoot is the cork screw. Easy to shoot over the fence as it is low there and you can stand next to it (literally lean over it), worst issue you will face is if a pro is standing in front of you. You should not need a grand stand seat ticket to get there either. You'll find a 100-400 here can give you really tight. As with most tracks general admission access can be much better grand stands. I urge you to go tot he cork screw at least once during weekend even for practice or qualy you will not regret the walk to get there. As beautiful of setting as it is there are few good photo locations where everything comes together, back ground, action, light and dramatic elevation change but the cork screw has much to offer.
 
Thanks very much for that Ducduc.
It is a family holiday so I will only be there for the sunday(race day) We will have our little girl with us hence the seats, I will try the cork screw for the practice session in the morning maybe.
I am so looking forward to this now.
I know the bikes are quick I was at The san Marino GP 4 years ago now and loved it, only had a point and shoot but got some good pics with that.

Spike
 
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