Best Panning Lens (Nikon Fit)

[ukaskew]

I currently have a Sigma 120-300 2.8 and although it's a lovely sharp lens, it's never really kept up with me in terms of motorsport panning, I previously had a Nikon 80-200 2.8 AFS and it would handle absolutely everything I could throw at it (locking back on instantly with a large fence post mid-pan etc), helping me achieve sharp shots at some fairly bonkers speeds. Shots like this: http://chrisharrison.smugmug.com/Motorsport/Castle-Combe-14-15-July-2007/DSC3465a/173258171_9USgW-XL.jpg I just can't achieve any more, despite that being 3 years ago and having an awful lot more practice since then.

Is there anything else that's worth a try? It needs to have plenty of weight to it (I simply cannot pan well with a light lens) and incredibly fast AF, length isn't a big issue, 200mm is fine.

I'm guessing going back to an 80-200 AFS (if I can find one) is probably going to be the best idea, has anyone compared it to the new 70-200 2.8 VR lens?

 

[Ozei]

Nikon 70-200 VRII.

 

[realspeed]

Don't do motorsport photography but my guess is it depends how far away you are from the action as to which lens to use.

If you stood infront of a car racing towards you, the 50mm f1.4 would make a cracking shot.
:shrug: :shake::shake:

Realspeed

 

[Chrisbie]

I do lots of motorsport and panning
best panning lens if you can get close enough Nikon 50mm but its not heavy
from further back I also use Nikon 300mm f4 D AF-S IF ED that is heavy
When I want flexibility Nikon 70-300VR is good but not as good as the 300 prime.
However
Practice makes perfect....