Camera Setup for Motorsport

[Sam Trevor]

Hi guys,
I the next few weeks i am of to photograph some motorcross and 4x4 events for a college project.
Not having photographed this subject before, can anyone give me any hints or tips on camera step and lens choice for this type of photography.

many thanks
sam

 

[desantnik]

If you search on here, this subject has been covered (very well) many times over by folk who shoot this subject for publications.... clicky ye olde search button...

 

[Edward Bancroft]

This does get covered in other posts, but my usual recommendations for motocross, 4x4, and rally type events are:

• lens: 70-200mm, or even a standard 24-70mm as you can get close in these types of event and you may want to take some paddock/pit shots
• lens VR: 'on' for most shots, note that some VR lenses detect panning automatically, but others need the panning mode to be manually set
• focus mode: AF-C, continuous focus mode
• picture mode: shutter priority for most shots, ~1/125 for panning, faster than 1/500 for action-freeze shots
• monopod/tripod: monopod preferred if you need support, but most togs do not use either
• frame rate: set to high for action sequence capture

The other rules are the same for other types of photography, you need to compose to eliminate distracting backgrounds, deal with different light and sun angles, and select the more interesting or rewarding aspects of your subjects.

Additionally, it is practice, positioning, and timing, which will get good results for off-road events.

Ed