Canon 70-200 f4 Is for rally?

John Mc

John Mc

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I've been invited to come along to The Mull Rally by my Flat mate and his father(event takes place in october). It's an obvious cause for me to look at hiring a Lens for the weekend. Been looking at Lensesforhire, and ive got a few options, I dont really want to spend much on hiring a telephoto lens, so im looking at the lens in my title. Would this do for Rally work? i want to shoot at night also(im aware im going to need a tripod for this). Or should i spend the extra cash and go for the f2.8 version?
 
I shoot rallying quite a bit and bought the 70-200 F4, I prefer to pan shots so a fast shutter speed isn't a big necessity, carrying the bulk of a 2.8 on a long day clambering through forests would be hard work though so I went for the F4 IS.

Even shooting the Roger Albert Clark at night (and snow) I wasn't wishing I'd bought the 2.8

Have a look at my RallyGB stuff http://www.flickr.com/photos/markmullen/sets/72157625265110485/

and R.A.C. shots, http://www.flickr.com/photos/markmullen/sets/72157625352576113/

all of which were taken with the 70-200 F4 IS
 
Some Nice shots there Mark. I'm taking you used flash for the night shots too? That was one of my concerns, I personally hate flashing lights when im driving, and i want to be courteous to the drivers.
 
John Mc said:
Some Nice shots there Mark. I'm taking you used flash for the night shots too? That was one of my concerns, I personally hate flashing lights when im driving, and i want to be courteous to the drivers.
Click to expand...

I spoke to a couple of the drivers I know before I shot, they said they were used to flashes on stage and were fine with it, that said some of the media accredited guys had off camera flashes aimed at the front of the car which didn't seem wise.
 
Yeah, that's what i'd worry about, i dont want to cause an accident. but i suppose i could be smart and plan where i could put my flash if i want to get front shot's.
 
IS won't be all that much use for action shots like rallies, although it could help a bit with panning.

I'd be inclined to go with the f/2.8 non-IS as the extra stop would probably be more useful than IS and it should be much the same price to rent.
 
I have not had the chance to use the F4 version or f2.8. I know some people who have used f4 and the f2.8 and all of them have said in thier opinions that the f4 version is the better lens. Apparently the f2.8 is not as sharp as the f4 version at the short and long ends. They also reckon that the f4 is sharper wide open. I have been looking at the f4 non IS version to buy because of these recomendations. Thats just my 2 peneth:)
 
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Out of the F4 IS or the 2.8 Non IS another consideration is that the non IS lens is not weathersealed, obviously it depends if you're going to use it with a weathersealed body but rallying often finds you in pretty sever weather (assuming you're shooting UK rallies, not the Dakar or Acropolis!). At Rally GB last year the chap next to me's 40D died in the rain whilst I kept shooting, at the North West Stages in Blackpool (not reknowned for its tropical climate!) I kept going as lots packed their gear away due to the rain. As I say I've never missed the extra stop of the 2.8 but would miss dearly weathersealing.
 
Well,I dont have a Weather sealed body, however, i was going to get a rain cover or something to protect my 500D(atleast just over the mount as to not let any water in). So i guess i'd rather have the weather sealing in the lens to know its safe.
 
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