Canon

[Craig91]

Good evening people of TP.
I'm not new to the site but haven't posted much since I joined.
I'm looking at getting the Canon Eos 1000D, I used my friends last night and now I have got the opportunity to get one myself. At the moment, i'm using a Fujifilm finepix s1000 but i've wanted something better for a while just haven't had the money. The question I have for you all is, which lens would be best for shooting cars? (still and moving) I attend car cruises/shows and want to take photography more seriously. Sorry if the question is a bit of a silly one, I just thought i'd better ask before buying

Thanks in advance and sorry for rambling on

Craig

 

[danbroad]

In good light, you just need reach. Any 300mm would do it, the 70-300IS is super but any cheapie would look great at f/8.

In poor light or overcast days, you need reach and speed [a 'fast' lens is one with a low f-number like f/4 or even f/2.8 - this means a wide aperture] which gets very expensive very quickly...

 

[HoppyUK]

For shows (as opposed to track motorsport) the kit lens is just fine - 18-55mm or similar range. The Canon IS version is much better than the non-IS which is still sometimes sold with some entry level kits I think.

 

[Craig91]

Thanks for the help, The one im getting is body only and its on pay weekly plan, the same as the lens will be. It's mainly still shots, and some with the cars driving up a small stretch of road so not much speed involved if that helps. Thanks again for the advice and ill start looking around now.

Craig

 

[mipevo6]

Thanks for the help, The one im getting is body only and its on pay weekly plan, the same as the lens will be. It's mainly still shots, and some with the cars driving up a small stretch of road so not much speed involved if that helps. Thanks again for the advice and ill start looking around now.

Craig

I think Jessops do credit, anything on a pay weekly is likely to be crazy terms and you may end up paying silly money...

 

[mattmajor]

Depending on your budget youve got a few options and also how far your going to be from the cars.

Starting at entry level - zoom
you can pick up a 18-200 / 300 lens online for about £175-250

mid-level (ish) - some distance away from vehicles
canon L series 70-200mm f/4 USM - £450+

tbh it all depends on how far away you are and what the light will be like
not a professional but thats what ive seen

 

[Craig91]

I think Jessops do credit, anything on a pay weekly is likely to be crazy terms and you may end up paying silly money...

I'll pop in tomorrow and ask, thanks. and I understand terms will be crazy but I'm on a low income at the moment and this is the only way I can get one.

Depending on your budget youve got a few options and also how far your going to be from the cars.

Starting at entry level - zoom
you can pick up a 18-200 / 300 lens online for about £175-250

mid-level (ish) - some distance away from vehicles
canon L series 70-200mm f/4 USM - £450+

tbh it all depends on how far away you are and what the light will be like
not a professional but thats what ive seen

Well distance for the moving cars is quite close most of the time as I'll be at a meet on an industrial estate, where the cars are inches from my toes :|

It'll be entry level for sure until I feel it's worth me upgrading as i'm still learning photography. Thanks for the help, much appreciated

Craig

 

[mattmajor]

well considering theyre going to be mainly at your toes your going to need something very short and wide, im thinking a 10-20mm (not cheap ***) but a 18mm might be good enough if you can get a little bit of distance (talking 1-2ft)

Matt

 

[Craig91]

I can get the distance, when trying with my friends 1000D last night, I found it better taking a few steps back and taking the shots when the cars (and one bike) were further away and I had zoomed in a little bit. I got some closer shots which looked nice but just found it better when further away. I also got a fair bit of room for still shots in most areas down there. Thanks Matt.

Craig