Motorsport / Aviation Lens

chrism_scotland

chrism_scotland

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Chris
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Hi folks,

Looking for a little advice, I have a Sony A77 on order and I'm looking to purchase a decent lens for motorsport and aviation.

I had been using a 100-300 on a M4/3 body and found that fine which probably means I'm looking for something up to 400mm on a 1.5x crop body to give me a bit of extra reach.

I know there are Sony specific lenses like the 70-400 (Which is too dear!) and the 70-300 G SSM which seems good I've also been looking at some of the non-Sony lenses.

In particular the Sigma 120-400 f4.5-5.6 APO DG OS HSM (bit of a mouthful!!!) but I was just wondering if anyone had experience of this particular lens or any other suggestions?

Cheers.

Chris
 
What's you top budget for this lens and would you be happy to buy a used lens or is new your only consideration?
 
I know it's expensive but the 70-400 is nigh on perfect (& if there is an upgraded version next year that should be even closer).
Never try one if you don't want to end up buying one.

If you could get away with 300mm then the Tamron SP 70-300 USD is great value.
& I know that you know about the lens reviews on dyxum - it's a great resource.

P.S. if you haven't already, put a thread in the "Wanted" forum here ;)
Since I got my 70-400 I hardly ever if at all use the 100-300/4 ...
 
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heidfirst said:
I know it's expensive but the 70-400 is nigh on perfect (& if there is an upgraded version next year that should be even closer).
Never try one if you don't want to end up buying one.

If you could get away with 300mm then the Tamron SP 70-300 USD is great value.
& I know that you know about the lens reviews on dyxum - it's a great resource.

P.S. if you haven't already, put a thread in the "Wanted" forum here ;)
Since I got my 70-400 I hardly ever if at all use the 100-300/4 ...
Click to expand...

I think thats why I've not tried the 70-400!!!!

Stuck a wanted up........
 
Have you looked at the sigma 150-500mm OS as an alternative to the 120-400mm. Its can be purchased from around £600-700 mark, use the TP search facility to find threads with recommendations for the grey market.

The alternative is the sigma 100-300mm f4 (ok no OS) but was one of sigma's sharpest lenses and can take a 1.4x TC so you get a 140-420mm f5.6 lens.
 
Thanks again guys, quite tempted my the Sigma 100-300 as I know its very highly rated, also intrigued by the Minolta 200 f2.8 and x2 TC that I've been offered via the Wanted thread here, doing a but of research!

150-500 does look good but not sure I really need the 500mm
 
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for aviation I think that you would miss the flexibility of zoom.
a 200/2.8 G APO HS is a stunning lens though.
 
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chrism_scotland said:
Thanks Peter, the reviews do look very favourable, just a bit concerned about how flexible I would fine a 200mm prime v a 100-300 lens
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No problems, I've used prime lenses almost from the start for motorsport and aviation, started off with a 300mm f4, then moved to the f2.8

Using a prime in some respects is no different to a zoom, most people don't zoom in and out with the action especially for action photography, usually set a focus length and take images, then re-zoom. Using a prime you just have to think abit more about what you are taking when composing the image which personally is a good think because you thinking more about your photography.

Because its only a 200mm lens, you'll need either a 1.4 or 2x TC which will knock the performance of the lens and you'll lose an f-stop or 2

so 200+1.4 = 280mm f4 or 200+2 = 400mm f5.6

and the autofocus speed will be slower especially if you lose focus on the subject.

Canon 300mm f2.8 IS MKI with and without TCs
IMG_3742copy1.jpg


IMG_3738copy1.jpg


IMG_3891copyb.jpg


300mm F2.8 (MKI) + 1.4x and 2x TC (MKII) stacked
IMG_6377_copy_1.jpg


Canon 300mm f2.8 + 2x TC (MKII)

IMG_5724copy1.jpg


IMG_5711copy1.jpg
 
pete.rush said:
No problems, I've used prime lenses almost from the start for motorsport and aviation, started off with a 300mm f4, then moved to the f2.8

Using a prime in some respects is no different to a zoom, most people don't zoom in and out with the action especially for action photography, usually set a focus length and take images, then re-zoom. Using a prime you just have to think abit more about what you are taking when composing the image which personally is a good think because you thinking more about your photography.

Because its only a 200mm lens, you'll need either a 1.4 or 2x TC which will knock the performance of the lens and you'll lose an f-stop or 2

so 200+1.4 = 280mm f4 or 200+2 = 400mm f5.6

and the autofocus speed will be slower especially if you lose focus on the subject.

Canon 300mm f2.8 IS MKI with and without TCs
IMG_3742copy1.jpg


IMG_3738copy1.jpg


IMG_3891copyb.jpg


300mm F2.8 (MKI) + 1.4x and 2x TC (MKII) stacked
IMG_6377_copy_1.jpg


Canon 300mm f2.8 + 2x TC (MKII)

IMG_5724copy1.jpg


IMG_5711copy1.jpg
Click to expand...


Some impressive shots! I've been almost exclusively using prime lenses for about 3 years between my old Pentax Setup and Micro 4/3 but mainly at fairly "normal" focal lengths i.e anything up to about 60mm.

Never really thought about using primes at longer lengths, that said the speed advantage of having an f2.8 would be handy and as you say with the TC it would become a 400mm f5.6.

The Minolta 200 also has the advantage over the Sigma 100-300 of being smaller and a helluva lot lighter as well!
 
Hi

Father in law has the Sony 70-300 G lens and uses it for motorsport / avaition and gets great results with it. He noticed a huge improvement in AF and IQ over his standard minolta 70-300 lens when he first got it.

I must say though, if funds allowed, he would be shooting with primes though ...
 
I am tempted by a prime, especially as I know the IQ will be outstanding, just not sure if I'd miss the 100-200 range at all, I know that for a lot of things I've been using 200-300 a lot more but always handy to have the lower range.

I guess the A77 also gives a lot of scope for cropping shots too with its 24MP sensor.
 
Since you have deserted us in the OM-D forum (for this week anyway;)) you may not have seen this:

Olympus OM Zuiko 300mm f4.5 prime Manual lens

P8180594-2.jpg


P8180688.jpg
 
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I am lucky to know quite a lot of aviation photographers incl. a few professionals.
Whilst those who can afford them all have 300/2.8s, 500/4s etc. they (mostly Canon users it seems for aviation) pretty much all have 100-400s or equivalents as well .
Indeed, in the Canon system ~£1000 there is always the dilemma of whether to go 400/5.6 (sharper, cheaper) or 100-400 (flexibility, IS) ...

Btw I also have a 300/2.8 but do most of my aviation photography with the 70-400.
Certainly at an airshow type of event/venue I suspect that flexibility rules the roost.
 
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