Motorsport. Which Lens?

jammy_c

jammy_c

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James
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Hello All!

I have a Nikon D40 which i'm looking to buy a new lens for.

I'm into motorsports, and that's what i'm planning on using my camera a lot for over the spring/summer.

I'm on a fairly tight budget, but looking to buy a telephoto.

shall i go for the bargain 55-200mm AF-S VR, or...
the considerably more expensive 70-300mm AF-S VR?

I like the look of both, and have been spending more time looking at the 55-200, but now i'm wondering if i'm going to be itching for more zoom after i've got it, and wished that i'd saved for the bigger lens.

Anyone have experience of either or can advise me on which to get?

mainly this year is going to be Drag Racing at Santa Pod & Test Days/races at Silverstone I guess.

Cheers in advance.
 
For me, it's the 70-300mm without question. Having that extra reach makes a big difference, especially at some circuits where you cannot get that close to the track.

If you really can't decide, rent one and see how you get along with it before you make up your mind.
 
Yep, give it a go. I'm planning to do something similar with the 80-400 as I can't decide from the reviews alone! :thumbs:
 
As a slight thread hijack, what would anyone recommend for a canon user ? Canon 100-400?
 
Depends what kind of motorsport - Would be a good lens for road racing and touring cars (closed circuit), but if you can get close like you can at Motocross you'd be better off with a 70-200mm L 2.8 . I shoot mainly motocross and use a 28-300mm L.

Andy
 
Jamesemt said:
As a slight thread hijack, what would anyone recommend for a canon user ? Canon 100-400?
Click to expand...

depends how much you want to spend.

Canon 70-200 f4 L
Sigma 100-300 f4EX
Canon 70-200 f4 L IS
Canon 300mm f4 IS
Canon 400mm f5.6
Canon 70-200 f2.8 L
Canon 100-400 f4.5 - f5.6 IS L
Canon 70-200 f2.8 L IS
Sigma 120-300 f2.8

Sigma 500mm
Canon 600mm IS
 
I started off in motorsport with the Canon 55-250 (F4 - 5.6) on a 400D which I thought gave enough reach. I then upgraded to a 300mm F4 which was a faster lens and a little more reach just before going full frame.

I sold the 55-250mm and now use the 300mm on my Canon 5D which is a great combination. Even at Silverstone though, I consider the 55-250 adequate - if you choose the right locations you can still get some great pictures :thumbs:
 
jammy_c said:
Were did you find the best deal for the lens?
Click to expand...

You'd be suprised.:eek:

Try Argos(£391) and if you get one of there cards you can get 'buy now pay in 6 months'. When I first noticed they had one I thought 'bit expensive' but there prices are fixed as everybody else has gone skywards.They can go for upto £360 on ebay:cuckoo:

I used there buy now pay 12 months to get my D60 twin lens kit.:thumbs:
 
I'd definitely recommend the Nikon 70-300 VR as the best low budget motorsport lens. I know its not exactly "cheap" but its the right side of the line for being able to get some decent shots with.

For the money there is nothing else anyone makes for Nikon fit that comes close.

If you want the Canon equivalent, get their 70-300 IS, it is a belter and half the time people didn't believe I was shooting using only that - yes it is that good.
 
Jamesemt said:
As a slight thread hijack, what would anyone recommend for a canon user ? Canon 100-400?
Click to expand...

andrewc said:
depends how much you want to spend.

Canon 70-200 f4 L
Sigma 100-300 f4EX
Canon 70-200 f4 L IS
Canon 300mm f4 IS
Canon 400mm f5.6
Canon 70-200 f2.8 L
Canon 100-400 f4.5 - f5.6 IS L
Canon 70-200 f2.8 L IS
Sigma 120-300 f2.8

Sigma 500mm
Canon 600mm IS
Click to expand...

As I always bang on about in this kind of thread, add the Sigma 120-400mm f4.5-5.6 OS HSM to that list. Excellent lens for the money, and is equally applicable to Nikonites as well.
 
Do Sigma do a good alternative? a 300mm HSM with Sigma's version of VR (do they call it DC or something?)

Cheers for the alternatives. they're all a bit pricy for me atm though i'm afraid. not looking to spend more than £400.
 
I don't think any of their 300mm lenses have the optical stabilisation yet. The Sigma 120-400mm I've suggested can be had for just over 500 quid at the moment. A little outside your budget I know, but not massively so.
 
cheers for the link. however, i'd much rater get it from Argos for £2 less! :thumbs: think i would be a bit squeemish ordering something from HK worth more than a tenner. :lol:

Cheers for the link Foggy!
 
jammy_c said:
cheers for the link. however, i'd much rater get it from Argos for £2 less! :thumbs: think i would be a bit squeemish ordering something from HK worth more than a tenner. :lol:

Cheers for the link Foggy!
Click to expand...


Glad to help, its a cracking lens. It looks the dogs danglies on my D60:D

You need to get to some track days to test it out. I'm hoping to try mine at Cadwell next saturday.
 
Cool. Would you mind posting some piccies on here after you've been? :) just watched a review of the lens on youtube (click here).

It does look awesome. I must admit! ;) :thumbs:

Do you use it free-hand or on a monopod/tripod?
 
Have a look at a lot of my motorsport threads from last year... most of those are Canon 30D and 70-300 IS.... the EXIF will show you... if its 300mm or greater its not the 70-300, but the 300F4, but have a rumage.

I still look at them and am pleased, despite having moved onward and upward!
 
I got the 70-300 AF-S VR for my D40 recently and it is bang on for motorsport, much better than the 55-200 (although I have got the non VR model). I used it on Friday for my first test day at snetterton. Have a look in the motorsport photo section at the thread - all the photo's were taken with it.
 
Awesome, guys, some great shots! :thumbs:

Just gotta work out how to free up the funds whilst paying off the upcoming wedding in August. :thinking:

and convincing the missus it's a good idea! :nono: lol :lol:
 
jammy_c said:
and convincing the missus it's a good idea! :nono: lol :lol:
Click to expand...

This bit is easy, you have to base your argument on value.
Your mate needs the long lens to get some nice backup shots at the wedding without getting in the pro's way.
The fact that you also have a use for the lens after the event just adds value to the deal :thumbs:
 
cyclone said:
This bit is easy, you have to base your argument on value.
Your mate needs the long lens to get some nice backup shots at the wedding without getting in the pro's way.
The fact that you also have a use for the lens after the event just adds value to the deal :thumbs:
Click to expand...

:lol: I like your thinking! :clap: although i've already let slip that I want to get it for the drag racing at SantaPod next month. i could say it needs testing out. ;) lol.
 
Ah, something else I meant to ask. how does the VR function affect battery life?
 
Hard to say really.
I only ever turn VR off when I use a tripod, and I can get 800 shots on a battery with my D80.
Never done a VR/Non VR battery test.
 
Cheers for all your assistance, guys! the 70-300 has been ordered courtesy of Dixons - £351 (with a £10-off promo code) + £4.95 del.! :thumbs: :)
Cant wait!
 
A good price, think you'll be pleased with that!
 
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