Nikon Mount Telephoto (Motorsport)

chrism_scotland

chrism_scotland

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Chris
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Folks,

Looking for a little advice, I'm looking to buy in the next month or so a lens to go with my D7000 that I want to use predominantly for motorsport.

I'm looking to replace a Sigma 100-300 f4 which I used last year with a Sony A77 but I wondered if a lens with built in OS would be of value seen as the D7000 obvously doesn't have IBIS?

I've been contemplating the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 OS which seems to be good value v the equivalent Nikon lens but I have also seen another Sigma 100-300 f4 but I suspect I'd prefer to have IS....

Suggestions gratefully accepted!
 
What sort of budget are we talking about and what type of motorsport? eg Rally, MotorX, track racing (bikes / cars) etc
Are you an accredited tog (ie which side of the fence do you shoot)?

All this will have a baring on the lens recommended, as price reach varies from a couple of £100 to several £1000 depending on the lens.
 
Its likely to be mainly track sport although I'd like to see if I can get along to a rally at some point this year too.

Would be on the spectator side of the fence (sadly) and I'm probably looking at anything up to about £700-£800 for a good lens, I'd be intending on keeping it for a long while.
 
chrism_scotland said:
Its likely to be mainly track sport although I'd like to see if I can get along to a rally at some point this year too.

Would be on the spectator side of the fence (sadly) and I'm probably looking at anything up to about £700-£800 for a good lens, I'd be intending on keeping it for a long while.
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Majority of the tracks have the annoying safety fences, unfortunately this means long zooms or primes.

You could look at the sigma 100-300mm f4 again, its still a good lens, alternative is the Nikon 300mm f4 and TCs (1.4 or 1.7x TC).]

The alternative is the sigma 120-400mm f4-5.6 OS (new / used), sigma 50-500mm f4.5-6.3 OS (used) or the sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 OS (new / used)

You could look at a used sigma 120-300mm f2.8 non OS (used), but that may stretch your budget.

As a Canon shooter, my main motorsports lens is the 300mm f2.8 with TCs depending on the track with occasional use of the 70-200mm f2.8 when permitted, but I was using and still have the 300mm f4 which worked well for me in most situations, although there are a couple of tracks (silverstone) where the 2x TC comes into its own.
 
chrism_scotland said:
I could be tempted by the 300 f4 prime although I'm not sure it would be flexible enough.

I found the 100-300 almost wasn't wide enough at times and wondered if a 70-200 f2.8 with a teleconverter might be a good option.
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Nope, personally never been a fan, yes on it's own 70-200 a good lens, but performance tapers off with a TC, especially the 2x TC and you'll regrete not getting something longer because 90% of the time you be shooting at 300mm +
Unless you want to say, stay at Druids (Brands) for every shot you take.

As more IS/VC/OS most motorsports togs have it switched off as they say it effects the speed of the autofocus.

100-300mm f4 a good lens and fast sharp focusing and the lens does take a TC, and gives you the versatility of a zoom, the Nikon 300mm f4 another great lens, there's quite a few Motorsport togs who shot Nikon use it or there's the newer offerings from sigma.
 
Hi Chris

Can't help directly with which Nikon lens, but can confirm what Pete says regarding the 300F4 lens - I use it very regularly for track motorsport. For my local track I can also use a 70-200 or 70-300 which gives you that extra flexibility... I do prefer the 300 prime though.

With regards to IS - majority of times, it's switched off.

I've heard good things of the Sigma 100-300 / 120-300 and it would certainly be on my look at list if I was considering a new one...
 
chrism_scotland said:
Thanks Andy I am tempted by another 100-300 f4 as it was a cracker of a lens on my Sony A77 and probably one of the cheaper options at around £450... that said the 120-300 OS looks outstanding but it does come at a price!
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I think there's been 4 versions of the sigma 120-300mm

2 non OS version, upgrade was type of glass used (V2 around the £800-900)
2 OS versions, (V3 £1500) again the latest one upgrade in type of glass and also V4 £3000+

The lens is very fast, although still has issues tracking in low light, although can't comment on the latest lens. There's been issues with build quality and backfocusing, but a 120-300mm f2.8 zoom for an affordable price can't be ignored as there are some very good copies out there.

The sigma 100-300mm f4 still a very impressive lens and you're getting alot of lens for £450, orginal price over £1100
 
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