[Anto Modded]

I have a 70 - 300 sigma f/5.6 I find im running out of light when a rain shower or even on a dull day and with the winter very very close it aint gonna improve. What sort of lenses should i be looking into buying next. I was thinking of a 70 - 200 f/2.8 maybe. Anyone know what the most poular lenses used for motorsport are. I also aint made of money either thats why i tend to go for sigma. Any help and advice would be great. Camera is a 350d by the way

[VinnyP]

70-200 2.8 is a staple lens and very versatile not just for motorsport. The Sigma lenses are very good. Digital Photographer recently tested the Canon, Nikon and Sigma 70-200 2.8. Now the Sigma did come third but it was quite close to the Canon They made the point that it was excellent value for money. You will lose the IS of the Canon but at least it wont be white. I am surprised it doesn't come with Sigmas own OS system it may do in the future but they seem to add it to odd lenses.

It also largely depends if 200 is enough reach for the motorsport you shoot. I would still recommend getting a 70- 200 first and then think about replacing the 75-300 with a faster 300 F4 or F2.8 depending on your budget at the time.

[Sonsey]

Originally Posted by VinnyP

It also largely depends if 200 is enough reach for the motorsport you shoot. I would still recommend getting a 70- 200 first and then think about replacing the 75-300 with a faster 300 F4 or F2.8 depending on your budget at the time.

I would also recommend the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 but as the OP's budget is limited I would say adding a 1.4x t-con if the extra reach is needed is a better idea, it won't affect image quality too much and is alot cheaper way to get more length...

...Another lens to look at would be the Sigma 100-300 f/4, a very sharp and well built lens that I can highly recommend (I used to own one), it is a big beast though so using with a monopod would be a good idea.

If you find you don't use the 300mm end of your current lens that much then I'd definitely go for the 70-200 f/2.8 due to the faster glass.

[P-E]

Well I'm hopefully going to my first motorsport (Rally) event this weekend and having been advised by Vinny I will be using a 70-200 IS 2.8L, so I will see how it performs.

I also used to own the Sigma 70-200 2.8 (Nikon fit) and I must say that the IQ was very sharp indeed although........I know of someone who used one for Motox but the build quality was a bit of a let down so I believe he went and bought the Canon 70-200 2.8L.

So I can't say if the IS of the Canon is worth the extra over the Sigma but build quality could be if you are out in all weathers.

[Steve]

I have shot motorsport (rallying) in the past using the Canon 70-200L and got fantastic results.

Unless you are going to be right at the side of the track then this lens range will be just about perfect. If you are by the side you could still use it for approaching cars or switch to something like a 50mm and get some great panning shots.

Don't forget to use AI focus and shoot multishot for some great results and opportunities to do strange things with the final sequence of shots...

[Anto Modded]

70 - 200 seems to be a very popular lense. Its 1030 euro's in ireland which is very dear. Getting it from england cost 499 sterling which works out as 711 euro

[Steve400]

hey anto! me again! i take it its rallying you're taking about? the most popular for photographers in ireland seems to be the 70-200 f2.8! i use the f4L but im hoping to get a longer lens when i get the funds. it works the best, ive had no problems with it as yet when doing rallying...as you well know you can get plenty close to the action!

Steve

[Anto Modded]

Yep its rallying alright. i have a 170 - 500 too but my problem is light thats why im thinking of the 70 - 200 f2.8. i should of bought it first being the dearest lense but i have other lenses i also want so either ways i will end up with it. Close to the action is right, seen a guy up a tree on a bad bend and he wouldnt move for the marshalls but when a car hit it, took him 30 mins to get down, doubt hell do that again. I would be close to get a shot but has to be safe and i always listen to the marshalls.........good to have them on side.

[Steve400]

yea you're just right, i used to do a bit of marshalling and have saw a heap of nasty mashes...and nasty spectators!!

the f2.8 is really handy for forestry rallies where light is the main issue! i was at one today with the f4, it was workable but not your ideal lens for the job!

have you got anything sorted yet?!

Steve

[shipwack]

Lucky for you, the October UK issue of "Digital Camera World" has an article on shooting motorsports...

To summarize, while a 100-400mm lens is nice, they spent most of their time at the 200-300mm range. They also claim that f/5.6 is good enough, provided you pan (which adds to the picture anyway) and use a monopod (which they seem to feel is a must-have).

Hmmm... I get the issues late, being in the States... that issue might already be gone and the November one in the stands...