[daveyuk]

I had my first outing to Brands Hatch with my new 30D plus battery grip, having gotten used to my 300D and 350d having battery grips when I first held the 30D I found to be a bit small and my fingers were very close together. With fitting the battery grip it gives you an inch or so more body to hold on to thus giving you more comfort and control over the camera with a long lens fitted to it. I also found the thumb wheel on the back of the camera so much better and easier to use than the directional arrows that are on the 300D/350D's. I spent more time playing around with the camera than taking photo's but have so say that if there's anyone out thinking about upgrading then take a long hard look at the 30D being that's it's bigger than both the 300D and the 350D and a touch heavier with the grip fitted you do get a much better feel of control and comfort, the top screen gives you all the info you need about speed, ISO, drive, mode and a mutitude of over info.
Any way here's a few from yesterday's meeting.
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8.

9.

10.


As always C&C's are most welcome, thank you for taking the time to look.

[Dabhand16]

Nice shots Dave (is your name really Dave yuk?). As an unashamed petrolhead, and a fairly frequent visitor to Brands before moving to Bedfordshire (and around 45minutes from Silverstone), any motorsport subjects are

Only one comment, and I know it's easily done when you are panning, some shots are a bit tight on the rear ends of the cars. I like to see space for the cars to 'go into', but I also like to see a small piece of ewhere they have come from!! A tad less length on the zoom will do the trick, and you can always crop a bit if you have overdone it.

Other than that, as said, very nice shots. I'm sure you are pleased with them - I would be.

[Markulous]

Some great shots there! Agree with Graham's comment re. space - that final shot looks right, tho'. I find myself doing the same thing, what with hating to have to crop in - but then finding I've zoomed too close!

[daveyuk]

Originally Posted by Dabhand16

Nice shots Dave (is your name really Dave yuk?).

Nope but with a name like David for some reason your instantly known as Dave but when I joined the forum there were a few Dave's around so I thought not many Davey's plus I'm from the UK so I put them together and that's how I got me forum name.

[Dabhand16]

Sorry, Dave - I guessed that was the case and was deliberately being a little thick. Those that know me would say that would not be too difficult!!

As a matter of interest, what lens and settings did you use at Brands?

[daveyuk]

Originally Posted by Dabhand16

Sorry, Dave - I guessed that was the case and was deliberately being a little thick. Those that know me would say that would not be too difficult!!

As a matter of interest, what lens and settings did you use at Brands?

No worries
My lens for most of the day was my trusty Sigma 70-200mm although when I was near Paddock I used my Sigma 100-300mm. My ISO was between 100 and 125, shutter speeds anything between 1\320th to 1\60th depending on lens and location. Mode was set to TV so left it to the camera to sort out what appeture it wanted.
I did try my new 17-85mm and found it to be ok but was lacking in length for the area I was in at the time, I also found the IS was just way to slow for motorsport so I'll not use that option again next time I'm there
I think that covers the techie details but if I've missed something then please do ask and I'll try to fill in the blanks.

Cropping I prefer more space for the car to move into and not that much near the rear of the cars, I think it's a personal choice however I'll try a little less length and not crop sp hard next which I hope will be the BTCC second vist to Brands Hatch.

[Dabhand16]

Thanks for the info, Dave, interesting what you said about the IS not working too well 'on the move'. That 17-85 lens is obviously one for in the paddock.

Agree with you absolutely on personal choice re the cropping, for me, just a bit too tight on the back of some shots.

Looking forward to seeing the BTCC shots.

[Dave]

Just keep Plato & Neal in focus & you're sure to have a good smash soon enough

[daveyuk]

Originally Posted by Dave

Just keep Plato & Neal in focus & you're sure to have a good smash soon enough

From what I've seen lately on Motors TV I'm going to need a pocket full of memory cards the way those two have been going
I'm looking forward to the BTCC's return just hope my knee op is in October and not September.

Hopefully they will have the pits walk about where that 17-85 will come in handy, if I can get into the paddock then I'll give a go in there as well.

[Dave]

Originally Posted by daveyuk

From what I've seen lately on Motors TV I'm going to need a pocket full of memory cards the way those two have been going

but did you see where Plato was pushing Neal side on in front his car at about a ton Excellent racing.....so much better than F1 in my eyes

[P-E]

Looking good davey.......first two look fun cars to drive

[Angela]

Davey, those are some seriously impressive shots! Well done!!

[daveyuk]

Originally Posted by Angela

Davey, those are some seriously impressive shots! Well done!!

Thank you for your kind words.

My next outing will to the Goodwood Revival 2006 on September 2nd so hoping for the sun to shine.