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Archive 2015 · going to the races...lens setup

  
 
Bacalhau
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · going to the races...lens setup


Hi,
I might end being allowed into normally designated "hot" areas, and for sure in the pits and GP - no restrictions regarding gear, aside tripods
As I have never shot this type of events - and going as amateur only, aside of a 100-400mk2 that I have for either a 1Dsmk3 or 5D2, which other long lens or zoom would be the best option to rent?.
I was thinking of the 200-400, or simply the 70-200mm f2.8 - as single focal, the 300mm f2.8
Then for everything else, we will have a 24-105, 16-35f4 and maybe a 100mm macro and zeiss 135.
Would like to hear from your experiences shooting car racing, and gear used.
Thanks
Phil

- edit :car racing - Portland International Raceway... Rose Cup SCCA
will be two of us, each carrying a small/medium camera bag, with room for a couple lens, water, snacks and sunscreen.
Regular neoprene straps, but I have a chest holster - not taking it, as it will be too hot
It's a three day event, 8am to 6pm, but I am not going to be there the whole time. Most likely Friday morning and then Sunday, most of the day

Edited on Jun 04, 2015 at 12:09 PM · View previous versions



Jun 04, 2015 at 11:16 AM
onesickpuppy
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · going to the races...lens setup


Well...you didn't state what "type" of racing action you're doing....but I'll take a guess its road course or large oval

When I do my road course, my favorite is my 70-200...and use either the 1.4 or 2x on it.
I also will pull out my 400 2.8 on certain areas to compress the view.

You should consider taking a monopod...especially if your going to be on a certain location
for a longer period.

Also....consider that if you are out on course....you don't want to have to be carrying "too" much
as you should also consider your water bottle, small amount of energy bars, etc into your pack
as well.

Based on what you listed....the vs2 of the 100-400 will serve you well, then you can have in your
backpack...16-35, 24-105, 5D2...snacks, cleaning cloth etc.

Also...you didn't mention what type of camera straps you have....ones like the double body one from Black rapid really allow for switching from a body with long reach to one with short reach quickly...



Jun 04, 2015 at 11:39 AM
gocolts
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · going to the races...lens setup


For road courses, this year I'm using a 7D2 & 100-400 mkii with a 1.4 TC if I need it. For around the pits, while I have a 16-35L, I think I'm going to end up just taking the 18-135 STM, I've had great luck with that lens.

Lot depends on the track and the time of day. Is it a night race? If so you'll probably want a 70-200 2.8. Are there areas where you can't get very close to the track? Then 500mm+ will be necessary, especially with full-frame bodies.



Jun 04, 2015 at 11:48 AM
hotdog12
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · going to the races...lens setup


Depends on what your are doing, of course, but my minimum basic system would be a 16-35 f/4L IS for working in close and a 70-200 f/2.8L IS II for most of the rest of the stuff. I would streamline your system to avoid fumbling with gear and just hauling around all that excess weight.

If you are shooting from a distance on race stuff, you may want to add a third, longer, lens.



Jun 04, 2015 at 12:02 PM
Bacalhau
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · going to the races...lens setup


Thanks for the info
I edited initial post based on remarks (my apologies for initial lack of info/details)

really tempted renting the 200-400 vs the 70-200....
setup so far
1Dsmk3
5dmk2
100-400mk2
16-35 f4
24-105
Z135(?)
additional:
monopod
G1Xmk2
S120
270EXII
need one more long focal : 70-200 2.8mk2 / 200-400/ 300 2.8mk2 ?
considering: Sigma 12-24II or 15mm fisheye



Jun 04, 2015 at 12:07 PM
rattlebonez
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · going to the races...lens setup


24-105 & 100-400
two bodies / two lenses
keep it simple

I used to shoot car racing that way one lens in hand, the other on a strap
switch lenses as needed



Jun 04, 2015 at 02:00 PM
Cicopo
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · going to the races...lens setup


I don't think you need to rent another lens at all. The 100-400 should be long enough and remember to use the IS in panning mode. IF you use the 24-105 for panning turn the IS off or you won't like the results. Have you shot car racing enough to have good panning skills? Do you know that you need to use shutter speeds that allow wheel / tire / background blur but thanks to good panning you still freeze the car?


Jun 04, 2015 at 02:08 PM
tonyxcom
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · going to the races...lens setup


You won't need the 200-400 unless it gets dark. If you are panning on a bright day the slower shutter speeds are going to put you in f11+ territory anyway.

If you are inside the fence and behind tire barriers the 70-200 with and without a 1.4x should be sufficient at most tracks. If you are trying to shoot cars head on you'll probably have to shoot from further away and that is where your 100-400 with and without the 1.4x will come in. But it all really depends on the track.

The sun is going to dictate where most photographers are during the day so be prepared to keep all your gear on your body or at your feet.



Jun 04, 2015 at 02:30 PM
Bacalhau
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · going to the races...lens setup


Thanks - the issue here is sharing lenses with my wife . I swear that the 24-105 is welded to the 5D2 she uses...well, not really ofcourse.
At one point she will realize that 105mm is...too short. Hence the need for a second medium-longer FL.
I am thinking the 5D2 with 24-105 and 100-400, and my 1Ds3 with 16-35 and either 70-200 or 200-400 (renting). There is room for third lens in my bag.

I did some boat racing shooting a long time ago... jersey shore

Aside the event itself, it's mostly an opportunity to practice/learn how to shoot this type of event.
Thanks for the reminder on the 24-105 - not aware that was an issue while panning.
depending on light conditions and POV's available - I am thinking keeping it around 1/200 to 1/500, but I know that is not a recipe.

the 70-200 f2.8 with both 1.4 and 2x sound like a lighter option on the bag and wallet

The compound track has NW-SE orientation - but not sure if they run it CW or CCW



Jun 04, 2015 at 02:49 PM
Jefferson
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · going to the races...lens setup


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/478360-REG/Walkstool_WA18_Comfort_45_Large_Folding.html

Jefferson ...



Jun 04, 2015 at 02:55 PM
Bacalhau
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · going to the races...lens setup


Jefferson wrote:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/478360-REG/Walkstool_WA18_Comfort_45_Large_Folding.html

Jefferson ...


actually is pretty good compared with this one:
http://www.rei.com/product/765283/rei-trail-stool
the only snag is delivery vs in-store



Jun 04, 2015 at 03:05 PM
Cicopo
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · going to the races...lens setup


I think 1/500 will freeze too much. I'd limit the high side to 1/320 & go as slow as 1/60 once you get some practice in. Jefferson what would you suggest as the high end?


Jun 04, 2015 at 05:03 PM
onesickpuppy
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · going to the races...lens setup


Shutter speed will vary based on distance to subject and speed of subject as well as if parallel to subject or not


Jun 04, 2015 at 06:32 PM
Jefferson
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · going to the races...lens setup


... You should be able to increase your keeper rate if you don't shoot motorsports all that much, but you are comfortable with your setup. With the cars you are going to shoot, shutter speeds from 1/200 down to 1/160 should yield good results (maybe a few at 1/100) ... if you are steady and smooth ...

I only hand hold ... no monopod ... technique is what is most important here at slower shutter speeds.

I shoot low ISO ... between f/9 to f/11 ... and for motion, 1/200 - 1/100 for the most keepers and 1/60 to 1/30 for "extreme" pans (low keeper rate).

I also shoot manual exposure mode and use the center focal point ... AI Servo ... (I also just leave the IS on ... sometimes you get a stationary shot you didn't count on ... ), and the IS has never interfered with my panning.

Here's a shot at 1/160 ... not a pan, but not a bad angle to have ... it shows "car dynamics" and captures motion ...

1Ds2 + Canon 300 f/4L IS @ f/11 ... ISO 100 ... 1/160. The exif is embedded in the shot if you want to look ...
http://jeffersonposter.smugmug.com/photos/i-7nDZDWP/0/X2/i-7nDZDWP-X2.jpg

1Ds2 + 300 @f/9 ... ISO 100 ... 1/200
http://jeffersonposter.smugmug.com/photos/i-xq48TPK/0/X2/i-xq48TPK-X2.jpg

... Here's one ... This is an early morning shot ... I was trying to use the light that was hitting the car from the other side ... (this type of shot is why I started shooting manual exposure mode ... center focal point).

1Ds2 + Canon 300 f/4L IS @ f/9 ... ISO 100 ... 1/200 ...
You can still see motion, but with this Vette racing in a Historic Car Race, sometimes you want to see the wheels ...not "freeze the but they are part of the classic look ...

You still see tire blur ...
http://jeffersonposter.smugmug.com/photos/i-sv5LL2d/0/X2/i-sv5LL2d-X2.jpg

... Don't forget to shoot the Paddock during lunch ... many great shots and good people at SCCA events ...

Event Schedule ...

http://www.oregonscca.com/media-library/documents/rosecup/2015rosecupschedulefinal%205-30-15.pdf

Jefferson ...




Jun 04, 2015 at 07:41 PM
Jefferson
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · going to the races...lens setup


... Blur @ 1/100 ...

http://jeffersonposter.smugmug.com/photos/i-v49fQP4/0/X2/i-v49fQP4-X2.jpg

http://jeffersonposter.smugmug.com/photos/i-kcrJ2bp/0/X2/i-kcrJ2bp-X2.jpg

http://jeffersonposter.smugmug.com/photos/i-MGKx4KZ/0/X2/i-MGKx4KZ-X2.jpg

Jefferson ...



Jun 04, 2015 at 08:10 PM
Mar73
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · going to the races...lens setup




gocolts wrote:
For around the pits, while I have a 16-35L, I think I'm going to end up just taking the 18-135 STM, I've had great luck with the lens.


You would prefer the 18-135 over an L lens? I'm thinking of buying the 18-135 and was wondering how well it would do on my 50D compared to a 24-105L.



Jun 04, 2015 at 08:33 PM
gocolts
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · going to the races...lens setup


Mar73 wrote:
You would prefer the 18-135 over an L lens? I'm thinking of buying the 18-135 and was wondering how well it would do on my 50D compared to a 24-105L.


I have both lenses, and on a crop, I've had good enough luck with the 18-135 STM to be comfortable using it for the extra range on both ends. Besides, 85% of my shots will be with the 100-400L v2 anyways.

See a comparison here-
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=809&Camera=736&Sample=0&FLI=3&API=1&LensComp=355&CameraComp=736&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0



Jun 04, 2015 at 08:40 PM
Mar73
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · going to the races...lens setup


Thanks for the info


Jun 04, 2015 at 09:59 PM
Bacalhau
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · going to the races...lens setup


Thanks for the replies everyone

great pictures Jefferson

I have decided to rent the 70-200 2.8 instead, but will add the 1.4x and 2x along with it
ION, I have been granted media credentials for the event - just need to sign a waiver ofcourse



Jun 05, 2015 at 01:40 PM
Bacalhau
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · going to the races...lens setup


a few shots from the Rose Races
both the 70-200 and 100-400 were enough and only used the tc's a few times.
The best shooting speeds was above 1/160 and below 1/250 while panning, but different cars and different locations call for variations.
Was fun and I am looking for more in the future.
Thanks for all the tips shared






















Jun 18, 2015 at 01:12 AM
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