British GP

[Dave24872450]

Evening all, blessed to have a wife who has bought me a ticket for the British Grand Prix in July for Xmas and plan to hire a lens for the weekend but spoilt for choice. Looking at hiring the best telephoto poss but I'm unsure as to which? My body is nikon D200, any recommendations?? Thanks,Dave.

 

[andyred]

Evening all, blessed to have a wife who has bought me a ticket for the British Grand Prix in July for Xmas and plan to hire a lens for the weekend but spoilt for choice. Looking at hiring the best telephoto poss but I'm unsure as to which? My body is nikon D200, any recommendations?? Thanks,Dave.

Hi Dave

I was lucky enough to go a couple of years ago - 1st thing I'd say, enjoy it, it's a great experience and I loved it, hope the weather is king to you...

Depends on where you are as to focal length required...

We were at Luffild and I managed very well with a 300mm lens (could have done with a bit more on occasions, but managed well...)

From experience, if you are not wanting to carry a couple of lenses and swapping about if required, I'd opt for a zoom lens, a long one e.g. Canon 100-400 (I presume Nikon do a similar lens) - gives you the options of a close up shot / wide atmospheric shot...

Don't forget, it's going to be busy (and possibly wet, it is summer after all ), make sure you've weather protection for you and your equipment.

I'd be organising to hire one as soon as possible, to avoid disappointment...

 

[Fireproof Creative]

^^ agree. Having been there for the last 8 years 300-400 is a good max range to have largest aperture you can afford as you need to get through the fence and the Marshall's will prevent you from encroaching. Friday is best for photography as it's easy to move around, Saturday is busy but ok Sunday you are better of just being a spectator. Various place to shoot from some better than others some stands are ok but not all.... Luffield standing, woodcote grandstand... Exit of copse, club grandstand and a small section of standing the home straight, farm and brooklands all ok. The infield will be strictly off limits unless you are VIP

Check out my Flickr for some examples all with a 400 or 200 on full frame from speccy areas

From 2013 with 5D and 400 or 200 actual gp
from tyre test From 2013 with 5D and 400 or 200 (right up to fence at luffield and woodcote g/stands) sometimes with 1.4x

from 2012 with old 40d and 300mm

 

[Dave24872450]

Cheers for the input guys, really apprecate it. Lenses for hire are offering this for £94 for 3 days Sigma/N 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports - should do? Am looking at Nikon also. I must admit I didn't even question availability so will get on it asap. Cheers. Dave

 

[KevC]

Is it a ticket for race day or other days?

I say that because if it's race day there won't really be much chance for photos because you'll be jammed in the stands like sardines so no real opportunity for panning. Just enjoy the racing.

If it's friday then that's fine. I took a 100-400mm last year and it's perfectly good for reach from most places. As mentioned, Luffield is very good for shots as the fence is low and the cars are at their slowest. To get above the fences in most of the other places though you'll end up with a lot of 'top down' kind of shots but that's the best you can get really. It shouldn't stop you having a great day and getting some good pictures too.

I'll be there friday and sunday as well