Is it worth it? Silverstone F1

PJwebbs

PJwebbs

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Paul
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Next week I'll be attending the Grand Prix for the first time ever, I am so excited as I've been a huge fan all of my life. I was wondering is it really worth it taking my DSLR or will it just mean I'll be carrying a huge 150-500 all day long? Can you actually get decent shots or is it just chain link fences and loads of hustle and bustle? I would like to try and get some F1 shots but not at the expense of ruining the day. I was thing about just taking my point and shoot canon with a 20x zoom and just get some images to remember the day.

What you guys think? Any personal experiences? What lens would be good for Silverstone if I was to take the DSLR?

Thanks for reading!
 
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I've been for the last 3 years on the Friday and taken my dslr and a 400mm zoom and feel I've come away with decent shots I'm happy with.

Silverstone is not easy, fences everywhere and you can't get an opening. That said you can focus through it reasonably easily most of the time.

Friday is the quietest day so depending when you intend to go it may be harder. I'm going to Saturday qualifying this year so expect it to be busier and harder, but that's part of the satisfaction to come away with some interesting shots for me.

Link to previous years shots posted in this forum here:

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/threads/silverstone-underwater-f1.420048/#post-4812560

All taken on Friday in spectator areas outside the fence.
 
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Nice shots, I'm going on Sunday so fear it will just be too busy to get a good spot, regulars will know where to go as i don't have a clue!
 
From what I've heard each day gets exponentially busier!!

Good spots for me (where I took these!) were:

the exit from becketts, nice high speed corner exit, you look up into the Becketts / Maggots complex, easy to focus through the fence and you're on a good level to look across at the cars, background is also ok, can also pan as they go through Chapel

Standing in front of the grand stand at Stowe, had to stand on tiptoes (I'm not overly tall) but got a good eye level with the cars and could pan as they came through stowe

Exit of club,

Luffield complex is also good. You get a great view from the stands and there is an expansive elevated standing area with good views if it's not p*ssing down

Copse, you can stand looking right down the old pit straight, head on to the cars

I think on sunday you'll have to pick a spot and stay there. I don't know what Saturday will be like, I prefer to walk around but will see how rammed it is.

This is what's worked for me, would be interested to hear other peoples views.
 
I'm general admission, I think it's the fact that it will be super busy and I can't be doing with carry the camera all day....
 
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