Lens for Silverstone Motogp

I hope you've got strong arms! :D

It's a beast of a lens. I hired one for RIAT a couple of years ago and whilst it delivered some really good images, I was knackered by the end of the day. :)
 
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Only thoughts for… but train well before.

For best results, perform an AF Fine Tune
upon reception.
 
You don't want that lens. It's heavy and requires a monopod. I think the Sigma 150-600 sport or the Nikon 200-500 would be an overall better option. If you are gonna pay the money for something like the 200-400 it needs to be as sharp as the 2.8's out there and I don't think it is therefore not worth it.
 
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If you're on full frame you may well find 400 a little short for bikes at SIlverstone, on a crop you may be ok. If you are spectator side you're going to want long and fast, I can't comment on Nikon lenses but I'd recommend a 500 f4 but your body's AF and drive speed is going to play a part... Speaking in terms of flexibility the 200-400 range will serve you well at brooklands and copse but is likely too short for most other areas on the circuit where the bikes are at the best angle... Just my two cents, I'm far from an experienced bike tog
 
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400mm on FF is definitely a bit short. I was just at Donington and 300 was short at times on a crop sensor. That was from a spectators position though.
 
For the record.....I use a D300.....

Please continue the discusssion though....
 
Hertsman said:
For the record.....I use a D300.....

Please continue the discusssion though....
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you might feel at 400mm that it isn't quite long enough, although you're on a crop sensor at 12 mpx you're not going to be able to do much in terms of cropping... I have to crop in heavily at 560mm on a 22MP body at quite a few spots around the track (you'd be only just longer at 600mm effective), if you can, i'd still recommend going with something capable of 500mm (750mm effective for you) and use your existing lens to cover the sections where you can get close, IQ and everything else apart.
 
Graphix501 said:
you might feel at 400mm that it isn't quite long enough, although you're on a crop sensor at 12 mpx you're not going to be able to do much in terms of cropping... I have to crop in heavily at 560mm on a 22MP body at quite a few spots around the track (you'd be only just longer at 600mm effective), if you can, i'd still recommend going with something capable of 500mm (750mm effective for you) and use your existing lens to cover the sections where you can get close, IQ and everything else apart.
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So you think Id be better of hiring the 200-500mm f/5.6. ?
Works for me as its cheaper by a a fair bit.....
 
Hertsman said:
So you think Id be better of hiring the 200-500mm f/5.6. ?
Works for me as its cheaper by a a fair bit.....
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I really can't comment on the quality of Nikon lenses as I shoot for the other side (lol reading that out loud) :D But it looks to have got pretty solid reviews, the f5.6 aperture should not hinder you too much in terms of the fence as my 400 f5.6 is pretty reliable on all but the brightest of days and the extra focal length should help you more in this regard. There will be a degree of input from your D300 though so not really sure what thats like with focus accuracy and driving a long lens. Take a look at my moto GP shots to get an idea of what you can do at these focal lengths https://www.flickr.com/photos/fireproof_art/albums/72157655674660744 - bear in mind these are on a full frame and most are cropped in a fair bit - either using a bare 400 f5.6 or with a 1.4x (560mm @ f8) - all through the catch fencing.
 
Graphix501 said:
I really can't comment on the quality of Nikon lenses as I shoot for the other side (lol reading that out loud) :D But it looks to have got pretty solid reviews, the f5.6 aperture should not hinder you too much in terms of the fence as my 400 f5.6 is pretty reliable on all but the brightest of days and the extra focal length should help you more in this regard. There will be a degree of input from your D300 though so not really sure what thats like with focus accuracy and driving a long lens. Take a look at my moto GP shots to get an idea of what you can do at these focal lengths https://www.flickr.com/photos/fireproof_art/albums/72157655674660744 - bear in mind these are on a full frame and most are cropped in a fair bit - either using a bare 400 f5.6 or with a 1.4x (560mm @ f8) - all through the catch fencing.
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Very impressive shots mate :)
 
Graphix501 said:
I really can't comment on the quality of Nikon lenses as I shoot for the other side (lol reading that out loud) :D But it looks to have got pretty solid reviews, the f5.6 aperture should not hinder you too much in terms of the fence as my 400 f5.6 is pretty reliable on all but the brightest of days and the extra focal length should help you more in this regard. There will be a degree of input from your D300 though so not really sure what thats like with focus accuracy and driving a long lens. Take a look at my moto GP shots to get an idea of what you can do at these focal lengths https://www.flickr.com/photos/fireproof_art/albums/72157655674660744 - bear in mind these are on a full frame and most are cropped in a fair bit - either using a bare 400 f5.6 or with a 1.4x (560mm @ f8) - all through the catch fencing.
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I didnt realise you were someone I follow on Flickr.....very envious of your work.

Have a look at my Motogp stuff from the past, all using D300 and 70/300...


https://www.flickr.com/photos/30938108@N02/albums/72157655551724384

https://www.flickr.com/photos/30938108@N02/albums/72157647322745892
 
I didn't realise I followed both of you, lookin at the photos I think we were probably all standing together at some point!!
 
Hertsman said:
I didnt realise you were someone I follow on Flickr.....very envious of your work.

Have a look at my Motogp stuff from the past, all using D300 and 70/300...


https://www.flickr.com/photos/30938108@N02/albums/72157655551724384

https://www.flickr.com/photos/30938108@N02/albums/72157647322745892
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Some good shots there, I think I remember commenting on those in here - still like the Marquez one in the corner of the frame. I don't know what it is about images from Nikon cameras but they always seem to come out a bit washed out without processing, make sure you get down to the fence as you'll get some more varied angles :)
 
Ok, so all being will not only have the 150-600 Sig S but also a D500.

I know Silverstone well, having walked round it more times than I dare think.

However, can anyone give me tips on new locations that are now useable with the extra length ?
 
Hertsman said:
Ok, so all being will not only have the 150-600 Sig S but also a D500.

I know Silverstone well, having walked round it more times than I dare think.

However, can anyone give me tips on new locations that are now usable with the extra length ?
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Bikes aren't my forte... but in my experience these are the best spots (also the turning into Becketts through the photo hole should work with the range you have but I dont)...

Inside at Copse. 400mm equivalent
Valentino Rossi - Yamaha by Jonny Henchman, on Flickr

Inside at exit of Becketts... 400mm equivalent
Jorge Lorenzo - Yamaha by Jonny Henchman, on Flickr

Turning into Luffield... 560mm equivalent
Sam Lowes - Speed Up Racing by Jonny Henchman, on Flickr

Banking inside at Vale... 400mm equivalent
Jorge Lorenzo - Yamaha by Jonny Henchman, on Flickr

Turning into the Loop... 400mm equivalent
Barry Burrell by Jonny Henchman, on Flickr
 
Hertsman said:
Ok, so all being will not only have the 150-600 Sig S but also a D500.

I know Silverstone well, having walked round it more times than I dare think.

However, can anyone give me tips on new locations that are now useable with the extra length ?
Click to expand...
Hertsman said:
Ok, so all being will not only have the 150-600 Sig S but also a D500.

I know Silverstone well, having walked round it more times than I dare think.

However, can anyone give me tips on new locations that are now useable with the extra length ?
Click to expand...

Tempted to go to Silverstone this weekend, never been before. Any tips on best locations, lenses and whether a monopod is useful.
 
This weekend is an MSVR car meet on the National circuit. You have the Luffield complex, the first corner, the second corner and then they're back to Brooklands - Luffield again.

300-400mm lens will do, longer if you've got it. Monopod is always useful.
 
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