London Motorshow - tips?

Hallsy

Hallsy

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A few of us are off to the British Motor Show this year.

It's been a while since I last went, and that was at the NEC so not 100% sure what to expect!

I'll be taking my camera with me, but will it be particuarly worthwhile? I've never shot at an indoor motor event before.

I'm short of a wide-mid zoom lens at the mo as I sold my old kit lens on with another body, but haven't bought a replacement yet :(

I have 20D with a 50mm f/1.8 and 55-250mm IS.

Should I use a CPL indoors, or will it cause more problems with the already low light?

I'm wondering if I can get away with using my 50mm most of the time, maybe make me work a bit harder, but I could possibly borrow something a little wider if it would seem necessary?
 
I'll be taking my 18-250mm and hoping for the best. Do they allow the use of flash at the show?
 
50mm will be good for portraits and detail shots, will work well in low light conditions. You'll need something wider than 50mm for an indoor car shoot. - maybe grab a cheap kit lens for £ 30 if you're not ready to buy something else.

I wouldn't use the CPL.
 
Will the CPL cut out too much light then? I was just thinking of the glass reflections.

I did try using my 50mm at a Porsche show a few weeks back, but did find myself having to stand quite a way back, so switched to my kit lens.

I may be in a position to buy a new lens before the show (either Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 or Sigma 17-70 - not decided yet!) but if not I could maybe borrow my mates kit lens or Tamron 28-300.
 
A CPL will normally cut 1 or 2 stops of light, so whilst it may aid in cutting reflections, it will cause its own problems. Take it and try it. Its hardly heavy!

There will be thousands of people there so a wide angle is a must.
 
I seem to remember from 2006 that most stands were quite busy at the weekend and lookign at most of my shots were on my wide angle or lower end of the zoom range - 18-30 or 10-22

There's always the chance to grab a photo though if you're quick.

stigjames.jpg
 
I've not been to the motorshow over here for years, but if it is anything like Tokyo I would not bother with trying to take pictures of the cars, there are just far too many people.

If you're going on a press day etc it might be worth it though...
 
Think I am just going to take my 18-55mm lens and hope for the best :)
 
Im thinking about gettin' Canon EF 24mm f/1.4 L USM from Stewart...or Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM its cheaper;)
 
A wide angle is a must and the only cars you'll get any pictures of indoors are the 'special' cars i.e. the ones which are displayed out of touching distance of the public.

You will most likely need a flash as some of the stands can be suprisingly dark and the halls themselves are not that well lit, otherwise the place would become an oven.
 
Slightly OT:

My mate asked if I wanted to take pics there but I said "No" as I thought you wouldn't be allowed to take your camera. Are you guys sure there are no DSLR restrictions?
 
Camera of any type are always very welcome at Motor Shows - manufacturers love customers taking pictures of their cars. The first day is a press day so the pro's can get their pictures first and without the public in the way. After that, it's trade and public days and anyone can take pics with any camera.
 
I'm taking a 40D, a Sigma 12-24 f/4.5-5.6 and a 50 f/1.8

Wide angle for all the cars, and the 50 for friends posing in front of some!

I'm going on August 1st (got some free tickets :)) I may see you there!

Ephemeral: I took my DSLR 2 years ago also and they didn't have a problem with it!
 
I checked on some of my other pics I've taken at car shows (outdoor shows though) and most are between 20-30mm.

I've pretty much pulled the trigger on a Tamron 17-50mm now, so that will be going with me :D
 
Just a thought, but if enough of us are planning to go this year, would it be worth doing a group meet? If we did that we could probably muscle a bit of space at the stands and get some good shots... Not sure what day I'll be going but it will be a weekday and not july 31st.
 
I shall be there on Weds 23rd july, gonna take my new canon 16-35 f2.8 lens with my 5D, and maybe my 70-200 f2.8 for those long shots
:thumbs::thumbs:
 
Anyone been yet? I'm off tomorrow :)

Got my Tammy 17-50 f/2.8 now so will be using that most of the day I guess.

Also borrowed a 380EX from a mate so will prob give that a go. It's not worth trying to use bounce flash then? Will it be a bit harsh with the flash in the 0' position? Suppose I'll have to experiment with FEC.
 
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