Standard zoom lens for motorsport on 7D body

Rob E

Rob E

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Hi Folks,

I'm after some advice on a standard zoom lens for my 7D. I shot the WRC event this year with my Tamron 70-200 f2.8 lens and it performed really well and most importantly I absolutely loved togging the event. The only thing the 70-200 was lacking was the ability to zoom out that little bit further when paired to my 7D!

At the moment I have the Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 Di Non-VC covering the lower end of the zoom range, but the autofocus just isnt up to the challenge of motorsport events (too slow!). I'm considering upgrading this to something a little more suited and a bit more "up-market" so to speak.

Does anyone have any advice on which lenses I should consider? Key features I want are fast & accurate autofocus mechanism and good image quality. If its any help, I would like to move up to a full frame body when the funds allow (probably 18-24 months time), so full frame compatibility would be advantageous but not essential.

Thanks for any advice :)

Rob
 
The obvious answer would be one of the 24-70 f/2.8 lenses that are available. IIRC they're all FF compatible but check! Sigmas that are crop only will be designated DC, Tamrons Di II and Canons EFS.
 
A 17-50mm is very short for motorsport, good for in the pits and action shots from a very close distance, I would be surprised if you could be allowed to be that close safely as a paying spectator. You will need something with a lot more reach, depending on your budget a 70-300 would be a good place to start to give a reasonable focal length range for motorsport, there are 28-300mm lenses available if you only want to use one lens to cover most shots, with two lenses the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD is getting good reviews and Canon have a very good but expensive 100-400mm and both Sigma and Tamron have 150-600mm lenses which are also getting good reviews.
 
24-70 would be my choice too. Either Tamron or Canon.
 
When i had my canon gear my goto for motorsport on a 7d was a 24/105 and a 100/400 those covered most eventualities, i used to throw in a 10/20mm in case i saw anything interesting that needed an uwa perspective
 
Personally I loved the IQ of the 17-50 non VC Tamron, but the autofocus is terribly slow. I'd spend the extra and for the Canon 17-55 f2.8 if you're sticking with the 7D. The 24-70L is fabulous, but you'll lose the wide angle ability and regret it
 
Rob E said:
At the moment I have the Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 Di Non-VC covering the lower end of the zoom range, but the autofocus just isnt up to the challenge of motorsport events
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If you like this focal length and it suits you, then there are a couple of Canon lenses to choose from - the 17-55 IS or 15-85 IS, there is also the 24-70 or 105 lenses, but you will loose the lower end
 
I already have the canon 10-22 in my kit bag and its a firm fave. I've never used it for Motorsport though. I've also decided 2016 is the year to go full frame so an L lens is quite tempting to accompany it. I'm planning to keep hold of my 7d to use alongside the 5d.

Next decision is either canon's 24-70 f2.8 or 24-105 f4. The 2nd generation 24-70 image quality looks phenomenal in the reviews I've been watching on youtube
 
Rob E said:
I already have the canon 10-22 in my kit bag and its a firm fave. I've never used it for Motorsport though.
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Then the 17-50's... Lenses would be a good overlap giving you from 10mm onwards.
 
Rob E said:
I've also decided 2016 is the year to go full frame so an L lens is quite tempting to accompany it. I'm planning to keep hold of my 7d to use alongside the 5d.

Next decision is either canon's 24-70 f2.8 or 24-105 f4. The 2nd generation 24-70 image quality looks phenomenal in the reviews I've been watching on youtube
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If this is the way you are going, then I'd be tempted to get the 24-??? Lens and forget the EF-S figment lenses at this time, you could end up with too many options and not actually make a decision :)

I've the 24-105 F4 and it's a great lens and I really like it, the new 24-70 F2.8 mkII does as you say get excellent reviews, but then it does carry a nice price tag with it.

I'd be tempted to get your FF body and see what lenses they offer as a kit - 24-105, 24-70 etc [emoji3]

Have a good new year.
 
24-105, especially if your considering going full frame. 24-70 f2.8 gives you one stop more but is a third heavier, a consideration if carrying kit around a racetrack. I tried both, preferred the 24-105 as the more versatile lens, the extra reach being more useful.
100-400 is brilliant for Motorsport, the range, the ease and quickness of the zoom
 
I think the price of the 24-105 is also much more appealing... I might have a look for a combo deal at the Camera show :)
 
Rob E said:
I think the price of the 24-105 is also much more appealing... I might have a look for a combo deal at the Camera show :)
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Def, but also check out individual prices - for some bizarre reason, occasionally it can work out cheaper.

Enjoy your new toys when you get them :)
 
I'd go for the 24-105 for sure. I added that to my bag of tricks last year and have fallen in love with it. That and a 120-400 Sigma replaced a 28-80 and 70-300 and they are so much better for motorsport I couldn't begin to tell you.
 
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