Lens for motorsport? - DPChallenge Forums

11/20/2004 05:30:36 AM · #1

I'm looking to purchase a lens (to fit Canon 300D) suitable for motorsport photography. I want to spend around Â£500, can anyone recommend anything.

So far I've been looking at the Sigma 100-300 F4, any comments?

Thanks, Dave.

11/20/2004 06:50:53 AM · #2

Most of the shots in this gallery were shot with the 100-300 (except the first 2 events which were shot with the Sigma 70-300).

I got a free 2x Extender with mine from Warehouse Express though it cost a bit more than Â£500. This gives me the zoom range I need (I mostly use it in the 400-500 range) but means I have to focus manually - not a problem because I always pre-focus anyway.

Without the extender it has proved an excellent lens for getting driver (and grid girl) shots on pitlane walkabouts - you don't have to get right in the crowd to get a good headshot.

I love this lens. It's sharp, contrasty and produces great colour. A huge step up from the 70-300 and hardly ever off my camera. It is heavy though, but if this 8 stone weakling can manage it then anyone can!

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR

11/20/2004 12:27:03 PM · #3

Thanks for your comments, now where did I put my credit card.......

jmlelii

Nikon D850

11/20/2004 02:26:39 PM · #4

Originally posted by bod:

if you tape the first three pins on the extender, autofocus will work again :)

11/20/2004 03:10:45 PM · #5

Originally posted by jmlelii:

if you tape the first three pins on the extender, autofocus will work again :)

I did have a quick go at that when I first got it but must have got the wrong pins or something because I just got an error message on the camera. I'll have to give it another try and see if I can get it working.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

11/21/2004 12:22:28 PM · #6

I've just been looking at another lens but a bit more expensive.
EF100-400mm L IS USM
Â£1099 from Warehouse Express.
I assume this would be more suitable unless anyone knows different?
Anyone know where I can get it cheaper?
Thanks, Dave.

tfaust

Canon EOS 80D

11/21/2004 05:17:39 PM · #7

Originally posted by davehuge:

I have this lens and absolutely LOVE IT!
Motocross 1 Motocross 2 Motocross 3 These 3 galleries were all taken with that lens.

I highly recommend it.

Jason

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

11/21/2004 05:31:35 PM · #8

The 100-400 is a great lens though I was worried about the Push-Pull action of the lens and the possibility of it sucking fine dust into it.

I ended up with the 70-200mm 2.8L IS and love it and it works fantastic with the 1.4x converter.

tfaust

Canon EOS 80D

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

11/21/2004 05:42:23 PM · #9

I haven't yet had issues with dust getting sucked in ... and I'm sure you can imagine a dirt mx track in Arizona gets pretty dusty! :-)

Jason

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

11/21/2004 05:52:51 PM · #10

Thx - I was going to ask about it but forgot to. :)

11/21/2004 05:57:02 PM · #11

Originally posted by davehuge:

I've just been looking at another lens but a bit more expensive.
EF100-400mm L IS USM

That one will work for sure - most of the pros use it!
I've managed to have a look through one at the track (amazing how the other photographers suddenly talk to you when you have a decent camera!) and the IS was great.

Originally posted by davehuge:

Â£1099 from Warehouse Express.
I assume this would be more suitable unless anyone knows different?
Anyone know where I can get it cheaper?

Not in the UK, but if you're willing to buy from the states you can save a packet. $1 = Â£1 when the manufacturer ships their stuff over here, but if you buy it yourself you get the real exchange rate. Be prepared to pay import duty when it arrives though.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

11/21/2004 06:01:35 PM · #12

Originally posted by tfaust:

I have this lens and absolutely LOVE IT!
Motocross 1 Motocross 2 Motocross 3 These 3 galleries were all taken with that lens.

These look awesome! That's me kept busy for the next week or so : )

tfaust

Canon EOS 80D

11/21/2004 08:11:01 PM · #13

Originally posted by bod:

Originally posted by tfaust:
I have this lens and absolutely LOVE IT!
Motocross 1 Motocross 2 Motocross 3 These 3 galleries were all taken with that lens.

These look awesome! That's me kept busy for the next week or so : )

Glad you enjoy the photos... thanks for sharing your comments :-)
I love taking these! So much fun...

11/28/2004 05:12:06 PM · #14

Hi all, couldn't really justify the price of the Canon 100-400 L IS although I did see a 2nd hand one for Â£900, so I've decided to opt for the Sigma 100-300 F4 may need the extra speed on the dull days here in the UK.

Excellent price too (I think?) Sigma EX 100-300mm f4 - Grade A Refurb with 3 months warranty from Warehouse Express - Â£499.

Thanks all for your comments / suggestions, Dave.

11/28/2004 05:28:29 PM · #15

Excellent. I look forward to seeing some results. The price you got sounds great too.