| Author | Thread |
|
|
12/15/2007 10:29:59 AM · #1 |
I recently purchased a Nikon D40x and will be using it for a few races I will be going to in the next year. I need to be able to shoot the cars from a distance as well as at high speed as they pass us. Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced lens for a beginner?
Thanks
Message edited by author 2007-12-15 10:30:36. |
|
|
|
12/15/2007 11:17:39 AM · #2 |
I'm not super familiar with the D40x, but if I recall that camera has to use newer DX lenses. I don't think older nikon autofocus lenses will work (unless you're willing to manually focus them).
So, you might consider the multi purpose 18-200mm VR lens. I've gone to the races and I found 200mm to be a good length. I was pretty close to the track though.
Message edited by author 2007-12-15 11:27:17. |
|
|
|
12/15/2007 11:23:21 AM · #3 |
Also you could go with the Sigma 70-200 2.8 HSM, which would work with the D40x. I have that one on my D50 and absolutely love it. You could probably find one around for about $600. It is extremely sharp, and very fun to shoot with.
|
|
|
|
12/15/2007 11:28:35 AM · #4 |
Depends on where your seats are and how much walking you do on qualifying day. If you can get around turn 7, 8, or 10 200 mm is going to be good but other than that you are a long way away.
For price  jahoward is probably correct, the 18-200, but the 70-200 2.8 would be better plus you could use the 2X converter.
Are they racing at Indy again this year?
This is with a 70-200, maybe around 80-90 mm and I was on the edge of the track at Miller park in SLC.
Message edited by author 2007-12-15 11:31:30.
|
|
|
|
12/15/2007 11:34:33 AM · #5 |
Thanks for all the help.
No they are not racing at Indy this year. Bums me out. We are going to the Canadian Grand Prix, Spanish Grand Prix and Brazilian Grand Prix this year, so I need to be ready. As I am a beginner, any tips on taking photos at races would really be appreciated. |
|
|
|
12/15/2007 11:34:39 AM · #6 |
I think they dropped the race
In 2008, there will be 18 races with the season starting on the 16th of March in Australia and ending on the 2nd of November in Brazil. Grands Prix in Valencia and Singapore have been added while the US Grand Prix has been dropped.
Most events will be held around their usual time expect for the Turkish Grand Prix which has been moved to May from August.
There will be 3 back to back races (Australia - Malaysia, Belgium - Italy and Japan - China.
F1 is worst than a soap opera!
|
|
|
|
12/15/2007 11:38:57 AM · #7 |
Walk the track, find the slow corners or the end of straight aways where they are coming at you. Along with the new lens get a few extra cards as well. I like to set the camera at aperture priority and fire off a few shots. Work on your panning, it adds a nice drama.
|
|
|
|
12/15/2007 11:44:08 AM · #8 |
You can use any of the Nikon Nikkor lenses but the only ones that will auto focus with our camera is the ones that have AF-S on them. I'm sure that you will need to find a fast lens with the auto focus feature so my best recommendation would be the 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR or something a bit cheaper like this one, 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR It's a bit slower but depending on what time of day, how particular you are of your shots, your budget, and how much you really want to take these pictures. Personally I would go with the second one because of my budget but man would I LOVE to have the 2.8
The option is really up to you in every way. I would make sure I get a VR or a VRII lens though. You will be zooming in pretty far so the VR is VERY helpful.
Message edited by author 2007-12-15 11:47:10. |
|
|
|
12/15/2007 11:47:56 AM · #9 |
| We have general admission seats for Canada and are sitting in Grandstand P at the Circuit de Catalunya, right out of a sharp curve. Our seats are in the first row, so we'll be close. Interlagoos isn't on sale yet, but we'll probably be general admission. I'm thinking of the Sigma lens you suggested. Wolf Camera thinks I should go with the Nikkor, but is that for name only? |
|
|
|
12/15/2007 11:53:48 AM · #10 |
You could go with a Sigma if you wanted. And Yes the Nikkor is just the name. I only have one lens so I don't know what the advantage or disadvantage would be from the Nikkor vs. the Sigma lenses.
Originally posted by cintiaz:
We have general admission seats for Canada and are sitting in Grandstand P at the Circuit de Catalunya, right out of a sharp curve. Our seats are in the first row, so we'll be close. Interlagoos isn't on sale yet, but we'll probably be general admission. I'm thinking of the Sigma lens you suggested. Wolf Camera thinks I should go with the Nikkor, but is that for name only? |
|
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 05/11/2025 12:54:47 AM EDT.
