A Few Questions on shooting Motorcycle Racing

[Right Cranium Imaging]

I will be heading to Sonoma, CA this weekend for the AMA Superbike races at Sears Point. I am curious if anyone knows general rules for photography there or just in general at a race track. Are there good places that are not obstructed by a fence and if so is the public allowed in those areas?

Also as far as lenses go, what would be a good telephoto lens for this? I was thinking just a 70-200, but going through the Motorsports section it seems people must be using closer to 300mm

[zed]

I will be heading to Sonoma, CA this weekend for the AMA Superbike races at Sears Point. I am curious if anyone knows general rules for photography there or just in general at a race track. Are there good places that are not obstructed by a fence and if so is the public allowed in those areas?

Also as far as lenses go, what would be a good telephoto lens for this? I was thinking just a 70-200, but going through the Motorsports section it seems people must be using closer to 300mm

Several ok spots, just have to walk a bit. Top of 2 over the fence. Through turn 6. Probably the best place, especially with a shorter length lens will be the 8-9 area. You won't be allowed to go anywhere there is not a fence between you and the track. There are other places besides what I listed, but these are the best as a spectator.
The 70-200 is ok for the 8-9 area, most other spots will need something closer to 400.

Jeff

[Right Cranium Imaging]

Ok very good, thanks for the info, looks like I will stick with the 70-200 and hit the 8-9 area. My cousin is in the race (Steve Rapp) so maybe I can get a hook up or two with access. Cross my fingers. Thanks again!!

[drewman]

Do you have mode 2 on you 70-200? I use mode 2 at the track and get some excellent pictures.

[zed]

Ok very good, thanks for the info, looks like I will stick with the 70-200 and hit the 8-9 area. My cousin is in the race (Steve Rapp) so maybe I can get a hook up or two with access. Cross my fingers. Thanks again!!



You should walk all around if you have the time. There are other good shots you can get.

Steve Rapp?! That's cool :D

http://ParadigmImages.smugmug.com/photos/70873046_MSBxY-L-3.jpg

Jeff

[Right Cranium Imaging]

We will be there Saturday and Sunday, so I will wander around a little bit on Saturday then pick my spots for Sunday.

Ha, nice picture, that helmet he is wearing there he sent up for Christmas this last year for an 8 year old nephew. He rode for Jordan last year, but is with Attack Kawasaki this year.

[mangaloreaviators]

I use a XTI, My settings
Manual
Speed- 1/60 and 1/30
AF- AI servo
ISO-100
Aperture-Varies as per situtation
I mark a reference point where my subject will pass and track the Subject from a Distance and click when my subject passes through my premarked reference point.

* I use my 18-55 IS for this as I don't intend to buy any big len as of now. I shoot vehical in Express Ways and Hill sections.

Also I switch between AF and select my Focus point manually as well.
I use the above Tech for panning and I'm still learning. I will post some of my images in few days as my computer is down and waiting for weekend for OS Reinstall.

[Right Cranium Imaging]

My flight leaves out of Seattle here in a few hours, I will post some of the shots I get when I get back Tues. Thanks for all the advice!!

[Right Cranium Imaging]

I use a XTI, My settings
Manual
Speed- 1/60 and 1/30
AF- AI servo
ISO-100
Aperture-Varies as per situtation
I mark a reference point where my subject will pass and track the Subject from a Distance and click when my subject passes through my premarked reference point.

Also I switch between AF and select my Focus point manually as well.
I use the above Tech for panning and I'm still learning. I will post some of my images in few days as my computer is down and waiting for weekend for OS Reinstall.

Thanks, I will take note and use these settings as my starting point!

[Right Cranium Imaging]

Now if someone could just give me settings on how to stop sweating while thinking about having to fly! LOL ahhhh Why cant they just make big open highways and cars that will do 400mph??

[zed]

Ha, nice picture, that helmet he is wearing there he sent up for Christmas this last year for an 8 year old nephew. He rode for Jordan last year, but is with Attack Kawasaki this year.


That's cool.
That picture is at the braking zone and entrance of 9a. When I said 8-9, they are actually 8a-9a.

Jeff