Motor sports photography

[Nascar Nut]

I am going to the Indy car race here this weekend. I was wondering what would be some of the setting would be for best results on my 40D. My lens I will be using is the 100-400L or the 28-135 kit lens. Thanks for your imput and help in advance.

KC

[DC Fan]

Sports setting or any full auto setting should work well unless the light is unusual. Both lenses - especially the 100-400mm - will be fine.

There's a school of thought that says slow shutter speeds are needed to provide motion blur, and another school that says fast shutter speeds are needed to stop motion. Slow shutters are for artists and fast shutters are for journalists - literally. The Associated Press has told photographers at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to use a minimum 1/1000 shutter speed.

Beyond technique, there's a chance you'll face another barrier in getting images. Not from Iowa but an example of what you can expect:


http://www.fansview.com/racing/irlmis073006a0095.jpg

From the IRL race at the Michigan International Speedway in 2006 from the infield inside turn one, just after a restart where the cars were single-file at the flagstand. Most big tracks now have big fences inside and outside the turns, most likely to satisfy insurance companies. It could be tough to find a space that doesn't require credentials or a high seat that will offer a clear view of the track.

[PhotosGuy]

Sports setting or any full auto setting should work Sorry, but I wouldn't use either.
Need an exposure crutch? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=89123)
This shows how the subject can affect the exposure & why manual keeps me worry free:
Post #47 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=5191658&postcount=47)

Motorsport Shooting Tips, Tutorials and Advice (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=151056)

[ryant35]

I haven't ever used a shutter speed over 1/500 sec, and thats only when the cars are moving towards me. I shoot at around 1/250 sec and lower.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k173/ryant35/IMG_4343.jpg

[lewis530]

looks cool, so clear

[DC Fan]

From looking at the video on the IRL's online feed, it looks as if there are fences around the entire inside rim of the Iowa Speedway. Good luck in finding a clear space anywhere to get pictures.

[Nascar Nut]

From looking at the video on the IRL's online feed, it looks as if there are fences around the entire inside rim of the Iowa Speedway. Good luck in finding a clear space anywhere to get pictures.

I went to a race last year there and there are a few places you can get a clear shot of the track. Tough to get to those spots though because every one is there.

[Nascar Nut]

I think I will try AV mode first. I use that a lot with flying birds. I would think it would be simular.

[Pentaxis]

TV mode is probably a wiser bet if you are looking for consistency in your motion blur.