Motor sport glass - looking at upgrade options

[Stav_98]

Hi all,

Would appreciate the thoughts of you out there who know your glass!

I currently shoot motorsport with my EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 and have been for some 4 years now. I'm starting to think it's possibly upgrade time!

I take pictures as a hobby, completely for my own use however that's more down to time limits stopping me taking things too seriously. Therefore I find it hard to justify spending £1000's on lenses. On that basis I've come up with the following:

Option 1.
Sigma 70-200 f2.8 and 2x tele converter circa £868

Option 2.
Canon 70-200 f4 and 2x tele converter circa circa £800

I have considered the IS version of the f4 - one I don't want to let the moths out of the wallet and two people have been snapping for years without all this cracking technology. I understand IS will help in low light but to be honest I think I'd rather get a decent mono pod and occasionally hit pot luch.

Thoughts?

Thanks

Stav

[andrewc]

option 3.
Sigma 100-300 f4 EX

Also x2 teleconverters will dramatically slow AF and lessen IQ. I occasionally use a x1.4 tc but have decided that now I get better results from cropping. The f4 lenses will no longer auto focus on anything less than a 1D series body with a x2 converter bolted on.

[DC Fan]

Two lenses to consider.

One is the Canon 70-300mm IS USM, (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-70-300mm-f-4-5.6-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx) used to catch Valentino Rossi.

http://www.kevinlillard.com/racing/20090829a0826.jpg


Another is the Tokina 80-400mm AT-X 840 AF D, (http://www.tokinalens.com/products/tokina/afl-12.html) which generated the image below.

http://www.kevinlillard.com/racing/20090911a1242.jpg

Both lenses are priced around US $600. Their reasonable prices give you a chance to keep more of your own money in your pocket. :)

[GSH]

option 3.
Sigma 100-300 f4 EX


Wot 'e said.

[Stav_98]

Thanks guys...I'll give serious thought to the Sigma then...definately be keeping an eye out at the used item outlets.

Much appreciated.

Stav

[andrewc]

If, at the end of this weekend, my Sigma 120-300 is performing well, my trusty 100-300 f4 EX will be up for sale.

[Stav_98]

If, at the end of this weekend, my Sigma 120-300 is performing well, my trusty 100-300 f4 EX will be up for sale.

Sounds good! PM me when you've made a decision! It's nearly pay day and you're not a million miles away!

Cheers

Stav

[jbcrash]

you won't be disappointed with the 70-200mm f/2.8L!

[GSH]

you won't be disappointed with the 70-200mm f/2.8L!

He will.

200mm is too short for a lot of UK circuits.

[Stav_98]

He will.

200mm is too short for a lot of UK circuits.

Cheers GSH, was just thinking that!

[BradM]

Your option 2 of the 70-200mm f/4 and 2x will not auto focus on your 30D FWIW.

[andrewc]

I've decided to keep my 100-300 f4 for the time being and am selling my 120-300 f2.8.

Someone may be wanting to part exchange my 120-300 for another 100-300 f4 + cash, so I may have one for sale soon.