Camera for Drag Racing

[Nmura]

In a couple months I'll be heading to Pomona, CA. for the NHRA Winternationals. I have a 5D MKII and recently purchased a used 1D MKII. I plan to take photos of cars going down the strip side by side as well as the pit area. Bringing along the 70-200 2.8 IS and 24-70 2.8, but only 1 camera. Any suggestions which camera to bring.

[philwillmedia]

Use them both

[Hartness53]

Put a different lens on each one, a lot easier than changing lenses all the time.

[sandpiper]

OK, I agree with the posters above who suggest taking both - I carry two at drag races with 24-105L and 100-400L mounted.

However, that doesn't answer your question where you say you are only taking one. No question about it in my mind - the 1D mk II is waaay better than the 5D mk II here.

[Nmura]

Thanks Sandpiper. 1DmkII - more focus points, 8 fps.

[sandpiper]

Thanks Sandpiper. 1DmkII - more focus points, 8 fps.

Yeah, fps is very important as stuff happens VERY quickly and if an engine explodes you can miss it between frames on a 5D. Also the cars are so fast, the AF needs to be the best to keep up with the rapidly closing distances.

[andrewmr]

Thanks Sandpiper. 1DmkII - more focus points, 8 fps.

Not only that, but the focus may be better on the 1D. I say may be as I've never used a 5DMKII but I used to own a 5D and a 1DMKII and the 1D is a much better sports camera.

[Tom Reichner]

Like the others have said, the real issue here is frames per second, and the 1D2 smokes the 5D2. Also, as mentioned above, the 1D2 has more focus points, which will almost certainly help you to properly frame the cars as they are coming at you. You really don't want to have to have your lens zoomed out farther than you need just to keep a focus point on the lead car - this results in too much wasted sensor space that just needs to be cropped out later.

The 5D2 would be great for walking around and taking pics of the venue, the track, fans, and detail shots of the cars when they're not moving.

[crn3371]

If it's only 1 body, than the 1D for sure. I'm a regular visitor to Pomona. You'll appreciate the 1D for its focusing and frame rate, and the slight crop will give you a little extra reach. While the weekend offers the most racing, I find Thursday or Friday more enjoyable (especially Thurs.). The crowds are less, and you have much more freedom to roam around the stands in order to get different perspectives for your photos.