Some Hillclimb shots from Gurston.

[Cadwell]

I got to try my "invalids" out yesterday. The 1D Mark II and the 100-400L have recently come back from Canon repair. The 100-400L in particular has been back 3 times and I still wasn't totally sure that I was happy with it. My copy used to be wonderfuly sharp. Not as good as my Sigma 120-300mm but more than "good enough" for most uses... So I decided I would try the lens out during the practice session and give it one last chance.

#1
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/ukmotorsportpics/gurston2/LJ8J8147.jpg

#2
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/ukmotorsportpics/gurston2/LJ8J8167.jpg

#3
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/ukmotorsportpics/gurston2/LJ8J8169.jpg

#4
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/ukmotorsportpics/gurston2/LJ8J8209.jpg

#5
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/ukmotorsportpics/gurston2/LJ8J8210.jpg

Of course, I wasn't silly enough to shoot the whole day with the 100-400L... here are a couple with the trusty 120-300mm shot wide open at 300mm for a narrow depth of field.

#6
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/ukmotorsportpics/gurston2/LJ8J8285.jpg

#7
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/ukmotorsportpics/gurston2/LJ8J8290.jpg

I think I am now confident enough in it to use the 100-400L in anger again. :) It was never the greatest lens in the world, but it is pretty good and extremely portable for the reach it gives you. I'm glad to have it back!

[busterboy]

There is nothing wrong with those Cadwell. Well done..:)

[PhotosGuy]

Nice shots! I think the Sigma ones do look better, but they're also darker, so maybe that accounts for it. Won't calling the Sigma better get your "L" Club membership revoked? ;-)

[ARTSPACE]

The Red Porsche is brilliant!

[Cadwell]

Nice shots! I think the Sigma ones do look better, but they're also darker, so maybe that accounts for it. Won't calling the Sigma better get your "L" Club membership revoked? ;-)

:lol: Nah, my heretical views are well known ;) and the Sigma shots always look better.

The 100-400L has it's advantages - it's compact, light enough to hand hold, is 400mm and has decent optics. I bought it to be a lighter alternative to the Sigma for days when photography is not my prime concern or the likes of airshows.

The Sigma, however, has noticeably better optics, focuses faster, is two stops faster than the Canon at 300mm (in reality you need to stop the Canon down a little as it's a bit soft wide open but the Sigma is tack sharp so it's nearer 3 stops in partical terms) and is built like a brick outhouse. Stick a 1.4x TC on it and you have a 420mm f/4.0 lens with optics that are still more than a match for the 100-400L.

[coatsie]

Great shots - like the Porsche. Was the weather the same in the first lot as they are darker but like them.


Mal

[Cadwell]

Great shots - like the Porsche. Was the weather the same in the first lot as they are darker but like them.

Mal

Hi Mal. The second two were taken much later in the day so the light had changed direction and intensity. The shots with the 100-400L were taken in fairly flat morning light. Quite even lighting conditions and easy to cope with. The stuff with the Sigma was taken in very bright, harsh afternoon sunlight and I was running the camera 2/3rds of a stop down to avoid masses of blown highlights on the white areas of the cars and reflections off the paintwork. The Sigma does tend to produce higher contrast images than the 100-400L anyway though, so that has something to do with it as well.

[PhotosGuy]

Thank's for the Sigma info. I'll keep that in mind. ;-)

[lost]

I really like the 3rd photo with the porche. You can see his left front tire is off the ground. Shows how hard he was getting on the corner. Or its just wheel hop from the curb.

[Cadwell]

I really like the 3rd photo with the porche. You can see his left front tire is off the ground. Shows how hard he was getting on the corner. Or its just wheel hop from the curb.


Thanks :) I suspect that's more power lift than kerb.

[Skip Souza]

The contrast and colors of the red Porsche is wonderful but the Morgan has my heart.

You're right. The 100-400 is crap, you should send it to me and I will dispose of it properly for you. ;-)
Once again you have done an outstanding job.

[Cadwell]

I'll make up my mind after I see how it performs this weekend ;)

I have finally got the Gurston Down Hillclimb Collection (http://gallery.ukmotorsportpics.com/c587871.html) processed and posted in my gallery. Please click to have a look ;)

[Skip Souza]

I see the Honda logo on the cowl. http://gallery.ukmotorsportpics.com/p16576304.html
What is this beaut?

[Cadwell]

That's a Westfield Megablade. The body and chassis are a development of the old Lotus 7. The engine is an 893cc Honda motorbike unit, hence the logo. 128bhp and 0-60mph in 4.1 seconds. Top speed is nothing special, but then it has all the aerodynamics of a half house brick. Fun car.

[Simon Harrison]

Great shots Glenn. Really like #4 - the haze from the exhaust and the drivers eyes make the shot for me.

Cheers,

Simon.