What is the best lens for shooting supercross/motocross?

[DdavisMotocross]

I don't have a lot of money, but what is the best lens for shooting supercross/motocross? I was thinking about renting a lens for when I go shoot at the races, I think I need a telephoto lens around 50-300 range, I need the colors to "POP!" and need the subject to be crystal clear. I heard the 70-200mm f2.8 is the best lens, and want to rent it for a race next weekend (15th). What do you guys recommend who shoot motocross, thanks.

[DC Fan]

It all depends on how close you can get -- or want to get -- to the action.

From a Tokina 80-400mm lens.



Focal Length: 320.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure Time: 0.0025 s (1/400)
ISO equiv: 5000
Exposure Bias: none
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: shutter priority (semi-auto)
White Balance: Auto
Flash Fired: No (enforced)
Orientation: Normal
Color Space: sRGB



From a Tamron 18-200mm lens.



Focal Length: 28.0mm
Aperture: f/3.5
Exposure Time: 0.0040 s (1/250)
ISO equiv: 1250
Exposure Bias: none
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: shutter priority (semi-auto)
White Balance: Auto
Flash Fired: No (enforced)
Orientation: Normal
Color Space: sRGB



There is no single ideal lens, because there is no single ideal distance or framing of the action. You must first decide the kind of image you want to create, and then chose the most cost-effective lens to get that image. If you're daring and determined enough to get very close to the riders, then a wide-angle lens will be best. A telephoto lens will work best if you want to work at a distance. No one can make that decision for you.

[DdavisMotocross]

I think I'm going to rent the 70-200mm f2.8 IS lens for the weekend and see what I end up with.

[MT Stringer]

Originally Posted by DdavisMotocross

I think I'm going to rent the 70-200mm f2.8 IS lens for the weekend and see what I end up with.

Most likely you will be too short on focal length. 300-400mm at least. Of course I guess that depends on how close you are to the action.

[DdavisMotocross]

In May, I shot with it a 50-250mm lens and the focal length was fine, I need the f2.8 more than anything

[Big A]

70-200 f/2.8 is your best bet (wouldn't worry about IS). If money is no object then go for the 300 prime. Depends really if you are shooting from spectator areas or on track?

[motofan]

everyone carries a 70-200 F2.8L with them at the track for the most part, from there they will branch out to the 300F2.8's and other lenses, if you are just shooting local stuff 70-200 is about the best focal length to start with, and branch out from there.

[82NoMe]

I get good track access so my go to lens is a 135L. Fast focusing and super sharp.

[Ingerson"PCD"]

My budget only allowed me to get the 70-200 F4 L non IS. I love this lens and it gets some great shots, even in the low light of the SX night show.

[ette]

I use 2.8 70-200 and/or 2.8 300mm for all MX during racing action

[DC Fan]

Some images from a cross-country ATV race.



Focal Length: 18.0mm
Aperture: f/10.0
Exposure Time: 0.0040 s (1/250)
ISO equiv: 1600
Exposure Bias: none
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: program (Auto)
White Balance: Manual
Flash Fired: No (enforced)
Orientation: Normal
Color Space: sRGB





Focal Length: 32.0mm
Aperture: f/4.5
Exposure Time: 0.0025 s (1/400)
ISO equiv: 640
Exposure Bias: none
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: shutter priority (semi-auto)
White Balance: Manual
Flash Fired: No (enforced)
Orientation: Normal
Color Space: sRGB




Focal Length: 130.0mm
Aperture: f/7.1
Exposure Time: 0.0031 s (1/320)
ISO equiv: 100
Exposure Bias: none
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: program (Auto)
White Balance: Auto
Flash Fired: No (enforced)
Orientation: Normal
Color Space: sRGB



At this event, you could get as close to the riders as you dared, or hang back from the course. Because of the wide range of useful focal lengths, and because of the constant spray of mud from the riders, the strategy was to put a Canon 18-200mm IS lens on the camera in a clean area, and leave the lens in place.