1D MK 2 - What lens?

[Ms Yin and Mr Yang]

Hi
I am the in house photographer for a small racing team. Up to now I have been using a Sony H1 with a Sony teleconverter. Performs ok but it wasn't made for the high octane world of motor racing. So I decided to buy a 1DMK2 What a camera!

Can anyone suggest what lens I should buy?
I am seriously looking at an EF 70-200mm f/4L USM.
1. Will the 200mm be enough?
2. Will I miss the IS?

Thanks

Mr Y

[GSH]

More info needed.

Where are you shooting. What sort of Motorsport are you shooting etc etc.

[Ms Yin and Mr Yang]

Hi

I am shooting GT3, Touring cars, VW Fun Cup and Petite Le Mans.

I'll be trackside and shooting the cars.

I use my a590IS for the "people/pits shots."

Thanks

[Radders]

100-400 IS L maybe? if not then the 70-200 f/4 IS might be a good option.

[zildjansg]

as for me, still a newbie though, but i suggest a 70-200 and a 300 2.8 with 16-35 on the side..hehe

[philwillmedia]

For motorsport, no one lens is going to do everything you want to do.

My selection of lenses for motorsport (and anything I shoot) is...

Canon 70-200/2.8 non IS
Canon 300/2.8 non IS
Canon 100-400/4.5-5.6
Canon 20-35/3.5-4.5
Canon 10-22/3.5-4.5
Sigma 10/2.8 fisheye
Canon 1.4x & 2x extenders

All of them get used at virtually every race meeting and this weekend at Bathurst 1000, they will all get an airing at some stage.

I have also used the following...

Canon 200/1.8 non IS
Canon 500/4.5 non IS
Canon 600/4
Canon 800/5.6

It just depends on what you are trying to achieve

[andrewc]

for circuit racing in the UK, on a x1.3 crop body, I'd say 200mm was too short. On a x1.6 crop body I'd say that up to 300mm was just about right for most places except Silverstone. If you had just to have a single lens, then something like a Sigma 100-300 f4 or Sigma 120-300 f2.8 or the Canon 100-400L would be better, and the two Sigma options respond well to a teleconverter.

[KennyG]

At most race circuits (except Silverstone) in the UK you could work all day with at just about every trackside spot with a 300mm on the MKII (done it). I would suggest the 100-400 but be prepared to crank up the ISO as the light fades. Also, for similar money, the 300 F4 is a good sharp lens.

With current exchange rates and Canon price hikes, if you are looking for ROI then I reckon most of us would have to work until we are at least 120

I'll be at Oulton for the "Fun" Cup and my lenses for the day are the 300 for 90% of trackside, 70-200 for starts and 24-70 in the pit lane for driver changes.

[whuband]

If this is all you are going to shoot, then go for the 300 or 100-400. If you are limited by funds, and want a kit that will work for general photography, then buy a 70-200 non IS and a teleconverter and a 50mm f1.8. Just my humble opinion.