Input on lens selection for motorsports

Last year I began photographing motorsports. I shot some super bike and GP car races on road courses and shot a lot of motocross and atv races. The gear I used was a 1D Mark IV along with my 70-200 f/2.8L IS II and 300 f/2.8L IS with great results.

I am fortunate to have full access to the motocross and atv tracks and end up strolling all over the track for extended periods of time. After a while, the gear package I mentioned above starts to take it's toll on me due to the weight. I am looking at possibly utilizing the Canon 70-300 f/4-5.6L IS to reduce the weight while retaining the focal length range. I have no concerns regarding the image quality of that lens. I know it's excellent.

What does concern me is that given it's slower speed, will it AF fast enough and accurately enough? I have no concerns on the road races as there is usually a lot of time to lock on and track the vehicles. However, on the motocross and atv tracks, the first glimpse I often have of the bikes and quads is when they suddenly appear over the top of a jump. Immediate and accurate AF is an absolute must in these circumstances. My f/2.8 lenses perform beautifully in that regard, but will the slower 70-300 f/4-5.6L IS be up to the task?

Has anyone out there had any experience they can share using this lens in a similar environment? Your input would be appreciated.

Maybe you can take the 70-200 with a 1.4 extender. That will give you a beter fstop just 20mm lower than the 300mm.

nelisb wrote in post #13965606
Maybe you can take the 70-200 with a 1.4 extender. That will give you a beter fstop just 20mm lower than the 300mm.

I've used the 70-200 with my 1.4x TC in the past, and though it's pretty good, the AF slows down noticeably and it gives up something in IQ.

Harvey_G wrote in post #13965885
I've used the 70-200 with my 1.4x TC in the past, and though it's pretty good, the AF slows down noticeably and it gives up something in IQ.

It slows down because there is less light reaching the focus system in the camera.
The 70-300 has the same problem, and is further hampered by having a slower focus motor.

Focus speed and accuracy is determined by the technology in the body, the technology in the lens and the amount of light available.
It's why all really fast focusing lenses are F2.8 or faster.

Moppie wrote in post #13965901
It slows down because there is less light reaching the focus system in the camera.
The 70-300 has the same problem, and is further hampered by having a slower focus motor.

Focus speed and accuracy is determined by the technology in the body, the technology in the lens and the amount of light available.
It's why all really fast focusing lenses are F2.8 or faster.

Thanks. I fully understand the technical aspect of all this.

For the record, according to Chuck Westfall of Canon, they purposely slow down the AF when using an extender to improve the AF.

How do you carry the 300?

If you reduce everything down to a single body, the 70-200 and the 300 its not to much to carry.

Motorsports pictures from various lightweight lenses.

From a Tamron 70-300mm VC lens.

Byte size: ZERO | Content warning: NOT AN IMAGE

Byte size: ZERO | Content warning: NOT AN IMAGE

Byte size: ZERO | Content warning: NOT AN IMAGE

Maybe you could use a monopod and/or a better neckstrap (BlackRapid / SunSniper etc)? The perceived weight will be less then .

Moppie wrote in post #13966457
How do you carry the 300?

If you reduce everything down to a single body, the 70-200 and the 300 its not to much to carry.

DutchCow wrote in post #13969519
Maybe you could use a monopod and/or a better neckstrap (BlackRapid / SunSniper etc)? The perceived weight will be less then .

You guys are talking to someone that will turn 70 years of age in 2 months and deals with arthritis in his right shoulder, right hip and both knees.

Harvey_G wrote in post #13971849
You guys are talking to someone that will turn 70 years of age in 2 months and deals with arthritis in his right shoulder, right hip and both knees.

Ahh, that would make the 300 very heavy!


I've used a Sigma 70-300 to shoot motorsport, and it did work very well.
But, it is no where near as fast as the 300 2.8 when it comes to focus speed.
The difference is very noticeable, and if you only have a split second to get the shot then it maybe to slow.

The 70-300L is faster than the Sigma but not by a lot, but not nearly as fast as the 300.

Have you thought about renting one for a day and having a play with it?

I have a similar question. I started with a XSi/450D, My wife just purchased a T3.
I have a Tamron 200-500 a 55-250 and she has the 70-300 f4L. I am looking to go with a 7D but don't know whether to bundle new glass in the deal, a 300 f4L or 70-200 f2.8L?

V4her wrote in post #14085083
I have a similar question. I started with a XSi/450D, My wife just purchased a T3.
I have a Tamron 200-500 a 55-250 and she has the 70-300 f4L. I am looking to go with a 7D but don't know whether to bundle new glass in the deal, a 300 f4L or 70-200 f2.8L?

The 7D would be a good choice. It's AF is excellent.

As for a lens, I think if you need to choose one over the other, you should go for the 70-200 f/2.8L as the 300 f/4 would probably be too long in many cases.

I have been shooting a lot of motorsports in the past year and the 70-200 f/2.8L IS II is my 'go-to' lens, with my 300 f/2.8L IS being next in line. I have good access at the track and can pretty much go where I want. If your access is limited and you are held at a distance, then your situation may be different. Mind you, although I have a 7D as a backup, I usually shoot with a 1D Mk IV. Your crop factor on the 7D would allow tighter framing from a longer distance than I have with the 1D.

Pretty much all the images in the following gallery were shot with that gear set-up.....

http://harveyg.smugmug​.com/Motorsports

Hope this helps.