What lenses are these - 400's?

Hard to tell from the pic, but any idea what lenses these are? 400's? It's a motorsports event.

I'm trying to decide on a telephoto and I don't know if a 300 f/2.8 would be long enough on FF, or if I would need a 400. A 300 would give me the flexability to get wider, and get closer with TC's. Since they're plenty pricey, I would wanna make the right choice. I'll probably need to rent first to help with the decision.

A 400, or even 500 would of course be sweet for wildlife, but I'm afraid they would be too long for motorsports.

The both look like 400 f/2.8's to me.

TheBrick3 wrote in post #15689580
The both look like 400 f/2.8's to me.

That's my guess. But I've never seen many 400's and 300's up close, so it's hard for me to tell. They look more like 400's, but whether they're f/2.8's is ever harder for me to tell. 2.8's would of course be much more flexable for TC usage.

Like an idiot, I didn't ask...

They're not the 300mm f/2.8 - either they're the 400mm or 500mm telephotos.


Why not rent one or two before spending the money to find out what works best for you?

Also- there's little need, IMO, for a fast telephoto for motorsports. Most track events are outdoors, typically at the brightest parts of the day. A 100-400mm or a 400mm f/5.6 would do just fine.

If you want the big expensive telephoto, go for it. But I don't think you need the large glass for what you're looking to do.

as for wondering how much length you need...did you ever aim your camera at the track?

400 f/2.8s

The one on the left may be an older 400mm non IS.

Another 400.

Yep, I'll go with 400/2.8's as well and agree that the one on the left is probably the non IS.
Note the difference in the rubber grips.
Shooting a lot of motorport and having used a 500, I wouldn't say it's too long. It just depends how you're going to use it.
I have a mate who uses his for rallying and off road events.
At Melbourne F1, I even go as far as using both the 600 and 800.

btw...those blokes in the photo really need to get out in the sun.
They look a bit pale.

Both 400 2.8's. One on the left is one of the older Non-IS models, the other one on the right is a new 400 2.8 IS II series.

Thanks to everyone for the replys! I thought someone here might recognize them by sight.

I shot my 100-400 and 70-200 f/2.8 II at the track all year last year, mostly on full frame, but also some with my7D. For the most part, 400 was long enough, but of course the 100-400 is not as sharp as the 400 tele's. There were some places where 400 mm was not long enough, even with the 7D.

f/2.8 would allow using TC's to reach farther. And it would also allow some creative capability for things like the lead car in focus with the rest of the pack out of focus.

Thanks again for all the replies. Now I just have to convince myself to part with that much coin for a lens

Im going to try Focalplot and check out my focal lengths that I used at the track last year.

And yes, those blokes in the pic I posted are pale faces