NASCAR night races

I attended my first NASCAR Nationwide race this past weekend and got some decent pics, considering the track layout and having to be behind the fence. I am now thinking of going to Richmond, VA for their night race next month.

I have a 5D2 and I was using my 100-400 and 24-105. At f/8 I was able to shoot with speeds of up to 1/600 when using ISO 400. I am concerned that even opening up the lenses to 4.0 or 5.6 and using higher ISO on the camera that there still won't be enough light to get a faster shutter speed.

So I'm wondering how many of you have taken night race pics, and what did you use both in equipment, and settings. I have a CPS membership and can get a loaner, but I really don't feel like walking around with a 300 2.8. perhaps a 70-200 2.8 would work, or maybe just try out a 5D3 and see how well the high ISO works? (I couldn't adfford to replace a 1DX should something happen to it)

mikeinctown wrote in post #16222066
I attended my first NASCAR Nationwide race this past weekend and got some decent pics, considering the track layout and having to be behind the fence. I am now thinking of going to Richmond, VA for their night race next month.

I have a 5D2 and I was using my 100-400 and 24-105. At f/8 I was able to shoot with speeds of up to 1/600 when using ISO 400. I am concerned that even opening up the lenses to 4.0 or 5.6 and using higher ISO on the camera that there still won't be enough light to get a faster shutter speed.

So I'm wondering how many of you have taken night race pics, and what did you use both in equipment, and settings. I have a CPS membership and can get a loaner, but I really don't feel like walking around with a 300 2.8. perhaps a 70-200 2.8 would work, or maybe just try out a 5D3 and see how well the high ISO works? (I couldn't adfford to replace a 1DX should something happen to it)

Actual night racing images. Canon 60D, non-stabilized Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 lens.

Ok thanks for the info. Looks like I'll need a faster lens for sure. The 100-400 I have would need higher ISO than I think I'd try and get from the 5D2.

This was taken last year at Homestead-Miami Speedway. 7D with 300 f/4 IS at 1/200, f/4, 1600 ISO. The photo was taken near the exit of the corner where the lighting was the worst.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/jason_lofing/8​206517573/

mikeinctown wrote in post #16223816
Ok thanks for the info. Looks like I'll need a faster lens for sure. The 100-400 I have would need higher ISO than I think I'd try and get from the 5D2.

You should be fine for panning shots(depending on how good you technique is) since you should be able to use fairly slower shutter speeds. You might even be OK for 3/4 shots(depending how good the lights are) but high speed head on shots would require pushing the ISO and/or faster glass.

I have been using a 7D and 100-400 from the stands at Richmond for a few years now. You can get some good pictures with that combo. I now have a 5d3 and will try that this weekend.

Let me know if you are headed this way, it would be nice to meet another forum member there.

I shot the Daytona 400, but you don't do much panning (At least we didn't as we shot for AP Photo) we shoot with the highest shutter speeds we can to catch the wrecks.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.christopher​rhoadsphotography.com …Coke-Zero-400/i-4C48zdG/A

Hi,

I'm going to the September race in Richmond. I have the Canon EF IS USM 70-300 mm f/4.0-5.6. I won't have a faster zoom lens so no question on that. But I hesitate between my two DSLRs. Should I bring my T4i (APS-C) to gain some focal length or should I bring my 6D for better ISO capacities? I'm leaning toward the 6D. Would you agree?

virginie24jb wrote in post #17085782
Hi,

I'm going to the September race in Richmond. I have the Canon EF IS USM 70-300 mm f/4.0-5.6. I won't have a faster zoom lens so no question on that. But I hesitate between my two DSLRs. Should I bring my T4i (APS-C) to gain some focal length or should I bring my 6D for better ISO capacities? I'm leaning toward the 6D. Would you agree?

You're going to have to deal with the catch fence in all your shots at Richmond. I don't think high ISO will be much of an issue if you're going with a very low shutter speeds to blur the fence. If you don't mind the fence then high ISO is probably better.