What tele lens for motorsports

Hi guys,

I'm looking for a telephoto lens to shoot cars at race tracks.
What I have got now is a 70-200 L IS and a 2x converter.
When I had a 10D I was satisfied with this setup. But now the MkII is more demanding in terms of speed and glass quality.
I think I need at least a 400mm lens.
For the moment, I'm considering 2 lenses : the reasonably priced 100-400L IS or the sigma 500mm F/4,5 (canon 500mm F/4L IS is out of budget)
What do you guys think of that ?
(other alternatives are welcome )

Thanks for your help.


MikeG

It depends how close you can get. If you have access to the press windows (holes in the fence for media photogs), the 70-200 would most likely be just fine. I use a 70-200f4 and a 300f4IS from the press windows and I really don't need much more length than that. But it all depends on how close you can get.

$.02

The one to the left of this post is what you need. (400 2.8)

As mentioned it all varries on the distance.
I like my 70~200mm f2.8 with (and without) a 1.4TC.
I also want a 300mm f4 IS L eventually, but it's at the end of the list.

I use the 100-400L.. MotoX, Drag, Sport bike, and Ice racing..

I find the Sigma 500/4.5 to be a fantastic motorport lens

Benandbobbi wrote in post #2956106
The one to the left of this post is what you need. (400 2.8)

A fine lens and no mistake, but if the 500/4 is out of the OP's budget, then I think we know which side of the budget the 400/2.8 sits!

Hi

Another one to consider is the Sigma 120-300, which works well with a 1.4 teleconverter. I have this and also have a Canon 100-400. The Canon lense rarely gets used.

All the best

Keith

Madweasel wrote in post #2956453
A fine lens and no mistake, but if the 500/4 is out of the OP's budget, then I think we know which side of the budget the 400/2.8 sits!

So there really are people that sitck to budgets? You mean I actually have to pay this stuff off? Oops.

300 2.8 L IS might work. Add a converter, still great IQ.

Benandbobbi wrote in post #2956650
So there really are people that sitck to budgets? You mean I actually have to pay this stuff off? Oops.

LOL!

If you find yourself shooting at 400mm all the time, then I would seriously consider the Sigma 500mm f4.5 rather than a shorter lens and then adding a TC to it. Have a look at the stuff JuZ and Cadwell post overon the motorsport forum for just how good a motorsport lens that is. If you only go to 400mm+ every once in a while, then I would look at the Sigma 120-300 f2.8. It will take a 1.4 TC very well, and can produce good results with a 2X TC as well plus you keep the flexibility of a zoom and have the f2.8 and all the benefits that brings in terms of focusing.

Bottom line is you need to work out which focal lengths you usually shoot at and what flexibility you need and then choose your lens accordingly. If you are choosing between the 100-400 and the sigma 500, then for what it's worth I'd take the sigma every time.

Cheers,

Simon.

I primarily use the 70-200 2.8IS in occassional combination with the 1.4x teleconverter, but I usually have media access. If I had to shoot from the stands, I would first get the Canon 100-400 zoom, since I'd want the flexibility of a zoom when stuck in a fixed location, and the reach that that lens provides. My other alternative would be the 300 f/4 in combination with the 1.4x (I would avoid the 2x TC with this lens from an IQ and autofocus standpoint).

Keep in mind that at some events, track security will not allow you to bring "pro-grade" equipment into the general grandstands. That would probably include anything longer and larger than the 300 f/4 or the 100-400 lens.

Well, thanks guys for all your fast replies.
First of all I have media access to all "Legends Cars" events. Aside of that there are other races I don't have that media access.

Benandbobbi : I rented that glass once(well a friend of mine rented it and I used it . Great one of course ! But how often do you use it wide open ? (DOF)

Jacobsen1 : I've got a x1,4 converter and sometimes use it with my 70-200 but the AF speed dramatically decrease.

JuZ: I can't find motorsports pix made with that lense. Have you got some examples ? Looks like this lens is birder's fav.
Btw, you've got a nice bag


So it looks like the sigma is more suited in my case.


Once again thanks guys for your help. I appreciate it .

MikeG

Here's a couple of recent ones