Best lens for Racing

[minimangler]

is 80-400 not a very long zoom, and is quality not reduced?

[RaptorUK]

Originally Posted by minimangler

is 80-400 not a very long zoom, and is quality not reduced?

Eh ? it's 5x (400/80) . . . thats pretty good. Quality is very acceptable for a zoom, it's not as good as the 200-400mm VR or 300mm f2.8 but they both cost a fair bit more (£5k and £3k new) . . . as I said, bearing in mind that the OP wants a zoom I think the 80-400mm VR is a very good choice. In 6 months time if Nikon bring out an AF-S version with VRII he might regret it . . . but you can't hold on for ever . . .

[minimangler]

Why do we all need VR?!?!

I don't geddit.

[RaptorUK]

Originally Posted by minimangler

Why do we all need VR?!?!

I don't geddit.

In truth it isn't so important for motorsports photography, it is still good to have though, it will reduce your vertical movements and reduce the effect of camera shake in panning shots, even if you shoot on a monopod as I do . . . where it really comes into its own is where you are hand holding and have bad light conditions, you can easily hand hold in those situations at 1/15s, perhaps even as low as 1/5s, you need a still subject though .

[Snapper Baz]

Hi guys (and girls!), my current (and also not too brilliant Sigma wide angle zoom) is now completely useless now as it keeps shutting my camera down as "Error" all the time...yes ive tried cleaning the lens sensors etc but to no avail so Ive been checking up on things (ie prices) and have noticed a stonking lens from Canon which I havn't noticed being mentioned at the moment (sorry if it has though) and thats the Canon 28-300 F3.5 which I understand is pretty new. This would be brilliant as it would do away with having to carry your wide angle (unless you want to use an even more wider angle) and long length lenses altogether or even better reduce the constant lens changing which always helps geting muck on the sensor. So, has anybody looked into this ...or even better, uses one as I would love to know what it's like before I probably buy one in the USA once I'm there.

[David L]

Originally Posted by minimangler

Why do we all need VR?!?!

It's really quite useful in low light situations... and it can help with slow panning sometimes..

I guess it isn't essential, but as most of the lenses that you might consider to be on the "in an ideal world" list seem to have it now (including the long primes) then it's kind of an added bonus.

David

[Hubble]

Just looking at the thread title again, and now I think the best lens for racing would be one with wheels and a b****y big engine....

Back here in pedants corner, it's a nice view of the world

[Snapper Baz]

I'll have some of whatever your on Hubble!!

[zac510]

Well a 500 is a bit like a 427 whereas a 70-200 is a bit like a turbo 2 litre

[minimangler]

Originally Posted by zac510

Well a 500 is a bit like a 427 whereas a 70-200 is a bit like a turbo 2 litre

A 427? Way to heavy, pretty useless for most situations, often unreliable and energy sapping...

a turbo 2 litre, peaky, revvy, useable...

yep, sounds about right