Budget DSLR for Motorsports?

[rob0r]

I'm looking at getting a budget used DSLR for the occasional time I go to motorsports events. I already have a mega budget setup but for various reasons I'm looking at upgrading.

Current kit
Canon 30d - I'm finding corrupt images when downloading from camera
Canon 55-250mm IS - the old budget one, this was fine but now there is sand in the focus mechanism and it's hit and miss...
Canon EOS-M - Too slow AF for motorsport but takes spectacular photos

As you can see my current 30d / 55-250 is ancient, but it was always good enough when I used it. Due to the above issues I'm probably looking at getting another body and probably lens, hopefully all for £400-500. It seems that even now that budget doesn't go very far. I'm only really looking for a camera that works with SD cards, I don't really want the hassle of compact flash.

My ideal kit would be a Canon 70-300mm and something like a 60d, but getting that under budget seems like a hard task. MPB lists some "well worn" 60d for £194, but the 70-300mm isn't cheap. It's seems though the latest 55-250 STM is £140 from MPB, but I had hoped for a slightly longer reach...

I had thoughts about something like a cheap 550d, or a newer 100d, but after having the 30d I might miss the twin adjustment wheels I've heard these are lacking. But then again I'm no pro so this may not matter!

I don't know much about Nikon and I'm not really against getting a Nikon body and lens, especially since both my lens and body have issues, I just wouldn't know what to go for!

I've been really pleased with the 30d and the 55-250mm up until they started playing up, so perhaps I don't need anything too special...

And a few pics from my old 30d as penance!

[FunkyNige]

rob0r said:

My ideal kit would be a Canon 70-300mm and something like a 60d, but getting that under budget seems like a hard task. MPB lists some "well worn" 60d for £194, but the 70-300mm isn't cheap. It's seems though the latest 55-250 STM is £140 from MPB, but I had hoped for a slightly longer reach...

The non-IS 75-300 is about £80 on eBay if that's an option, a bit cheaper second hand.
If you're going really budget PM me as I've got my old (as in 2nd hand 15 years ago) 75-300 lying around that WEX wouldn't take as part-ex because it's got moisture inside - it looks OK to me and I couldn't tell on the photos from my 400d but they are the experts!

[Tony1963]

FunkyNige said:

WEX wouldn't take as part-ex because it's got moisture inside - it looks OK to me and I couldn't tell on the photos from my 400d but they are the experts!

They're good at running their business and have probably had their fingers burned with items they've accepted for p/x in the past but then couldn't sell them. Their descriptions of used gear have to be honest and accurate, and not many buyers will be remotely interested in a lens with moisture. Even if they try to sell it at a very low price, it'll need a warranty! Not worth the aggro.

Yep, just give it away and nobody gets hurt.

[checkmate91]

7D off Ebay and a new(-ish) 55-250 STM? Would make a nice combo in decent light...

[Simpo Two]

rob0r said:

Canon 30d - I'm finding corrupt images when downloading from camera
Canon 55-250mm IS - the old budget one, this was fine but now there is sand in the focus mechanism and it's hit and miss...
Canon EOS-M - Too slow AF for motorsport but takes spectacular photos

Thoughts:

1) Is the corruption issue the card not the camera?

2) Just replace that lens

3) Pre-focusing can work; think of all the great motorsport photos taken before AF was invented.