Zoom for motorsport (Nikon)
Discussion
I've picked up some casual photo' work for the NZ A1GP round in late January, not expecting anyone on here to know the Taupo circuit in particular but I'm wondering about lenses and whether I have enough range...
Current kit:
Nikon D80
AF-S 18-70 f3.5-4.5
AF 50mm f1.8
AF 80-200 f2.8
Which has been fine so far for rallies and some circuit racing, but not knowing how close I can get to the circuit I'm considering picking up a longer zoom to get to 300mm or preferably more, just in case I need it.
Any recommendations for a longer relatively cheap zoom? Obviously I'm not expecting a cheaper option to be as nice as the 80-200, but budget constraints and all that...
Current kit:
Nikon D80
AF-S 18-70 f3.5-4.5
AF 50mm f1.8
AF 80-200 f2.8
Which has been fine so far for rallies and some circuit racing, but not knowing how close I can get to the circuit I'm considering picking up a longer zoom to get to 300mm or preferably more, just in case I need it.
Any recommendations for a longer relatively cheap zoom? Obviously I'm not expecting a cheaper option to be as nice as the 80-200, but budget constraints and all that...
Edited by GravelBen on Tuesday 16th December 22:36
According to http://www.nikonlinks.com/articles_teleconverter_r... and assorted other references the Tamron SPAF / Kenko pro300 is what I want. Off to check prices...
Edited by GravelBen on Tuesday 16th December 22:53
Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG HSM. Covers a decent focal range.
http://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/lenses/telezoom/50...
http://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/lenses/telezoom/50...
I assume you will be trackside? If so, I don't imagine you needing more than 200/300 for A1GP.
Your current (I assume Nikon?) 80-200 will produce much better results with a 1.4x than the Sigma 70-300.
I'd go with the Kenko pro 300 teleconverter.
Your current (I assume Nikon?) 80-200 will produce much better results with a 1.4x than the Sigma 70-300.
I'd go with the Kenko pro 300 teleconverter.
Edited by StupitHeed on Wednesday 17th December 09:05
andy-xr said:
There's a Nikkor 70-300 kicking around for about £350. F4-5.6 AF-S G IS. Get the feeling you might be going backwards against a 200mm F2.8 though
Looks like there are a few of them - the older Nikkor AF 70-300G kit lens is dirt cheap (NZ$150-200) but supposedly not much good, the AF 70-300D is apparently much better (around NZ$300 second-hand). The newer AF-S 70-300G ED (NZ$1100) is another step up (so it should be at that price) but I haven't found any second-hand.I expect most of the 'consumer' level lenses will feel a bit of a step down from the 80-200 2.8, but the 200-400 f4 just isn't worth selling the car for...
Edited by GravelBen on Wednesday 17th December 09:41
StupitHeed said:
I assume you will be trackside? If so, I don't imagine you needing more than 200/300 for A1GP.
Your current (I assume Nikon?) 80-200 will produce much better results with a 1.4x than the Sigma 70-300.
I'd go with the Kenko pro 300 teleconverter.
Thats what I'm hoping - I'll have a media pass which should get me to most places. The 200 (Nikon yes) has been fine for other circuits I've been to but higher-profile events have a tendency to keep everyone further from the track, and seeing as its my first time getting payed for it I want to make sure of some decent close shots.Your current (I assume Nikon?) 80-200 will produce much better results with a 1.4x than the Sigma 70-300.
I'd go with the Kenko pro 300 teleconverter.
The teleconverter sounds like the way forward, and I've got a month or so to find one at a friendly price 
Which vintage of 80-200 is it? AF-D one touch/ two touch / AFS? I would guess that the biggest problem you'll come up against is AF speed and accuracy. The older 80-200's will struggle to cope with the fast moving vehicles, esp on a D80. Would suggest you need at least something with a ring type motor in the lens(ie AF-S/HSM) and know the D80's AF inside out.
1.4x tc a good idea, but beyond that would porbably be better to crop (ie digital zoom) than add more glass. Better to crop a sharp image than not have to crop a soft one.
1.4x tc a good idea, but beyond that would porbably be better to crop (ie digital zoom) than add more glass. Better to crop a sharp image than not have to crop a soft one.
Keep an eye on this: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NIKON-AF-70-300mm-ED-LENS-FO...
Great lens - not the cheap 'G' lens. (It's up to 450mm equiv on a D80)
Great lens - not the cheap 'G' lens. (It's up to 450mm equiv on a D80)
Edited by GetCarter on Wednesday 17th December 13:45
GravelBen said:
Bigdrift said:
how about getting a 1.4x converter for your 80-200 2.8 , that will give you a 450 f4 should be enough ?
Wouldn't that be a 280 f4, and 400 f5.6 for the 2x converter?think thats it
Ah yes I've never used full-frame so didn't even think about the DX crop factor. So I'm at the equivalent of 300 as it is then.
The 80-200 is AF-D (2 ring) and focus has been fast enough for other motorsport, I guess if they're too fast I'll just have to plan my shots a bit better.
The 80-200 is AF-D (2 ring) and focus has been fast enough for other motorsport, I guess if they're too fast I'll just have to plan my shots a bit better.
Edited by GravelBen on Wednesday 17th December 19:49
GetCarter said:
Keep an eye on this: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NIKON-AF-70-300mm-ED-LENS-FO...
Great lens - not the cheap 'G' lens. (It's up to 450mm equiv on a D80)
Great lens - not the cheap 'G' lens. (It's up to 450mm equiv on a D80)
This one is a little closer to home:http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/C...
These any good?
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/C...
Edited by GravelBen on Wednesday 17th December 19:59
GetCarter said:
Nikon ED will be miles better than Tamron.
You mean - like this one wot I've got for sale right here on PH...?http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/largepic.asp?i=81...
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/largepic.asp?i=81...
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