Michael,
I've only shot a couple of races so far, I'm hoping to do more this
year.
I would agree with Tom the 35-80/2.8, 75-150/4 and the 500/8 as a kit
should be more than adequate. A monopod will come in handy for the long
shots. Save the wide and ultra wide lenses for when you have pit and/or
paddock passes.
The kit I took to two races at Road Atlanta last year was comprised of a
35~70/3.5~4.8, 200/4 and a less used 2X-A teleconverter and finally a
winder and monopod. That provided me with ample coverage on the wide end
and not quite enough on the long end, a 500mm would have been nice.
A couple of tips I've learned:
1) Setup some of your shots. Example, Cars exiting a corner. Pre focus
on the exit so you won't be trying to focus and shoot at the same time.
2) Same goes with panning shots. Prefaces and instead of using one eye
to look through the viewfinder and keeping the other closed. Try keeping
both eyes open looking over the prism housing to keep the cars in the
frame. Trying to look only through the viewfinder was frustrating for me
the cars were moving so quickly. (Well under 200 mph)
3) If the race is small (in terms of attendance or press coverage) talk
to the corner workers, or track officials about getting a photographer's
pass or vest. This will get you into places other fans cannot go. Just
be honest with them.
4) Get a map of the circuit. Road Atlanta is a road course (left and
right turns) and having the map really helped in choosing advantage
points from which to shoot. I know this because every other person with
a camera was already there.
5) Even a light kit will get heavy after a day of trekking around.
6) Relax, have fun, enjoy the racing event. I think I take better
photographs when I don't try too hard to be perfect.
-Charles
Michael Virsinger wrote:
>
> This weekend I will be attending my first pro auto race. the Bosch Spark
> Plug Grand Prix CART race at Nazareth Speedway. I have tickets for the
> stands and possibly press passes (I'm not sure yet). Since there are several
> folks on the list who shoot auto races, I thought it would be a good place
> to ask some questions:
>
> What is a good recommended kit for this type of event?. I have the 16/3.5
> FE, 28/2.8, 40/2, 50/1.4 90/2 135/2.8, 35-80/2.8, 75-150/4 and the 500/8
> lenses and several bodies. Is a monopod practical? What about film and
> recommended techniques (most of the things I take pictures of are not going
> 200 mph!).
>
> Obviously too much gear would kill me on a day that is predicted to be sunny
> & hot. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Mike V.
>
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