Shooting Formula Drift - Which Would You Prefer?

[phoenixheat_2002]

I'm looking at renting either a Nikon 200mm-400mm f4 VR or a 300mm f2.8 VR. I'll be shooting on the Long Beach GrandPrix corners 9, 10, and 11.

I already have an 80-200 f2.8.

Would the extended range of the 200-400 be worth the IQ loss over the prime 300mm?

Thoughts?

 

[owl16]

I haven't used the 200-400mm but regularly shoot with the 300mm. The shallow DOF, f/2.8 provides a unique look...

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[Jonathan F/2]

I'd get the 200-400. Nothing beats that lens for capturing all the action with one lens. Especially for formula drift, I'd think the 200-400 would be ideal.

 

[Virtue Effects]

Either would work well, it just depends if you'll be shooting it wide open or panning. If you're mainly going to shoot wide open, go for the 300mm ƒ2.8, because the subject isolation.

 

[DavidKvapil]

I'd go for the 300 and a 1.4 TC. Also are you using an FX or DX body? On DX I would say possibly 200 f/2 and a 1.4 TC

 

[phoenixheat_2002]

I'll be doing a mixture of panning AND freezing images. I'm shooting with a Nikon D7000 so the 300mm will act as a 450mm.

I REALLY like what Larry Chen does. He uses a 400mm f2.8 on a FF camera though. I really like his panning shots b/c he uses ND filters and still shoots f2.8. So he gets amazing b/g blur with a longer shutter speed and a very shallow DOF with the 2.8.

Being that the 2.8 is faster and sharper. I think I'm going to stick with that. Still fighting myself on the versatility of the 200-400 though.

 

[DavidKvapil]

I'd go with the 300 for sure. It is definitely sharper, and you have f/2.8 for if/when you need it.

 

[viacorsa]

I'm looking at renting either a Nikon 200mm-400mm f4 VR or a 300mm f2.8 VR. I'll be shooting on the Long Beach GrandPrix corners 9, 10, and 11.

I already have an 80-200 f2.8.

Would the extended range of the 200-400 be worth the IQ loss over the prime 300mm?

Thoughts?

I just got back from Fontana and a NASCAR race. For Nikon photographers, the 300 was the preferred lens between the 2. A few months back I got talking to a guy there who traded out his 200-400 for a 300 2.8 and 500 4.0 (saying he hated the 200-400 - bit strong an opinion..but whatever). After that I got the 300 2.8 and love it.

 

[phoenixheat_2002]

I just got back from Fontana and a NASCAR race. For Nikon photographers, the 300 was the preferred lens between the 2. A few months back I got talking to a guy there who traded out his 200-400 for a 300 2.8 and 500 4.0 (saying he hated the 200-400 - bit strong an opinion..but whatever). After that I got the 300 2.8 and love it.

and to you I offer a trade. the 300 2.8 for my soul?
lmao

yeah I think the 300 is going to be the route I go. It's cheaper to rent than the 200-400 as well so that's an added bonus.

 

[Virtue Effects]

I say got for the 300, I think it focuses faster as well, which is a big plus when it comes to motorsports.

 

[Jonathan F/2]

If you really want to go all out, I'd get a 200 f/2 and 400 2.8. I think that would yield the best results!

 

[phoenixheat_2002]

If you really want to go all out, I'd get a 200 f/2 and 400 2.8. I think that would yield the best results!

in my dreams lol. I only have one camera body and I'm coming out of pocket to rent the lens.

i thought about the 200 f2 for a moment but I don't think It'll be enough reach and I already have an 80-200 2.8. Sure it's not as sharp, or as fast, but I seem to do ok with it.

going to reserve the 300 2.8 today. thanks for the help folks!

 

[Max Archer]

I'm shooting Long Beach as well, but the actual GP the next weekend. Are you shooting as a spectator or from the trackside press areas? I'd look into renting a second body for your 80-200, the action is really close at LB, especially when it comes to drifting.

 

[phoenixheat_2002]

I'm shooting Long Beach as well, but the actual GP the next weekend. Are you shooting as a spectator or from the trackside press areas? I'd look into renting a second body for your 80-200, the action is really close at LB, especially when it comes to drifting.

I'm shooting from the trackside press areas. If I were going as a spectator, I'd leave my camera at home and truely enjoy the event.

yeah, after watching some of the videos from past events, I don't think I'll be getting either lens. I might just rent the 200 f/2 and keep the 80-200 on standby.

 

[Jonathan F/2]

I'm shooting from the trackside press areas. If I were going as a spectator, I'd leave my camera at home and truely enjoy the event.

yeah, after watching some of the videos from past events, I don't think I'll be getting either lens. I might just rent the 200 f/2 and keep the 80-200 on standby.

The 200 f/2 will be awesome. Post some pics when you shoot it!