Amateur photographer advice

[TMS]

Hi,

I am after some advice. I am a big fan of all types of motorsport and enjoy taking photo's. I don't know much theory about taking photo's, however I have taken some good photos and want to step up the anti!!

Anyway, finally I have bought a better camera. In the end I settled with the Canon 350D. I was looking at the 30D, however I would still be waiting to buy because of its extra price and from what I read, the 350D is a big improvement over the 300D and a massive improvment over a G3 which I had!! . I want to buy a lense for taking photo's of motorsport and am seeking some help. I got the standard 18-55mm cheapie lense with the camera and bought a EF 55-200mm f/4.5- 5.6 II USM lense while I learn to use the camera. Well, only 1 race meeting has passed and I already want to upgrade to a decent lense. From what I have read, the 55-200 lense is still considered cheap.

I have been looking at a Canon EF 70-300MM F4-5.6 IS USM ZOOM LENSE. What are your thoughts on such a lense? I really want the Image Stabalizer and the better USM motor.

Alternatively I have looked at 70-200MM and similar telephoto "L" series versions, however with the IS they are really expensive and will have to wait a lot longer. Do you think I am better off waiting and saving for the better lense? They are physically a lot bigger too.

Basically I am after any advice anyone can give me as I am a tad unsure and it is a big investment and I value expertise. From what I have read, choosing the right lense is important. Should I go the "L" series, or is the cheaper 70-300mm IS variant a good bang for buck? I am now back in Australia and only have about 3 events per year, unlike you lucky people in Europe, so I am kinda leaning to the cheaper lens.

This may give you an idea of where I am at with my photos so far;

Here are 2 photos I took with my G3
http://www.tmotorsport.com/images/bathurst/ambrose.jpg
http://www.tmotorsport.com/images/lemans24hr/audi88.jpg

And here are 2 that I took with my 350D
http://www.tmotorsport.com/images/ql...way/tander.jpg
http://www.tmotorsport.com/images/ql...y/courtney.jpg

Cheers,

Luke

[Tim the Grey]

I don't know what flavours they come in, I'm not a canon boy, sorry.
Have a search on dpreview.com, in the Canon fora, there'll be loads of this type of question (substitute 'birds' for 'cars'...)
There arre loads of used Canon lenses on fleabuy, so see what you can find?

Tim

[Dex]

a canon 70-200L F4 lens is a great bit of kit, team it with 1.4 or 2x converter and you've got a good long lens for motorsport. You can pick them up second hand in great condition for sensible money (guess that's a matter of definition...)

[TMS]

Do you think that the Image Stabaliser is worth the extra $$$?

[KennyG]

It is more than the IS that is worth the extra, it is the F2.8 that allows you to work in poor light and also to attach a 2x converter. The 350D will only AF with lenses up to F5.6 so a 2x conveter on an 2.8 lens will work. The 70-200 F4 is a very good lens, sharp with a fast AF motor. It will however only take a 1.4 converter to stay within F5.6

Reach (focal length) is key, and generally the more the better, even trackside like me, so you will need at least 300mm. Have a look at the 100-400L as it is better suited to the job.

[TMS]

Thanks for your help. I also posted my topic int he dpreview.com forums and got a load of answers.

I am inclined to go with the 70-200mm f/4L. I would love the f/2.8 version, but I have to be reasonable and can't justify the extra money in my early years of photography. I think the IS would be nice, however if I got IS, it would be on an "L" series lense, not the 70-300mm. I will wait to see my results from the 70-200mm f/4L first. A few years down the track I might look at upgrading to a 2.8 IS and a better body. I can always use the 1.4x TC, however I am normally close enough to get photos are tracks like Bathurst and QLD Raceway.

So I have made up my mind. My existing 350D with a 70-200mm f4L lense. I think it is a good combo for the $2400AUD ($1850 US) on my budget considering I survived with a G3 for so many years. After Bathurst I will let you know how I go.