Need a Nikon lens recommendation for race photography

Not for the first couple of laps.


Seriously, it just depends on how strong you are (oh oh, that doesn't sound good) and how much you shoot. In a location like the hairpin turn as Indy I would put it on a monopod (collapsable roughly to the size of the lens) and wait for the cars to come into the frame, fire with AF and enjoy the fact that you're basically shooting fish in a barrel (honestly, that's how I feel sometimes with this lens, it is just too darn easy).

At the Canadian GP I didn't bother to bring the monopod so I shot from the seat in my stand and that worked fine. After a while you get a bit tired in the arms, so you take a rest.

I also used it for the Chicago Air and water show last year (will post some pics later) and there it was all freehand. Since planes are harder to predict than cars on a track a monopod is useless. That worked well also. You rest in the brakes until the next group of planes arrive.

In short: It is not an issue. For comparison: The 600mm Nikkor cannot be handled without a monopod; even while sitting down. Trust me, I tried. Too long and too heavy.

What's also nice about the lens, it isn't that long, when stored and it has its own handle, so you don't carry the camera, but the lens with the body attached. While traveling I carry the lens in a "banana" pouch around my waiste with a wide angle on the D70. I don't bother with the container it comes with. Too bulky.

 

I do all day hand-held shooting with Canon 70-200 IS + 1.4x (which I believe weigh about the same as the Bigma) (+ a big camera) and there's no problem. You might suffer from some muscle pain for a few days but you'll soon get used to it. ;-)

 

Here some more pics from last year's Canadian GP and from an air show. None of these pictures have been cropped. What you see is what I got. No monopod, all free hand. However with varioud ASA settings (the last pic of the plane looks like I used 1600 ASA).

Gemm: Your shots in post #21 are absolutely stunning. Fantastic job! I should use the Dutch angle more often.
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With my D50, I use the 70-300mm ED lens for shots when I need to zoom in. It is a lot better than the 70-300mm G lens. I got mine for total price(with tax) of $404 at Wolf Camera. It has been great for me. I will be using it at the USGP this year and maybe a Ferrari Challenge event. PM me for more info.

 

I meant beyond motorsports. I don't know of anyone that uses it for NBA or NHL games, or to a lessor extent, college or pro football. I also have to qualify that by saying I have not talked to many folks about it in 3-4 years, maybe the stuff is better now. It won't work on the current motorsports I shoot because I am too close, all I use now is an 85 or sometimes a 105.
You still need to check shutter speed, so you don't 'stop' wheels, or propellars, but those are good pics, nice composure.

 

Thanks. I know. I hate it when the propellers freeze. My mistake of course.

I believe you when you say AF is not fast enough for NFL etc. Luckily racecars normally move more predictably.

A couple more from the Canada hairpin, uncropped.
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I've done the same thing, with planes and helocopters, you don't even notice it when you are shooting them.
Same with boats - do you want to stop the waves/splashes, or not....