Some questions after trip to MotoGP

[Leebob]

Hi all,

I have been skulking in the shadows for a little while now trying to find out as much as I can before yesterdays trip to MotoGP and the upcoming F1. Really alot of useful information on here so am grateful!

Was happy with a few pics using my Sony A200 and Sigma 70-300mm, any comments would be gratefully recieved:




As a result though I have a few questions if anyone can help me:

1. Would a monopod be worthwhile for panning shots with the 300 lens. My hand held technique still needs work but anything that will help I guess!

2. I suspect I will always feel like I want a longer reach on the 300mm lens. Would an extender be completely useless for motorsport photography or worth looking into?

3. The camera body has image stabilization, I recall reading somwhere that this should be turned of for panning? Confirm or deny!? I presume it would still be worthwhile being on for straighter shots?

4. And finally any tips for seeing through catch fencing other than using a largest possible aperture?


Thanks alot

Lee

[redshoes]

1. Monopod won't help, if anything it can be harder to pan using it.

2. An extender will cost you an f-stop or two, which will be a problem on anything other than a very sunny day. A bigger lens may not necessarily help at Silverstone.

3. Not familiar with the Sony. Canon have a 2-mode IS, mode 1 stabilizes in all four directions, mode 2 reduces shake up-down but not side-to-side which is designed for panning. If your Sony has something similar then use mode 2, if not then switch it off completely.

4. Big aperture and get as close to the fence as possible. Of course at somewhere like Silverstone there's not much you can do about the latter.

To be honest your biggest problem is the circuit. Silverstone isn't exactly the most photo-friendly track, especially on a busy day like MotoGP or F1 where you are fighting the crowds just to get a view of the track. You'd stand a better chance at a smaller meeting where you have more opportunity to move around, or even at a different circuit altogether.

[Leebob]

Thanks alot redshoes.

It looks like the Sony only has one mode for IS (Super Steady Shot as they appear to call it), so I will turn it off and see how I find it.


Lee