Laguna Seca Q

[Jeff Boerio]

So the longest lens I own is a 200mm (as part of an 80-200mm zoom). I am considering renting a longer lens for Laguna Seca, and wonder if a 400mm or 600mm would be a better lens to have with me. Advice?

For getting those shots coming down the front straight, I could see either the 400 or 600 doing the job, and even coming off 5. But other than that, I seem to recall last year being able to get just about everything I wanted with the 80-200.

Not sure if this belongs here or in an off-topic thread, so sue me :)

- Jeff

[Todd Corzett]

70-200mm is perfect for panning shots. There are a few locations where more lens is needed, but others where anything over 400mm (on a 1.3xCF body) is too much. I can give my opinions based on a 500mm:

Outside turn 2 (on the hill) no longer exists from credentialed areas, but was one area 500mm was nice (you can fight the fans for the old "start shot" if you want though). At the bottom of turn 2 you need length, but it depends on the shot you want to take (IMO, a 600 would be nice for tighter stuff... but I tend to shoot wider at the start). Outside turn 2 (towards turn 3) 500mm will get you a nice set of shots as they apex turn 2... but 600mm would more than likely be a bit long (depending on what you're after). Outside turn 4 (under the grandstands) is a tight head-on shot with the 500, but there are times I'd like longer, but there are many shots from 200-500mm that can be had. Outside turn 5 is nice with a 500mm (600mm would work fine too) for head-on shots, but for panning sub-300mm is nice. Outside turn 6 will be a monster this year... bring as much glass as you got for the head-on from by the flagger's stand (which has moved). There is another shot that a 300mm or so should work nicely (500mm with bikes was perfect)... it will be interesting to see how this corner works-out with the cars, it was VERY different than the past with the bikes at MotoGP. The corkscrew is the same as always... 500mm is just too much for cars from driver's left from anywhere but the bottom of the hill (400mm is enough to fill the frame with a car that's at the top of the 'screw). At the top (where the Champ Car went off a few years back) you still need lots of glass (+600mm) to get head-on shots with anything but a speck of a car. Turn 9 has some tight shots from the inside (sub 300mm), but from the outside requires more glass due to increased run-off (but I'd shoot wider to include the bridge). Turn 11 has some 500mm or 600mm shots, but also some shorter ones.

If I had to pick one lens, I'd say the 400mm would be a good option. If you had a 300mm f/2.8 I'd just say toss-on a 1.4xTC. The 600mm will be nice some places, but I'd think it would be too long for others (this is the one race that I get frustrated with my 500mm being too long at times - mostly the corkscrew). Then again, I shot there for 2 years with just the 70-200mm and a 1.4xTC and walked-away with some great stuff.

-Todd...

[Jeff Boerio]

Thanks Todd!

Jeff

[John Thawley]

Add to what Todd said, you're shooting with a 20D... correct?

The 600mm would be way too much lens on the 20D. Figure your crop factor is 1.6x where the MarkII Todd is shooting with is 1.3x - therefore, he's shooting at a focal view equal to a 650mm wiith is 500mm. You'e be shootng a focal view equivalent of 640mm on your 20D.

I like the 400mm in several places on that track. But, my 70-200mm brings in a lot of the story.

JT

[Drew Phillips]

I could shoot all day at Laguna Seca with a 400mm. I usually only use my 70-200 for a wide angle at the cork screw or for panning shots.

[E. John Thawley III]

These were both taken with a 300 on a 1.3x body. Plenty close fo me. A 400 is always nice for one or two shots at most tracks. Just not as useful overall.

http://www.thawleyphoto.com/gallery/public_html/SWC@Seca0007.JPG

http://www.thawleyphoto.com/gallery/public_html/SWC@Seca0005.JPG

[Todd Corzett]

http://www.unitonestudios.com/gallery/motorsports/2005/GrandAM/LagunaSeca/images/050429_40029.JPG

That is the shot, full image with the 1.3xCF on a 500mm, from the bottom of the corkscrew (by where the tree/TV was) to the top. It allows for something tight up there, but anywhere else (especially as they drive down the corkscrew) it will start cutting things off.

http://www.unitonestudios.com/gallery/motorsports/2006/06_USSCI/images/060506_50188.JPG

There are other places (outside turn 6 - which may be a bit longer now) where 500mm is perfect.

The key is knowing your lenses, your limitations, and shooting the shots that work best for the given situations.

-Todd...

[Jeff Boerio]

Add to what Todd said, you're shooting with a 20D... correct?

The 600mm would be way too much lens on the 20D. Figure your crop factor is 1.6x where the MarkII Todd is shooting with is 1.3x - therefore, he's shooting at a focal view equal to a 650mm wiith is 500mm. You'e be shootng a focal view equivalent of 640mm on your 20D.

I like the 400mm in several places on that track. But, my 70-200mm brings in a lot of the story.

JT

10D actually. And I believe I will have my new 30D before I head down there, though. I know the 400mm won't be a "geneal purpose" lens on that track (or any track). Was just wondering which lens would be better to capture some of the shots.

Looking forward to the event!

- Jeff