70-200vr 1 W/TC20E II for GP bike photos Question

[shifter48]

Just traded for a TC 20E II to use with my 70- 200vr 1. Traded some equipment I haven't used in years so it's like getting free. If I was to buy I whould go with the new II or the 1.7. My Question is...I'll be going to vist my son this summer and he races GP bikes out in Arizona and New Mexico. Can any one give me some points on F/stop range, focus tracking, VR performance, etc. I will be shooting from a monopod.

These bikes are very fast and I don't think I'll be let on the track or I wouldn't use the TC. Any begining guidelines for this combo will be of great help and cut down the learning curve.

Thanks Gregg

[SCHMEGGA]

with the VR 1 at 2.8 you will be losing 2 stops with the TC 20E II. So I would either shoot wide open at 5.6 or shoot in shutter priority with at least 1/1000. This is if you want to stop motion. If you want to have some motion in the bike, which to me is a much better look in racing, then I would just up your f stop a few more in order to allow the shutter speed to drop and introduce some blur in the wheels and background. Just chimp it until you get the right look. Of course this is all dependent on weather. If it's bright and sunny then you will be able to shoot at higher stops. Cloudy then wide-open may introduce some blur of its own. Just work on your panning skills. Someone who can pan very well will have many more keepers! I would use 9 point focus tracking as well. VR on. The VR I shouldn't have any problems keeping up with the action.

[shifter48]

Originally Posted by SCHMEGGA

with the VR 1 at 2.8 you will be losing 2 stops with the TC 20E II. So I would either shoot wide open at 5.6 or shoot in shutter priority with at least 1/1000. This is if you want to stop motion. If you want to have some motion in the bike, which to me is a much better look in racing, then I would just up your f stop a few more in order to allow the shutter speed to drop and introduce some blur in the wheels and background. Just chimp it until you get the right look. Of course this is all dependent on weather. If it's bright and sunny then you will be able to shoot at higher stops. Cloudy then wide-open may introduce some blur of its own. Just work on your panning skills. Someone who can pan very well will have many more keepers! I would use 9 point focus tracking as well. VR on. The VR I shouldn't have any problems keeping up with the action.

Thanks for the info, I understand what you are saying. Have you used this combo in this situation? What I would also like to know is the performance factors of focus tracking with a D300.

Gregg

[SCHMEGGA]

Your D300 shouldn't have any problems tracking. I have the D300s which is basically the same camera. It tracks with aplomb. No I haven't ever shot motorcycles before. Cars but not bikes. Basically the same thing except your panning has to be better with bikes simply because of their size. You should be good with a monopod.

[shifter48]

Originally Posted by SCHMEGGA

Your D300 shouldn't have any problems tracking. I have the D300s which is basically the same camera. It tracks with aplomb. No I haven't ever shot motorcycles before. Cars but not bikes. Basically the same thing except your panning has to be better with bikes simply because of their size. You should be good with a monopod.

No, I don't have a problem with panning just wondered about focus tracking here are a few of my shots. Oh the 48 shifter kart is my son.
Gregg

[SCHMEGGA]

I think you will do fine!