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General discussion

Best DSLR camera and lens package for F! Racing (Indy 500)

Mar 1, 2011 4:37AM PST

I have at best amateur skills, I am attending the Indy 500 and would like to know what camera and lens would be the best for taking action of racing and also pit pictures? I have looked at Canon 7D, Sony a850, Nikon D7000 all with 18-135 or 18-200mm lenses any suggestions?

Discussion is locked

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Semi-Pro Cameras
Mar 1, 2011 9:43AM PST

They are all very good cameras, but are designed with an advanced amateur in mind. They have extensive controls so a knowledgeable photographer can optimize settings for exposure and creative control. If you have no experience with a DSLR, or even PASM, such cameras won't take better photos than less-expensive DSLR's.

As far as lenses are concerned, the "kit" lenses are decent optically, but on the cheap side from a construction standpoint. Lenses that try to cover a lot of focal range, like 18-200mm, are more convenient than good. 200mm is probably not even enough reach for what you want. You would be better served with the kit lens, plus a second telephoto zoom lens.

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re: Best DSLR camera and lens package for Indy 500
Mar 1, 2011 9:55AM PST

Wow, jumping right into the deep end! You're going to have a pretty steep learning curve with any of your choices, but since you have three months, I guess it's doable.

In any case, I would nix the a850 because of the slow burst rate, and lean toward the 7D because it's slightly faster than the D7000. I'd also recommend a longer lens, at least 300mm. So maybe Canon 7D + 28-300mm f3.5-5.6 L

Are you prepared to spend $4,000? - Mark

P.S. F1 guys might be upset being compared to IndyCar.

P.P.S. Go Simona!