I am beginning photographer and have a Nikon N65. This summer I will be going to several F1 races. What is a good setup (i.e. lens and film) to use for racing photography? I wont be able to get very close to the action as I will be in the stands or on spectator mounds. Thanks.

-- Nathan M Schmidt (nmschmidt@bsu.edu), April 11, 2001

Answers

Nathan, sorry to disappoint you, but you are likely to get better racing photos at a local car club day where you can get closer to the action. Security is normally more relaxed on Friday training, so this would be your best time to get closer.

At car club events an 80-200mm is often enough, at an F1 track you will probably need something longer, and the monopod to keep it still.

That being said, there will be a wealth of life and action in the stands, pits, etc which will provide memorable images.

What films do you know? F1 races usually start at 1400, so on a sunny day contrast will be a problem. The 0900 morning warm ups are probably better light.

Have you practised your panning technique? A shutter speed around 1/60-1/250 with panning will generally make a much more interesting action shot than a 1/4000 frozen car looking stationary.

-- Mark Wrathall (Wrathall@aon.at), April 12, 2001.