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​Photography Ramblings

THIS IS WHY A ZOOM LENS IS BETTER THAN A PRIME LENS FOR MOTOR SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY

9/9/2017

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Picture
Many photographers will argue a top end prime lens has better image quality than a top end zoom lens and I cannot dispute this. Whilst there is not much in it, a high end prime lens does indeed have better image quality than a high end zoom lens. Despite this, and despite the fact I am “all about the image quality” I still believe a zoom lens is better than a prime lens for motor sports photography.

Okay, there are times when you need the longest lens available, i.e. the most mm focal length possible for motorsports photography but there are also times and situations when you don’t need a lens with a long reach. If you can get trackside or a media pass you won’t need a 400mm lens. In fact, you may even find a 40mm lens too much to get the entire car or motorcycle in the frame.

With a zoom lens you can change the framing and composition without moving from the spot. Some people may think this is lazy but there are times when it isn’t possible to move closer to, or further away from the action and you have to remain in your allocated seat. It is in these situations the zoom lens comes in to its own as being able to zoom in and out means you can get a variety of shots where if you had a fixed focal length prime lens you’d only be able to capture one type of shot. Okay, you’d get several different vehicles but they would all be framed in the same way.
​
The bottom line is a zoom lens is better than a prime lens for motor sports photography because of the ability to quickly change focal lengths. 
​


The zoom lens I use for motor sports photography

The zoom lens I use for motor sports photography is the Canon 100 – 400L IS lens. For the pros and cons, i.e. advantages and disadvantages of the Canon 100 -400L IS lens check out the following footage, courtesy of Youtube. 

The Canon 100 – 400L IS lens is available from Adorama, Amazon (US), Amazon (UK) and eBay


​An alternative zoom lens to the Canon 100 – 400L IS 

A great alternative to the Canon 100 – 400L IS lens is the Canon 28 – 300L IS lens. This lens is, as I am sure you’ve probably already guessed is wider at the short end (so you can get even more in the frame) but shorter at the long end. Whether the shorter 300mm focal length is too short for you is something only you can decide. There are some race circuits I go to where 300mm is more than enough, so I take my 28 – 300L IS lens, and there are circuits where 300mm is not long enough, so I take my 100 – 400L IS lens.
​
To see the pros and cons, i.e. the advantages and disadvantages of the Canon 28mm – 300mm lens take a look at the following clip, courtesy of Youtube:-

The Canon 28mm – 300mm L IS lens is available from Adorama, Amazon (US), Amazon (UK) and eBay.

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    Keen photographer addicted to cameras, lenses and everything photography related. Feel free to follow me in my photography ramblings, and if you have any thoughts, comments, queries or anything else to add I would love to hear from you.

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  • Photography ramblings blog
  • Must have photography equipment
  • PHOTOGRAPHY ON A BUDGET BLOG
  • Galleries
  • Landscape photography
    • The best wide angle landscape lenses for Canon cameras
    • Tele lenses for landscape photography
    • Always carry a super zoom lens
    • Landscape photography - Travelling light
    • Long exposures >
      • Best filter holder for landscape photography
      • Review of the Zomei 10 stop ND filter
      • When to use a Big Stopper 10 stop ND filter
  • Macro photography
    • The best macro lens for Canon cameras
    • Macro photography tips - Shooting insects
    • Macro photography on the cheap
    • What is the best flash for macro photography?
    • Insect photography using a super tele lens
    • Canon EF100mm f2.8 USM lens review
  • Portrait photography
    • Basic portrait photography techniques
    • Advanced portrait photography tips
    • Portrait lighting to capture awesome portrait photos
    • Wedding photography >
      • Bridal portraits you have to take
      • Why pre wedding photography sessions are essential
      • Affordable wedding photography
      • Wedding photography lighting tips and techniques
      • Best lens for wedding photography
      • Why you need to visit the wedding venues before the ceremony
      • The responsibilities of being a wedding photographer
      • Low light wedding photography tips
      • Taking group wedding photos
      • People skills for wedding photography
      • Wedding photography equipment
    • Portrait photography ideas
    • Portrait photography on a budget
    • Best lens for portrait photography
    • How to capture awesome photos of your kids
    • The Best 50mm prime lens for Canon cameras
  • MAKE MONEY WITH YOUR CAMERA
    • Photography equipment rental
    • Photography services you should offer to make money
    • Event photography tips
    • Earning money as a product photographer
    • Making money with corporate photography
    • Photography equipment insurance IS essential
    • Do you need a diploma in photography?
  • Photography for beginners
    • Beach photography tips
    • Travel photography tips
    • Lighthouse photography tips
    • Stock photography for beginners
    • Flower photography tips
    • Insect photography tips
    • Motorsports photography tips for beginners
    • Landscape photography tips
    • Black and white photography tips
    • Fashion photography tips for beginners
    • Street photography tips
  • Flash Photography
    • Basics of flash photography
    • What Flash should I get for my Canon Camera?
    • How to gang 3 speedlights
    • When to use a flash in ETTL
    • Off camera flash on a budget
  • Photography equipment reviews
  • Photography services you should offer to make money
  • Drone & aerial photography