Nurburgring trip + TOTAL beginner

Dale

Dale

Dale

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Joined
5 Jan 2004
Posts
663
Location
Sussex
Hi,

Looking for as much advice as possible really. I've bought myself (a fairly cheap beginners SLR?) Nikon D60 back in the summer with the standard 18-55mm lens. I'm heading out with the GTROC to the Nurburgring on October 17th, and as well as putting in a few laps myself I'm wanting to setup camp at some of the many spots around the circuit to get some shots of the guys as they burn past (and other cars as well).

However, I'm thinking my standard 18-55 isn't going to be up to the task much, so I'm scouring Ebay etc for something with a zoom lens, but being a total n00b I'm coming across all these different types, some costing £100 some costing £500. Now I'm never going to be a pro, and I don't have much money right now, so the cheaper end of the price (£100) is way more appealing, however I don't know what’s any good and what’s just not worth it?

I have no idea what:

  • Telephoto lens is?
  • Wide angle lens is / does?
  • Fisheye lens is?
  • What the main difference between a 55-200 and a 70-300mm is?
  • What a lens hood is / does / achieves?

...and if any of that stuff is necessary for the kind of photography I'm attempting?

I've been told I'm not too bad at getting (guessing lol) my style of shots right (for a beginner!) I've bought myself a tripod as I do suffer from a wobbly hand now and again, and I'm not trying to win photographer of the year, just get some cool action shots of the guys whilst we bean it round the Ring :)

Thanks in advance for any help / advice and general pointers.
 
A telephoto lens is a lens that has a longer than standard focal length, something like 100mm+. You can get prime (a lens that doesn't zoom at all, it is a fixed focal length) and zoom telephotos.

A wide angle lens is a lens with a short focal length (less than 28mm) and it just means that you get a wider field of view and therefor can fit more in the picture.

A fisheye lens is a special type of wideangle lens that gives you a 180 degree field of view corner to corner across the picture. It creates a very specific and obvious effect. Just google for pics.

The main difference between a 55-200mm and 70-300mm is the focal length. 55mm is wider than 70mm and 200mm is a lot shorter than 300mm.

http://www.usa.canon.com/app/html/EFLenses101/focal_length.html

that shows the effect of focal length.

A lens hood is used to block light that would hit the front element of the lens at an angle and cause unwanted flare.

I think that you should look for a Sigma 70-300mm lens as I'm sure 300mm will come in handy for the nurburgring.
 
Thank you Olv, really helpful reply :)

@ Schizophonic, I bought it because I was in the airport, had just had my compact break on me (for the last time I was prepared to let it do that) and had been wanting to get an SLR for a while, just not had the time to read about it. The D40 was more than I was prepared to pay, so I bought the D60 knowing that it would pretty much cater for what I was going to be able to do with it at the time, then as time moved by and I became more competent with an SLR I would have had time to save and get something more specific for my needs, backed with the knowledge I'd picked up from asking questions and reading up.
 
Dale said:
Hi,


However, I'm thinking my standard 18-55 isn't going to be up to the task much, so I'm scouring Ebay etc for something with a zoom lens
Click to expand...

You already own a zoom lens...


2 suggestions:
1) sell D60 and buy a bridge camera. A DSLR is only worth it if you know how to use it, and for point and shoot photos will often give worse results than a good compact (Certainly true for my D70 unless I use it properly and point in time effort and thought, and spend time editing- otherwise my GF's snaps are better).

2) Buy the Sigma 70-300 APO Macro with your budget.
 
D.P. said:
2) Buy the Sigma 70-300 APO Macro with your budget.
Click to expand...

would agree with this statement - i am considering selling my 70-300mm APO DG Sigma lens which is a cracker of a lens for just over the £100 mark. It's also the one with the built in motor so WILL autofocus with the D40/D60 range etc. For a budget telephoto lens it's very very good.

I've upgraded to a 70-300mm VR lens :D:D
 
Dale said:
Thanks Booyaka, how far into the 'consideration' for selling phase are you? :)
Click to expand...

well into it - i need to sell it as i have purchased a 70-300VR today!! It needs to go - to keep things right i will put a for sale thread up in the members market a.s.a.p - keep an eye out over the next hour or so.
 
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Not sure I have access to that, PM me a price inc postage and I'll let you know if I can afford it if you don't mind?

Thanks,
D.
 
I will sell my 70-300 soon, but I'm in Switzerland at the moment so getting to you by OCt 17th might not be easy.

The quality of the lens is acceptable...
 
Dale said:
Not sure I have access to that, PM me a price inc postage and I'll let you know if I can afford it if you don't mind?

Thanks,
D.
Click to expand...

Sign up to/update your trust and you'll have access to the MM section very quickly as you have over the required time spent on the forums, and enough posts. :)

InvG
 
On the subject of your venue rather than kit, be aware that they've spent the past couple of years erecting high, and very annoying, fencing at most of the main viewing points which makes photography a total pain.

You can get through it at some places but packing some step-ladders might be an idea!
 
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