Lens Hire for silverstone

olv

olv

olv

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I'm likely to be going to Silverstone for the grand prix in a two weekends time but i don't have the kit for it. I don't have the funds or interest in buying a telephoto zoom lens so am considering hiring one.

Can anyone suggest a good company to hire from?

Also, i'm planning on tickets for Luffield as opposed to copse. good decision?
 
Luffied over Copse, yes thats a good decision. There's plenty more going on at Luffield.

Unfortunately most of the hire companies also sell lenses and cameras - therefore competitors.

What gear are you looking hiring (what brand etc)?
 
It's for my Canon 10D. Don't really know what i'm after, 100-300 or 100-400 probably. No idea what's good or not.

if you could email some links i'd really appreciate it jambonhoo AT hotmail DOT com
 
The 100-400L is favourite of a lot of folk for motorsport, though if you'll be a distance from the track then maybe a prime would be the best option?

I don't know about companies who do hiring though, so I can't help there.
 
If I were you I would try and get a Canon 400mm DO IS F4 Lens.
Even though it's 400mm and F4 the DO (Diffractive Optics) mean it's smaller and lighter than you'd expect but more importantly it’s still very sharp.
 
I was thinking of renting something for the GP too. I have the 100 - 400 L IS but have recently been feeling it lacking where I need it most. Allthough this is more for close action type stuff so it is not really a major issue.

400mm is too much zoom for me when I am at Stowe. Other areas do require longer distances though.
 
I think Silverstone and the GP is a minefield to shoot at. Your best chances are on Friday or Saturday morning...after which I would just sit back and enjoy the racing. Simply because of how busy it is. If I was choosing a lens for the GP I'd want something as long as I can afford (to state the obvious I know!)

You even see the pro's at F1, who are right next to the track using some of the largest lenses I have ever seen. I think the head photographer at Sutton images uses a 600mm lens for his work :eek:
 
cheers for the input. Seems there are a fair few places that hire. i'll give a few a ring and see what they've got.

do you think a prime lens will be too limiting, 300mm or 400mm. with a 1.6 crop i think i'll need more flexibility, not sure.

My dad went and bought tickets for copse, and you can't change them. so probably will end up there but he might try and sell them and then get tickets for luffield.
 
olv said:
do you think a prime lens will be too limiting, 300mm or 400mm. with a 1.6 crop i think i'll need more flexibility, not sure.
Click to expand...

Go for the longest lens you can - If you want to get close to filling the frame then even 400mm with a 1.6x crop will not be enough !
 
excuse the quality of these shots. There poor but my skills last year were abit un tested.

Silverstone F1 2005 STOWE

280mm on the 20D (1.6x crop) 100 - 400 L IS
280.jpg


400mm on the 20D (1.6x crop) 100 - 400 L IS
400.jpg
 
100-400mm @400mm on a 20d from Lufffield B Grandstand front row.

MG_7189.sized.jpg


If your in the grandstand id try and get 400mm MIN, but, if your not front row, you will struggle to shoot over the heads of people in front, if you arent in the grandstand 400mm might be too large to hold all day.

See how this guy struggles to find a shot between heads and over folk.

MG_5700.sized.jpg


What you really want is one of these though... :eek:
MG_6300.sized.jpg
 
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Right, well options from one place are

EF 300mm f2.8L USM IS - £71.25
EF 300mm f4 IS - £38.25
EF 400mm f2.8L - £81
EF 400mm f2.8L USM IS - £93
EF 500mm f4.5L - £69.75
EF 500mm f4L USM IS - £86.25
EF 600mm f4 - £93
EF 600mm f4L USM US - £107.25

That's a weekend rate. I might be down on the Friday but most likely just the saturday and sunday. on race day i'll probably just take my 10-20 and 28-105 as i'll be there to enjoy the race.

So from the above options what to reckon? Do i have any chance at all of hand holding anything above 300mm without my arm dropping off and taking completely useless shots. Am i definately gonna be needing a monopod too?

i'm thinking IS is a must. The 500mm f4l usm is seems like a good bet?

thoughts?
 
just right now I am looking at a rental place ( prob same one) Those are my options at the moment. Currently im torn between the 300 F2.8 and...well any of them to be honest. lol


300 with a 1.4x is what I am thinking.

a side note, The 400mm F2.8 is extreamly heavy!
 
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mono pods are very cheap to rent so that's an easy solution.

i assume you are thinking 300 with a 1.4 as that'll be lighty then the 400?
 
well the 400 F2.8 is almost 12lbs which is far too heavy for someone who isnt a track side privileged photographer.

The 300mm F2.8 + 1.4 will give me shots I am going to be happy about.
I have a mono pod and it never gets used so hopefully it will this time :)
 
well i might get the 300mm and 1.4 then as it gives some degree of flexibility with focal lengths and should be slightly more compact setup
 
What's the deal with insurance? Can't seem to find costs but there is mention of it in the T&C

just noticed all prices are excluding VAT. this might become more pricey then i'm willing to pay.
 
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