Long-range photography has become popular as it results in incredible pictures. Either it’s a model photoshoot, landscape, wildlife, or motorsport photography, long-range photography requires some special photography gear. Aside from a long focal length zoom lens, you also need walkie-talkies for a long range photoshoot as you need to communicate with other photographers to take the best moment of a certain event. It also happens in motorsport photography. In this article, we will learn must-have photography gear for motorsport photography.
It is no fun to carry a lot of camera equipment when you have to be mobile. Your arms, shoulders, and spine will likely scream in pain within a few hours. Still, the question is how to keep your expensive camera equipment safe and in good condition while happily photographing cars, motorcycles, or anything else that cars pass by. There are a lot of things that you can use for motorsport photography. Still, you only need to bring the essential gear such as a camera body, zoom lenses, monopod, accessories, and camera bag.
Camera Body
A camera for motorsport photography needs to be rugged and tough since you have to work outdoor. It also needs a fast focus system and has a high shooting speed. Therefore, the camera I use for motorsports photography is a Canon 7d, and it is excellent. If money was not a problem and I had unlimited funds, I would be the ace of the Canon 1d, but I cannot justify the cost of tears in the eyes of this camera. The Canon 7d is also a cheap option and a very capable camera.
Zoom Lenses
A long focal length zoom lens is essential for motorsport photography. While many photographers prefer to use a primary lens, a zoom lens would be the ideal tool for you. Zoom lenses are more flexible than primary fixed focal length lenses. When I use a zoom lens, I use the variable focal length to change my makeup to get the image I need. Because of the safety barriers and fences and other racing enthusiasts, it is not necessarily possible to get close to what is happening on the track.
So, for motorsport photography, I use the Canon 100-400L IS lens. This lens is rugged, durable, and weatherproof, essential to keep out dust and dirt. The construction quality is unsurpassed, and this special lens is bombproof, but this can make it quite large and bulky. The image quality is amazing, and although the maximum aperture of f4.5 is not particularly fast, image stabilization helps maintain the sharpness of the shot.
Monopod
As long as you’ll be able to hold a large and thick lens in your hand, you’ll probably feel the effects after a short time, and your photos will suffer. A monopod is an important part of motorsports photography equipment, and you should never go on the track with anyone. In addition to the monopod, I have mounted a combined spherical head on top, so you can easily and quickly change the point where the lens is aimed.
Some Spares and Accessories
I take essential accessories only when I am on the road to take pictures of motorsports. Although I definitely won’t use it, I don’t bother to wear it. I take two spare batteries for this type of photography because there is nothing worse than stopping taking pictures. After all, the battery can run out easily. I also don’t forget to take the spare memory cards because I never delete a page from the image track, and by taking several shots in quick succession, the memory cards will recharge for a short period. It is also important to wear a waterproof lens cap. Motorsport circuits are indeed notoriously dusty areas, and a lens cleaning kit is essential to keep lenses clean and beautiful.
Camera Bag
My camera and lens combination needs a big camera bag. In this case, I use Lowepro 75AW. This can be a carrying bag with loops and a thick padded shoulder strap. It is also robust, durable, and, when the waterproof cap is inserted, absolutely weatherproof. It’s easy to carry and fit with all photography gear and accessories. Aside from those, this bag will never give you back and shoulder pain.
