Night Motorcycle Racing

bergermeister

Hello,

I'll be at a motorcycle racing event (dirt flat track) this weekend and wanted to know what settings will give me the best chance at some decent shots. The lighting looks pretty poor at this event, and I don't know if they'll allow flash.

I have a D80 and 70-200.

High ISO, f2.8, and 1/200 shutter speed minimum? I don't know if that'll stop the action.

Or try either Aperture or shutter priority?

How about the 'sports mode' that I have yet to try out?

I'd appreciate anyone's successful settings from similar circumstances.

Thanks!

Toshido

My suggestion is to go with aperture priority and force the largest aperture possible (2.8). From there it is a matter of bumping the ISO up until you get a satisfactory shutter speed.

Sounds like you will have a good chance to practice panning

Chris H

I'd set ISO to 800 max, open the lens wide and pan like crazy. If you pan well enough you'll get sharp shots. Best bet also is to pre-focus on a spot about the right distance away and switch focus to manual, autofocus will never keep up with the bikes. Have fun and let us see the results!

Toshido

Above all else though. Post pictures in the sports section so we can see your results. Good or bad. The guys and gals on this board are great at giving advice and help if you are struggling.

bergermeister

Thanks for the suggestions. Unfortunately, there was a "no photography" policy at the small venue. This type of policy seems to be getting more prevalent at sporting venues...