Merrick Stages Rally

canon400d · September 7, 2009

On Saturday I went to the Merrick Stages car rally at Glentrool Forest Newton Stewart SW Scotland. True to form it rained until lunchtime but once again thanks to Ben I took his advice and I took a couple of garbage bags. I used my 40D and I was unable to use 70-200L F4 because I was too near the track so I used 17-55 2.8 it was extremely dull and at first I had to use ISO 800 and then it got a little brighter and I was able to reduce it to 400. At the second stage of the rally the rain stopped and it got brighter and was able to get down to ISO of 200.
The first set of shots I took all came out blurry. I was using a shutter speed of 1/160 when I was panning but the problem was I was far too close and the cars were going past so damned fast. I moved to a different location and I continued to use 1/160 but moved back from the track about 30 yards. I am pleased to say with all the panning advice I have been given I was happier than the last venue at the Pendragon rally. Here are some shots and once again fire all the C & C because I intend to get there. My next venue is the Colin McCrae Stages Rally at Perth, Scotland on 3rd Oct 09 and hopefully by then I am able to produce similar panning shots to you guys.
It will be noticed that all the shots are side views. I would have liked some frontal shots of the cars approaching. But obviously I need some firm advice on this.
Regards
Bob
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apexonephoto · September 7, 2009

Bob,

Much better. The smaller, shorter, light lens may be a big help. I tried a few 1/125th shots on the weekend at the ARCA race at Toledo Speedway. These were shot with the 24-70 2.8, sometimes traveling light is way more fun on the back then lugging around the 70-200.

and another 1/125th

I brought my lovely fiance along with me on this adventure. Therefore I only shot 200-250 shots. I returned to the comfort of 1/250 for most of the night.

1/160th

And yes the #77 did spin out.

canon400d · September 7, 2009

apexonephoto wrote:

Bob,

Much better. The smaller, shorter, light lens may be a big help. I tried a few 1/125th shots on the weekend at the ARCA race at Toledo Speedway. These were shot with the 24-70 2.8, sometimes traveling light is way more fun on the back then lugging around the 70-200.

and another 1/125th

I brought my lovely fiance along with me on this adventure. Therefore I only shot 200-250 shots. I returned to the comfort of 1/250 for most of the night.

1/160th

And yes the #77 did spin out.

Thanks for looking and replying James. I still feel I have a few mile to travel to get into the panning standards on here. In actual fact my 70-200L is F4 and it is not as heavy as the 70-200 2.8. As I say I was wondering if you can offer any advice on frontal shots.
Regards
Bob

apexonephoto · September 7, 2009

canon400d wrote:

Thanks for looking and replying James. I still feel I have a few mile to travel to get into the panning standards on here. In actual fact my 70-200L is F4 and it is not as heavy as the 70-200 2.8. As I say I was wondering if you can offer any advice on frontal shots.
Regards
Bob

Rally, just like ovals, road coarses and drag racing are all vastly different animals. I have only played rally on playstation, never even seen it in person. With an IS lens, set the mode to 1 for vertical stabilization, and 2 for horizontal stabilization, (I don't think the f4 has IS, just mentioned it).

1/500th

1/640th

When it comes to frontal shots, the 1st shot of this car could be parked on the track. The 2nd shot, while at maybe 15 degrees of center, shows a lot more motion.

I would try to get turned wheel shots, suspensions compressed or extended to get a feel of motion in those shots.

This is 1/640th

canon400d · September 8, 2009

apexonephoto wrote:

Rally, just like ovals, road coarses and drag racing are all vastly different animals. I have only played rally on playstation, never even seen it in person. With an IS lens, set the mode to 1 for vertical stabilization, and 2 for horizontal stabilization, (I don't think the f4 has IS, just mentioned it).

1/500th

1/640th

When it comes to frontal shots, the 1st shot of this car could be parked on the track. The 2nd shot, while at maybe 15 degrees of center, shows a lot more motion.

I would try to get turned wheel shots, suspensions compressed or extended to get a feel of motion in those shots.

This is 1/640th

Mmmm I see what you mean James. I like the last shot. Even though it was taken at 1/640 it still shows considerable movement and action. Well done.
Yes, you are correct my 70-200L F.4 doesn't have IS.
Regards
Bob

canon400d · September 11, 2009

canon400d wrote:

Mmmm I see what you mean James. I like the last shot. Even though it was taken at 1/640 it still shows considerable movement and action. Well done.
Yes, you are correct my 70-200L F.4 doesn't have IS.
Regards
Bob

What are your views on this lot? I am still trying to improve and I can only get better with your help so please keep giving me your advice.
Regards
Bob

canon400d · September 11, 2009

canon400d wrote:

What are your views on this lot? I am still trying to improve and I can only get better with your help so please keep giving me your advice.
Regards
Bob

I really am looking for the advice I got from all the guys from my Pendragon thread. I do have a venue to attend on Sunday so any advice would be more than appreciated.
Regards
Bob

Merrick Stages Rally

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