Lens recommendation for shooting cars

dugmar · December 7, 2004

Specifically, moving cars for magazine shoots. I don't need a crazy long lens, just one that will get me close to the subject from a distance, but at the same time freeze the action in natural sunlight or low light situations. I'd be shooting both moving and stationary cars. I can't spend a the money for an L lens at the moment, so I do have a budget in the $450-$550 range.

Camera is a Digital Rebel.

Here's an idea of the type of stuff I would shooting:

Thanks,

Doug

ian408 · December 7, 2004

Do you have access to rentals? That's one option.

Not sure what you're looking for but wonder if you need a fast lens
or just something that gets you there? Maybe a Sigma short zoom
(for the cost)?

ian

John Mueller · December 7, 2004

28-135 IS,70-200L f4 or a 70-300IS are all about in that price range and get a CP for it as well.

wxwax · December 7, 2004

The first shot, the magazine cover, is a wide angle. Canon's 16-35 2.8L or 17-40 might be the best bet.

The second shot looks like a longer lens, possibly cropped. Not sure what size lens.

You don't necessarily need a super fast lens to get a rolling car. You want a bit of blur, not only from the moving background, but also in the wheels, to indicate movement.

mercphoto · December 7, 2004

Lens

dugmar wrote:

Specifically, moving cars for magazine shoots. I don't need a crazy long lens, just one that will get me close to the subject from a distance, but at the same time freeze the action in natural sunlight or low light situations. I'd be shooting both moving and stationary cars. I can't spend a the money for an L lens at the moment, so I do have a budget in the $450-$550 range.

But you don't want to freeze action. The stationary shots will be with a tri-pod, and with a small aperture. The action shots will be probably around 1/200th - 1/125th shutter. You won't need fast glass for this.

The recommendation for the 28-135 is a good one. I've done motocross bikes with it and I like the results. It might serve both needs for you. I would not recommend the 75-300 lens. Most L-glass is out of your price range.

Shay Stephens · December 7, 2004

dugmar wrote:

Specifically, moving cars for magazine shoots. I don't need a crazy long lens, just one that will get me close to the subject from a distance, but at the same time freeze the action in natural sunlight or low light situations. I'd be shooting both moving and stationary cars. I can't spend a the money for an L lens at the moment, so I do have a budget in the $450-$550 range.
Doug

I usually shoot these kind of shots with a wide angle lens. In the example below, I used the Canon 16-35mm f/2.8 on a 10D

I shot this out the window of a chase car using semi long shutter speed, I think it was 1/15th of a second if I remember right.

dugmar · December 11, 2004

Thanks guys! Shooting this weekend. A heavily modified MINI Cooper for Euro Tuner Magazine!!!

http://eurotuner.com/

Wish me luck,

Doug

wxwax · December 11, 2004

Good luck! And please share your shots with us, we'd love to see them.

robscomputer · December 13, 2004

Good luck on your shoot! I love taking pictures of cars but don't have much experience on moving cars.

I'm trying to take more interesting photos but they keep looking like this.

Rob

wxwax · December 13, 2004

rob, get low! It makes everything more dramatic.

dugmar · December 14, 2004

Sid is right.

Example of getting low... One of the shots from the magazine shoot:

dugmar · December 14, 2004

A couple more I was happy with. The weather was horrible and very dark, even at mid-day, but there is a deadline and it was the only day we could shoot. Comments welcome... (I know, the car is ugly.)

robscomputer · December 14, 2004

Those are great photos! I've always had the worst luck photographing in an overcast day but you made the pictures come out.

I really like the moving shots. Do you usually take these from the passenger seat of a car? I find it's a bit difficult to take pictures from a lower angle without hanging out of the window. Maybe a motorcycle with a sidecar would be the best idea.

Rob

dugmar · December 14, 2004

robscomputer wrote:

Those are great photos! I've always had the worst luck photographing in an overcast day but you made the pictures come out.

Thanks!

robscomputer wrote:

I really like the moving shots. Do you usually take these from the passenger seat of a car?

Yes, another MINI actually.

Tony · December 29, 2004

Rebel with the Kit (in my driveway on a ladder):

Rebel with Tamron 28-75 xrdi (down the street)

Rebel with Tokina 80-400 zoom (since replaced by the 70-200F4L) - Gator Nationals from the stands