Now, while I do understand what you're saying about riders being in
different positions and taking different lines, in auto racing hitting
your apex and running in the same spot consistantly is the mark of a
good driver.
I agree. I was going to mention this, but felt it may be a digression. Top
riders are inch-perfect, when circumstances allow. This doesn't happen as
regularly as the photographer would like, especially if there is some
jostling or an attempted overtaking manoevure.
Either way, there will be many tosses, not so many keeps, if you're
trying to pan a 400mm. (Which by the way I seldom feel the need to
do...I seldom even pan at 200mm with my 80-200/2.8.)
I can't usually get near enough to much else than use the 400, most circuits
have so much run-off. Also, bikes tend to look far more interesting from
some angles than others. There aren't many times I can get a decent action
shot without panning, and a single bike will look like nothing from the
front. A recent magazine interview with pro superbike photographer Kel Edge
said he used 180 and 500mm (Canons IIRC) with 1.4x & 2x converters to fit
the circumstances. He made a vague comment about using some kind of mode
which _intimated_ that he used manual focus, but re-reading it I decided it
must be a feature to stop the lens hunting. This reminded me of a couple of
comments I've read saying that some photog's claim snottily to still use
manual focus like it was some badge of honour. The switch on the lens said
otherwise. I'll dig in my archive for anything relevant.
Again, I know next to nothing about bike racing. I may go check one out
next year and see for myself.
I recommend it. I can't get excited about 4-wheeled action any more after
getting hooked on bike racing. A few of my photos at:
http://www.mawddwy.freeserve.co.uk/bikes.htm
http://www.v-four.freeserve.co.uk/tt.htm
Simon E.
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