[FStop7]

I'm going to be shooting a track day at Willow Springs. I'm going to rent a big prime but I'm not if I should go with the 500 F4L IS or the 600 F4L IS. Has anyone shot photos out there that can provide advice?

[rodi]

are you going to be in the seats or have access to the sidelines?

these were achievable with the 300/2.8 on full-frame. but i was on the sidelines in the "press" areas of the le mans. not sure what your track is like, but hopefully this gives you an idea. a 600 will get you a bit too close if you want to get more than just the car in your frame.

[dcstep]

If you're talking about the series I versions, then the 500mm will be much lighter. You can use the 500mm with the 1.4x TC to achieve a focal length of 700mm, which is about all you can handle without a great tripod with a gimbal head.

If you can rent a Series II, then the 600mm is much closer in weight to the 500mm and you might consider it.

Do you have experience with super-teles? If not, there's a bit of a learning curve needed to get good with both.

[FStop7]

Originally Posted by rodi

are you going to be in the seats or have access to the sidelines?

these were achievable with the 300/2.8 on full-frame. but i was on the sidelines in the "press" areas of the le mans. not sure what your track is like, but hopefully this gives you an idea. a 600 will get you a bit too close if you want to get more than just the car in your frame.

Not sure how much access I have. I'm very familiar with Road Atlanta, I've shot photos there probably a dozen times both with credentials and as a spectator. You can get in really close at RA, closer than a lot of other tracks. Not sure if the same applies at Willow. I figure if I bring my 70-200, a big prime, plus a converter then I'll be fairly well covered.

Originally Posted by dcstep

If you're talking about the series I versions, then the 500mm will be much lighter. You can use the 500mm with the 1.4x TC to achieve a focal length of 700mm, which is about all you can handle without a great tripod with a gimbal head.

If you can rent a Series II, then the 600mm is much closer in weight to the 500mm and you might consider it.

Do you have experience with super-teles? If not, there's a bit of a learning curve needed to get good with both.

The longest tele I've used is a 300 F4L IS. I'm using this as a learning opportunity as I'm not being paid by anyone to be there, so I don't have to worry about meeting any expectations outside of my own. I'm free to screw up as much as I want.

Besides the lens I plan on renting a Wimberley gimbal head.

[infinitekidM2C]

What event? If your talking about tomorrow make sure to get good shots of my black 1 series...has Dark Advans!

[FStop7]

Originally Posted by infinitekid2002

What event? If your talking about tomorrow make sure to get good shots of my black 1 series...has Dark Advans!

Different event, in July. Though if I could make it tomorrow I would go. But I'm going to be at RPI getting my exhaust installed.

[rodi]

you might like a 400/2.8 or 500 then. i would think a 600 would be more for a football field for close-up of the close-quarters action, but i've only shot track like this once.

[infinitekidM2C]

Originally Posted by FStop7

Different event, in July. Though if I could make it tomorrow I would go. But I'm going to be at RPI getting my exhaust installed.

ugh...well give it some thought because a ton of nice cars are going like M3, Porsche GT2s, etc..