[deadwolfbones]

I recently picked up a Nikon 300/4 AF (non-AF-S) to go with my D700, but reports I'm reading on its AF speed lead me to believe it might not work out so well with motorcycle racing (though by all accounts it's excellent in all other regards). I'm also thinking about the 70-300mm VR, but I'm worried its AF speed also might not be up to snuff.

Anyone have any suggestions on the long end that are quick on the AF and won't break the bank?

[alexeyga]

I'd try that 300/4 before getting worried... It might end up being more than adequate for the task... 70-300VR b.t.w. has a fairly fast AF system as well...

[jsherman999]

Yeah, I'd give it a try, the D700 can dive mine pretty fast.

My Sigma 100-300 f4 HSM is faster than my 300 f4 AF, but much bigger. If $1100 is within your budget, I'd suggest that.

I almost never miss shots with my 300 f4, but then again, I haven't shot bike racing with it yet either. But I can easily nail shots like this:











(that owl actually was not static - it was crouched, about to take off, and I was able to lock and snap right before it did.)


.

[deadwolfbones]

Damn, nice stuff, Jay.

The 100-300 is something I'll definitely consider.

[jsherman999]

Damn, nice stuff, Jay.

The 100-300 is something I'll definitely consider.

.

Yes - but those were taken with the 300 f4, not the Sigma, just to be clear.

[deadwolfbones]

Out of curiosity, how would you compare the two in terms of performance at 300mm?

Edit: and were those all on the D700, or some on the D90?

[jsherman999]

Out of curiosity, how would you compare the two in terms of performance at 300mm?

Edit: and were those all on the D700, or some on the D90?

.

My 300 prime is better than the Sigma at 300mm - but the Sigma is very good, even wide-open, at 300mm.

Actually all those were from the D90. The D700 focuses even faster with it, to the point that it still will probably lock faster than any long Pentax telephoto you've shot - at least that's been my experience.

Really, try it out. The reason I shoot it more often than the Sigma is because of size. It's stealthier, lighter.

[Steinback]

You could take your current 300mm down to the local freeway to test it out. Not quite the same as motorcycle racing but it will let you track high speed targets, likely including bikes if the weather is nice.

Hitting a track day would be another option if you can get to one before the event you want to cover. Depending on the track layout and the type of race the bikes' cornering speeds may not be all that fast.