Donington and kit lens

[JayJay]

Title almost says it all really;

Planning on attending the Historic Festival at Donington Park at the beginning of May, but currently only have a 18-55mm kit lens; I am hoping to add a 55-200 by then but if I don't manage it - do you get close enough to the action at Donny to get the chance of some decent shots with the short lens?

 

[seriousrikk]

Possible in a couple of spots but be prepared to crop your images. All of the spots I refer to are from the infield - the outside of the circuit has some pretty high fences and a good distance to the track.

The inside of redgate if you position yourself right will get you a few shots at 55mm - these will be medium speed pans with a chance of some good ole gravel kickups

The Esses near the underpass has no fencing in a couple of areas and you are close enough to get the vehicles under braking for the bend. Shooting through the wire may get you a few shots on Goddards from the infield too - but with the wire and cropping it won't be easy.

The craner curves is reasonably close to the barrier, you won't get closeups of the drivers but you might get some good multi car shots.

HTH

 

[JayJay]

That's very helpful Richard. Thanks very much.

 

[wallyboy]

try the old hairpin, you can see them come down craner curves before they brake for the right hander at old hairpin, or around starkeys bridge,

 

[Gary]

You wont get any photos with the car filling the frame with that lens i'm afraid.
Your best bet is to use it to do some slow shutter pans with the car small in the frame.

this is from the inside of the top of craners from the public area

 

[JayJay]

Well I'm going tomorrow. I did manage to acquire a 55-200, which I'm looking forward to using for this kind of thing for the first time.
Does this lens open up any new locations other than those already kindly recommended?

Probably more importantly, a question for anyone who's been recently; Just how muddy and puddley has all this rain made the place? Will I need wellies?!

EDIT: Is puddley a word?

 

[jurbie]

Even with 200mm I'd stick to the infield spots already mentioned. I don't think you'll need wellies.

 

[seriousrikk]

Put your wellies in the boot of the car. Some of the infield is good hard standing but get closer to the fences in a few spots and you are standing on grass.

 

[JayJay]

Thanks again. Battery topped up. Memory card emptied. Just hope for nice weather and good light and some good action on track.