Motorbike pics (6 pictures)

[wull]

My nephew was out testing his new bike over the last couple of days. Had a bit of a play with the camera settings.
Heres a few but still not as sharp as i would like













Any comments greatly appreciated

[retroactiv]

What camera settings were you using, what type of lens were you using? I agree with you that your focus is off on many of them. I know these guys go extra fast on these things, maybe try manual focus and point at a certain point on the track and wait for them to cross over into it because maybe your auto focus isn't fast enough to pick the bikes up before they are out of focus again. It looks like your have your timing down, just have to tweak it just a bit and you'll have some really nice looking pictures to show your nephew.

[wull]

Hi Chris,

Followed ken rockwells guide and just played about with the shutter speed.
The lens is a Nikon 55 - 200 vr.

Dont know if i am to close to the bike due to the limited zoom and am then panning far to fast
I kept it on the auto focus but think i will have a go at the manual next time

[brmill26]

The composition is great. As mentioned, the focus is killing it though. It looks to me like the panning is not the problem, just the focus keeping up with the bike.

If you're inside the turn with the bike turning around you, like in shot 2, 4, and 5, you should be able to use the continuous focus while the bike is in the turn, b/c the distance from you will not change at a high rate of speed.

However, if the bike is coming at you, as in 1 and 3, the focus is probably not fast enough to keep up with the fast closing speed. It would probably be best to pick a point to pre-focus on, then fire when the bike comes through that point. To do that, I would still track the bike as it comes in and just fire at the pre-focused point.

[tufcat]

Those are real close to being great photos.

I'm not familiar with the D40 or the 70-200 VR lens, but here are a couple things to try.
1. Turn the VR off. I have read that the VR significantly slows the auto focus speed.
2. Use the Center Spot Focus mode.
3. Use Continuous Focus mode.
4. Experiment with the ISO settings. Start at 800 ISO.
5. Try the Shutter Priority setting. Start at 1/800, then experiment with lower shutter speeds.

I shot this photograph with my D50 and 80-200mm lens. I think the shots are similar other than actual focal length. The car is at race speed and I am panning the shot. The focus is not perfect, but it is close.
Focal length: 200mm
ISO: 800 (I think). Maybe 400, it's not on the Exif.
Shutter speed: 1/800
F number: F/6.3

Click on the image to see a larger view.

[wull]

Thanks for the comments.
Didnt know that about the VR, I will try it off next time out.
Tufcat i would be very happy if mine turned out like that. Great picture :thumbsup:

[uilq]

good speed feeling pics.

[SmartWombat]

I haven't shot bikes seriously from close-up, you've got some great positions there.
In almost every case it's down to the focus.
The little black #10 (125?) you've lost contrast by shooting into the light, but the face and helmet look sharp on my screen.

Which AF setting are you using?
AF-S or AF-C makes a big difference.

[wull]

Hi PAul

We had the test track to ourselves thats how i managed to get as close. The closer you are though the faster he seems to go

I was using AF-C.

[wull]

The one with the number 10 bike was taken at mallory park the next day at a fast bit of track.
I was quite pleased with it because he only came into view a split second before i fired. I was surprised it was kind of in focus.
I tried the panning techniques you gave me last time and did seem to be getting the hang of it. Dont know if the focus cant keep up with the speed of the bikes

[desmo13]

The timing and composition are awesome. You really captured the action of the rider

#1 and #4 are just amazing.

For some C&C, like others mentioned some focus. Also, as a chronic over saturator (me) It seems #3 might have a little too much saturation.

[wull]

Thanks for all the comments.

Quite pleased with the panning


Just need to work on getting them a sharper

[SmartWombat]

Yes, looks like you have the panning right.
It just needs practice.
If you don't do it often enough, then you can find the first few photos of the day in the bin
Until you get back in the rhythm of it.

I just want to be at those test sessions beside you !

[wull]

Yes it was great PAul.

When the guy who ran the place was away i got right on to the track
Wish you had been there to keep me right.
Do you ever make any of the British Superbike Races, Which track is nearest you

[SmartWombat]

Silverstone's nearest, but Brands Hatch is better for non-accredited photography, as is Donnington if they use the Melbourne loop and the esses.

[wull]

I will try and sort you out with a few tickets nearer the time if you want in return for some one to one tuition and a few in focus pictures

The dates and tracks are here about half way down on the right hand side

http://www.thebikerplace.com/alex-gault/

[SmartWombat]

Got it, I'll check the DTM calendar, Goodwood and le Mans dates - then see what's left !

[wull]

No bother PAul

Let me know and i will see what i can do