I spent a day at the local race track (Indianapolis Motor Speedway to everyone else) watching practice and qualifying for the Red Bull Indianapolis GP. ; This is the third year I've seen the MotoGP guys in action, and I still marvel at how they can go around corners using just a small area of the sidewalls of their tires. This year I rented a copy of Tim's favorite lens, the Sigma 50-500mm "Sigmonster." ; I'm really impressed with the results. Here are the first week's posts. ; I'll add some more next week, including some of umbrella girls and the custom bikes on display. As always, click the photos to go to Flickr for details and captions. Toni Elias Up and down Hiroshi Aoyama Two in 8 Knee dragger Is anyone on there? Whoa, Nelly Ben Spies
Very cool! These guys are both awesome and nuts at the same time. But talk about the ultimate blending of man and machine, these guys don't just ride the bikes, they become part of it. Erich
As I mentioned on flickr, one really has to trust the bike to get that low in the turns. ; Did you use a monopod with that lens?
Thanks, everyone! ; And yes, Scott, I did use a monopod. ; With an effective focal length of up to 750mm on my crop-sensor camera, there was no way I wanted to try hand-holding it. ; I'm sure I could have, and I understand one of the VR modes is optimized for panning.
I was more concerned with your arms. ; Lenses like this are heavy! ; I was grateful for a monopod when I did the baseball tournament earlier this summer.
As soon as I got to the track, I put it on the monopod. ; I really didn't want to wear myself out. Here is this week's batch. ; I'll get to the fashion show and custom bikes soon, I promise! After you, sir Drafting or tailgating? How does he do that? Follow the leader Right then left Comin' at ya' Leaning Honda Practice, practice
Very cool Dennis! ; I just found out that one of my students' father may race bikes like this. ; Need to get more info about this! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I posted a bunch of pix this week, showing that there is more to a day at the race track than just racing. QR code? What QR code? Custom Yamaha #1 Ice cold shots! Indy winner Casey Stoner Formation flying Just what you need for your Ducati Looking over the crowd One for the ladies I spy with my little eye Custom Yamaha #2 Almost a local Who's in front? Custom Yamaha #3 Come on, just a little faster! Ride your Ducati and get a tan Vroom!
So you are saying there really is a QR code in that first photo? ; I didn't see it either. ; And that is one heck of a barstool (Jager bike) and one cool transformer bike.
Great shots Dennis! ; I can it was a GREAT pleasure take some time and stare, I mean look at your photos.
It's the square emblem on their outfits, down around navel level. ; I honestly didn't notice it until the morning I posted the photo; my eyes were always drawn a little higher. And thanks, John. It was a pleasure looking at them (over and over and over) to pick out some of the best shots.
