Is Olympus 45mm fixed lens OK at Goodwood FOS?

starkus wrote:

Thank's for comments and examples. Nice pics. Did not get the impression that 100mm was too short, but got me convinced that 45mm would really not make it

As an alternative, I thought of buying a used 75/1.8. I do not mind cropping in post-process and missing some wide-normal-long flexibility. Maybe better to have a high (or super ) quality lens which I could sell later for the same amount or use it myself if I love it, rather than sticking to mediocre zoom which will collect dust on the shelf or give me hard time trying to sell it. But again, if action changes so fast at FOS that swapping lenses will be too cumbersome, I then will have to look for a second body for a 75... Or just take a deep breath, take 45-150 and call it a day.

Hey, no problem. I'm glad to help because I was scouring the internet for the same type of information last year, so any questions you have about what camera/lenses to bring to the event, or questions about the event itself, feel free to ask me.

Honestly, within a grouping I don't think there's enough time to change lenses between cars. Sure, you can do it between groupings, but that's typically when you move around the hill. If it's possible, I recommend two cameras, with a different lens on each camera. It makes it much easier (when I went last year I used both of my GH4's, and was very happy to have two cameras with lenses mounted on them).

I still think you're going to run in to issues cropping with a 75mm in certain situations. Things are generally quite tight in the paddock, so unless you only want to pick out details the 75 may not be the right lens (but if you have the option of using two bodies, then the 75 on one body with a normal zoom on the other would be ideal for browsing around the paddock IMO).

If you don't think that you're going to be using one of the cheap mid-range zooms after the event then that's fine. I would start looking for a good deal on a used copy (my preference would be the 45-175 PZ because it's a fixed length and a bit sharper than the competing lenses, but the Oly 40-150 R can be had for a steal), use it during the event, and then sell it once you get back home. It'll likely be cheaper than renting one, and I think it's worth it for the reach. The ideal lens would be the 40-150 PRO, because it gives enough reach over the 35-100, yet still maintains the f/2.8 aperture.

As I mentioned above, if you have any questions at all don't hesitate to ask. I guarantee that you'll have a great time, and I'm very jealous that you're going (I can't wait to make it back there).