Over the winter months I trialled the new Sony a9ii camera bodies along with a selection of their lenses and found the results outstanding. So much so, that on the 17th January I completely swapped over to the Sony system. Bearing in mind this was a week before the Kawasaki launch this illustrates what confidence I had in their system.
The layout of the cameras is well thought out and extremely tactile. I have used Canon since 2000 and yet found the Sony bodies very easy to adapt to.
I was slightly sceptical about all the custom function buttons, but now that I have tweaked them to suit my taste, I am finding them invaluable. To be able to change settings without removing your eye from the viewfinder and go into sub menus means you are less likely to miss a shot. Similarly, to review images in the view finder, particularly in bright sunlight, gives you the confidence to quickly check on exposures and carry on shooting.
The built-in communications, whether it be to phone or laptop are simple and easy to set up and I found them invaluable when shooting statics of the bikes to check exposure and composition.
Another deciding factor for me personally, was the weight saving of the kit. With all the travelling and lumping cameras and lenses around a race track all day it is some consideration without wanting to compromise on quality. The Sony a9ii and 400mm f2.8 is getting on for 1.5kg lighter than my Canon equivalent!
At the moment Sony seems to have the lead over both Canon and Nikon in the mirrorless range with a professional spec camera and range of lenses, which produce stunning images.
I have attached a small selection of images shot on Sony a9ii bodies with Sony FE 12-24mm F4 G, FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM, and FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS.
A massive thank you to Ross Burridge and all the Kawasaki staff for being so accommodating and of course Graeme Brown (GeeBee) for his invaluable experience and co-shooting.
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The lens is so tactile and well thought out. The design is efficient and workmanlike. There are some really nice touches like the locking lens hood with a rubberised ring for grip. It is a pleasure to just be able to pick it up and use it without having to look where the various buttons are. They are all in the right place, making using the various functions second nature and switching from one setting to another seamless and fast. Essential for sports photographers whether pro or amateur. There are no particular vices or glitches in its operation and it delivers exactly what a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens should, particularly when you take into consideration the cost of the opposition! The lens is solid, (not too heavy as it is well balanced), well made and inspires confidence that it will stand up to professional use aided by the dust and moisture resistant construction and seals.
As with my other Sigma Sports lenses I have tweaked the custom focussing functions. C1 to be quicker on focus for fast objects coming towards the camera and C2 to be smother and more locked on, for slow shutter speed panning. This coupled with the Sigma Optical Stabilisation set to 2, makes for great results. Sigma quotes a four-stop advantage when using the OS system which would appear to be true. For action I would not normally use any inbuilt stabilisation, but I have had a play and I have to say I am very impressed. The standard setting was very useful and accurate when shooting handheld in low light in the pit box.
I cannot speak highly enough of this lens. In a nut shell, it has outstanding sharpness, with lovely bokeh. There is even performance across the zoom range with no flare and very low vignetting, no doubt because of the one SLD (Super Low Dispersion) element and 10 LD (Low Dispersion) elements. The front element is even fluorine coated to repel grease and water, however I would always use a UV filter for protection. Nice touch though. Then there is the price! Again, Sigma have produced a true professional lens at a more affordable price!
The Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 DG OS HSM Sport Lens is a win, win situation, which in a sports photographers world is a given.
The following images were all shot on Canon 1DX bodies with the Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 DG OS HSM Sport Lens.
BSB Pre-Season Test, Monteblanco Circuit, La Palma del Condado, Huelva, Spain. 13th March 2019. Xavi Fores, Spain, Honda Racing.
BSB Pre-Season Test, Monteblanco Circuit, La Palma del Condado, Huelva, Spain. 13th March 2019. Scott Redding, Gloucester, Be Wiser PBM Ducati.
BSB Pre-Season Test, Monteblanco Circuit, La Palma del Condado, Huelva, Spain. 14th March 2019. Glenn Irwin, Carrickfergus, Quattro Plant JG Speedfit Kawasaki.
BSB Pre-Season Test, Monteblanco Circuit, La Palma del Condado, Huelva, Spain. 15th March 2019. Tarran Mackenzie, Ashby, McAMS Yamaha.
BSB Pre-Season Test, Monteblanco Circuit, La Palma del Condado, Huelva, Spain. 15th March 2019. Tarran Mackenzie, Ashby, McAMS Yamaha and Jason O'Halloran, Market Rasen, McAMS Yamaha.
BSB Pre-Season Test, Monteblanco Circuit, La Palma del Condado, Huelva, Spain. 15th March 2019. Bradley Ray, Lydd, Buildbase Suzuki.
BSB Pre-Season Test, Monteblanco Circuit, La Palma del Condado, Huelva, Spain. 15th March 2019. Josh Brookes, Australia, Be Wiser PBM Ducati.
BSB Pre-Season Test, Monteblanco Circuit, La Palma del Condado, Huelva, Spain. 14th March 2019. Glenn Irwin, Carrickfergus, Quattro Plant JG Speedfit Kawasaki.
BSB Pre-Season Test, Portimao, Algarve, Portugal. 16th March 2019. Glenn Irwin, Carrickfergus, Quattro Plant JG Speedfit Kawasaki and Ben Currie, Australia, Quattro Plant JG Speedfit Kawasaki.
BSB Pre-Season Test, Portimao, Algarve, Portugal. 16th March 2019. Ben Currie, Australia, Quattro Plant JG Speedfit Kawasaki.
BSB Pre-Season Test, Monteblanco Circuit, La Palma del Condado, Huelva, Spain. 14th March 2019. Ben Currie, Australia, Quattro Plant JG Speedfit Kawasaki.
Following a recent trip to Brands Hatch to photograph Nathan Heathcote of the Century Motorsport Team, who will be competing this year in the Ginetta GT4 SuperCup, below are some of his publicity photographs, shot with the Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 DG OS HSM Sport Lens.
Images © Tim Keeton | Impact Images Photography
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What follows is a small selection of images I shot this weekend, which hopefully gives a flavour of what it is like to work with a Champion and Championship winning team.
On arriving at the circuit on the Thursday I wanted to try and capture a 'natural' picture of Leon. Something that showed the emotions and feelings he may be experiencing prior to one of his most important race career weekends. Eurosport were filming in the pit box and during a short break, Leon seemed lost in deep thought. The following image was captured in available light on the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art Lens (so as not to interfere with TV) and was exactly the sort of image I was looking to get.
The weather forecast for Friday was dry, but windy, so I headed out to Sheene's curve, hoping that the backdrop of tree's would have an autumnal colour. Not only did they, but the gusty wind also occasional whipped up a cloud of leaves, resulting in the following image shot with the Sigma 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM Sports Lens.
I spent Friday afternoon in pit lane and as Leon went out for FP2, he threw a cursory glance at the timing screen, or had he got eyes on the prize? (Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art Lens)
Weather conditions were obviously still tricky, but Leon improved on his time in the morning by nearly a second, so set up was moving in the right direction. (Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art Lens)
On Saturday morning, the wind had dropped and summer seemed to have returned, but because of the time of year was casting long morning shadows across the track. (Sigma 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM Sports Lens and Sigma 1.4x TC-1401 Teleconverter)
As the final round is a Triple Header, with an extra race on the Saturday, Qualifying followed not long after FP3. Although Leon was visibly pushing hard, he was obviously thinking about the bigger picture. securing 8th place. However, with title rival, Jake Dixon, qualifying in pole, the race was going to be interesting. Leon rode within himself, finishing sixth and despite Jake having finished runner-up, this was enough to secure Leon the 2018 Championship. (Sigma 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM Sports Lens)
The celebrations ensued, with the usual, Champion t-shirt, special helmet and number 1 being affixed to the bike, with his team mate, Luke Mossey being the first to offer his congratulations. (Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Art Lens)
The relief was evident on the faces of his team. Jack Valentine, Team Manager, Pete Extance, Team Principal and Dale Extance, Leon's Tyre Technician. (Sigma 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM Sports Lens)
Team Manager, Pete Extance, was also one of the first people to commiserate with Jake Dixon in parc ferme. (Sigma 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM Sports Lens)
The weather forecast for Sunday was far from favourable and the second BSB race of the weekend was in difficult, wet conditions. With the Championship safely in the bag, Leon slipped and slid his way to and impressive victory. (Sigma 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM Sports Lens)
Between Race 2 and Race 3, Leon's crew worked against the clock to fit commemorative livery to his Kawasaki ZX10-RR-2018. (Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Art Lens)
The final race of the 2018 season was again in very difficult conditions. In the post race press conference, Leon said he was just glad to finish! He had several big slides and on exiting Graham Hill bend even found the time to check his progress on the big screen! (Sigma 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM Sports Lens)
The post race celebrations 'take 2' ensued, but this time with Dave Hopkinson, Leon's Technician joining in, which I was pleased about, as he has been working tirelessly for his rider all season. (Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Art Lens)
A quick sprint up the hill into the pits and clamber onto pit wall enabled me to capture Leon returning to the start finish line and the canon of ticker tape. Followed by the mobbing of the 2018 Bennetts British Superbike Champion. (Sigma 120-300mm f2.8 DG OS HSM)
Jack Valentine and Pete Extance celebrated collecting the Winning Team Trophy. (Sigma 120-300mm f2.8 DG OS HSM)
Followed by Leon collecting the 2018 Championship Trophy. (Sigma 120-300mm f2.8 DG OS HSM)
Also captured remotely from the top of the tower! (Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Art Lens)
The long evening of celebration pictures then began. Firstly of Leon in the pit box with his crew and then Dad, Ron. (Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Art Lens)
Followed by some more organised studio images. (Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Art Lens)
Once again the Sigma Art and Sport lenses served me well over the weekend in difficult weather. They didn't miss a beat as they haven't all year.
A massive congratulations to Leon on a well deserved Championship and I would like to wish him all the best in the World Championship next season. I would also like to congratulate everyone at the JG Speedfit Kawasaki Team for their Championship win too and thank them for their hospitality throughout 2018. It has been a pleasure and honour.
]]>The shoot was at the Woburn Bike Trail in Bedfordshire and as the weather was a bit overcast, was going to prove challenging under the woodland cover.
I had only just picked up the New Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM ART so was keen to see how it performed under challenging conditions. I needn't have worried. I quickly gained confidence in the lens so after shooting some product incidentals and portraits, lit with Eninchrom lights, I decided to try it out on some action too. The 1.8 aperture was great for creating a shallow depth of field and drawing your eye into the MAXXIS logo on the tyres. I was also extremely pleased with the facial rendition, sharp focus, excellent colour rendition and superlative bokeh on the portraits (which I had read so much about).
In addition to the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM ART, the following images were shot on the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM ART and Sigma 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM ART with Canon EOS 1DX bodies. Although all of these lenses are 'ART' lenses, their excellent build quality, speed of focus and incredible sharpness doesn't just restrict their usage to studio! You can create Art anywhere with them.
Enjoy the images.
Tim
It has been a difficult couple of weeks for the organisers because of the weather and racing incidents, but they have done a great job to get as much action in as possible. One of my clients is JG Speedfit Kawasaki and their rider James Hillier, has been competing in the Supersport, Superstock, Superbike and Senior classes, with a much deserved 2nd place in the only Supersport race of the week.
As a picture is supposedly worth a thousand words, below is a gallery shot on Canon EOS 1DX's with the 12-24mm F4 DG HSM Art, 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM Art, 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Sports, 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sports, and the TC-1401 converters.
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As a picture is supposedly worth a thousand words, below is a gallery shot on Canon EOS 1DX's with the 12-24mm F4 DG HSM Art, 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM Art, 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Sports, 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sports, and the TC-1401 and TC-2001 converters.
The images are from a selection of my work for one of my clients, Bennetts Suzuki and in particular one of their riders Taylor Mackenzie. I thought it better to deliberately narrow my selection to one rider from one team, rather than simply picking the best from all the images I have shot over the last few days.
Hopefully the rain in Spain stays away for the week.
The McAMS Yamaha Team sneak onto the track to bed in some engines.
And Michael Laverty's Crew chief, Pete Jennings, PJ, is carrying on where he left off last season.
The teams are eventually able to start off-loading the trucks into the pits, as the sun sets.
And it is well into the evening before they have finished their preparations for tomorrow.
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Yesterday at Oulton Park, whilst covering the Round 9 of the British Superbike Championship I believe I may have achieved this.
Questions I frequently get asked by professional colleagues is why Sigma? Is it fast enough? Is the quality as good as Canon/Nikon? What about the build quality? Is it too much of a compromise? No it is not a compromise, build quality is excellent (MotoGP at Silverstone gave everything a soaking) and hopefully the following set of images clearly illustrates that the quality and speed is excellent! The body used was a Canon 1DX, 1/800th at f8.
As I say I was at Oulton Park covering the first of three BSB races from turn 1, Old Hall Corner. On lap 2, Howie Mainwaring-Smart lost the front end resulting in the following:
This occurred on lap two, so there were still several professional photographers at turn 1, who had come to cover the first corner action of the opening race. It would appear that I am the only professional to have the full sequence, purely because of the speed, quality and "push/full" zoom facility. My colleagues who were all on Canon and Nikon prime lenses, appear to have missed this spectacular crash either in part or all together!
A picture is worth a thousand words. Hopefully this set of images will answer most question about the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | S, which I regard as being an outstanding lens and excellent value for money.
]]>In the PokerStars Senior race, John McGuinness took his 23rd TT victory and shattered Bruce Anstey’s outright lap record from last year’s Superbike race with a sensational speed of 132.701mph as he came home 14.2s clear of James Hillier, with Ian Hutchinson in third.
The flexibility and portability of the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM Sport Lens, Sigma 24-105mm f/4.0 DG OS HSM Art Lens and Sigma TC-1401 1.4x Teleconverter, enabled me to record this, without any compromise on quality.
With the two lenses on a Canon EOS 1DX and 5DmkIII and the converter in a pocket, I was comfortably able to get around the Mountain Circuit on a scooter (courtesy of GB Racing), without being laden down with bulkier heavier lenses.
The results are shared below.
Dean Hipwell, Doncaster, CDH Racing, 2015 British Superbike Championship, BSB R01, Donington Park, Derbyshire. 6th April 2015. Canon EOS-1D -X, Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM, Focal length 300mm; 1/640 sec; f8; ISO 200; Shutter priority.
John Ingram, Hindley, Morello Racing, 2015 British Superbike Championship, BSB R01, Donington Park, Derbyshire. 6th April 2015. Canon EOS-1D -X, Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM, Focal length 300mm; 1/640 sec; f6.3; ISO 200; Shutter priority.
Rob Mcnealy, Sittingbourne, McNealy Brown ltd, 2015 British Superbike Championship, BSB R01, Donington Park, Derbyshire. 6th April 2015. Canon EOS-1D -X, Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM, Focal length 300mm; 1/640 sec; f7.1; ISO 200; Shutter priority.
Chris Taylor, Coventry, In Moto Corse, 2015 British Superbike Championship, BSB R01, Donington Park, Derbyshire. 4th April 2015. Canon EOS-1D -X, Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM, Focal length 300mm; 1/640 sec; f7.1; ISO 400; Shutter priority.
Leon Jeacock, Kirkby Mallory, Geo E Davies Racing, 2015 British Superbike Championship, BSB R01, Donington Park, Derbyshire. 6th April 2015. Canon EOS-1D -X, Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM, Focal length 300mm; 1/640 sec; f7.1; ISO 200; Shutter priority.
Benjamin Godfrey, Long Eaton, BPG Racing , Cody Nally, Athlone, MWR Motorsports, 2015 British Superbike Championship, BSB R01, Donington Park, Derbyshire. 4th April 2015. Canon EOS-1D -X, Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM, Focal length 300mm; 1/800 sec; f5.6; ISO 200; Shutter priority.
Its not all about capturing crashes!
Jenny Tinmouth, Ellesmere Port, Honda Racing, 2015 British Superbike Championship, BSB R01, Donington Park, Derbyshire. 6th April 2015. Canon EOS-1D X, Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM, Plus Sigma TELE CONVERTER 2x TC-2001, Focal length 600mm ; 1/1000 sec; f11; ISO 400; Shutter priority.
Shane Byrne, Sittingbourne, PBM Kawasaki, celebrates on the podium, 2015 British Superbike Championship, BSB R01, Donington Park, Derbyshire. 6th April 2015. Canon EOS-5D MKIII, Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM, Focal length 300mm; 1/400 sec; f6.3; ISO 400; Shutter priority.
Sigma 120-300mm f2.8 DG OS HSM Lens Image Stabiliser.
As I mentioned in the previous post, I now have had a little more time to get used to the new Sigma 120-300mm f2.8 DG OS HSM Lens and although it performs brilliantly out of the box, it was now time to make use of the Sigma usb Dock and tweak some of the lenses settings to suit my needs.
This blog relates to shooting high speed action coming towards the camera, as opposed to panning.
I connected the lens to my Mac with the usb dock and launched the Sigma Optimization Pro software and then clicked on the Customization tab. As the focusing was not an issue, I moved onto the Customization Mode Setting tab.
I have altered the C1 settings to the following; to latch onto fast moving subjects coming towards, or away from the camera:
AF Speed Setting - Motor's Drive Speed Priority
OS Setting - Moderate View Mode
I have left the Focus Limiter Setting unchanged, as I don't find this an issue.
The British Superbike Championship is a fast paced action sport with riders pushing their bikes to the limits. Sometimes pushing too hard, resulting in them crashing. This all starts to happen in a fraction of a second and may not be where you are directly pointing the camera. So how quickly could the AF of the Sigma 120-300mm lens react and how would the OS 'smooth out' any camera movement in my haste to capture the incident?
As you will see from the images above, it performs absolutely brilliantly.
Motorbike Racing photography is not just about capturing crashes. Far from it. That is why I have also included the semi-silhouette of BSB's top female rider, Jenny Tinmouth, during the early morning Warm Up Session. Shot from a low angle, into the rising sun, as she crests the rise at over a hundred mph. This is a big ask of any lenses AF and OS capabilities.
To the victor goes the spoils and the image of Shane Byrne celebrating on the podium, to me captures his sheer delight in taking victory. What you can't see is that this picture is taken with me balancing precariously on a pit wall railing, to try and rise above the distracting chrome barrier, which would otherwise obscure the riders face! The AF can sometimes latch onto the spray from the champagne so you need it to be fast to refocus where you need it to. The OS has brilliantly illiminated any camera movement from my far from text book camera stance!
Again, you may have to adjust your focus settings/options on your camera body, to work in harmony with those of the lens. Please refer to your own manufactures guide for this.
Thank you for reading.
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Ryuichi Kiyonari, Japan, Buildbase BMW Motorrad, 2015 British Superbike Championship, BSB R01, Donington Park, Derbyshire. 4th April 2015. Canon EOS-1D X, Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM, Focal length 269mm; 1/200 sec; f8; ISO 200; Shutter priority.
Josh Waters, Australia, Bennetts Suzuki, 2015 British Superbike Championship, BSB R01, Donington Park, Derbyshire. 4th April 2015. Canon EOS-1D X, Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM, Focal length 300mm; 1/125 sec; f13; ISO 200; Shutter priority.
Broc Parkes, Australia, Milwaukee Yamaha, 2015 British Superbike Championship, BSB R01, Donington Park, Derbyshire. 4th April 2015. Canon EOS-1D X, Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM, Focal length 300mm; 1/200 sec; f14; ISO 200; Shutter priority.
Billy McConnell Australia, Smiths Racing BMW, 2015 British Superbike Championship, BSB R01, Donington Park, Derbyshire. 4th April 2015. Canon EOS-1D X, Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM, Focal length 252mm; 1/125 sec; f8; ISO 200; Shutter priority.
Sigma 120-300mm f2.8 DG OS HSM Lens Image Stabiliser.
I now have had a little time to get used to the new Sigma 120-300mm f2.8 DG OS HSM Lens and although it performs brilliantly out of the box, it was now time to make use of the Sigma usb Dock and tweak some of the lenses settings to suit my needs.
On connecting the lens to my Mac with the usb dock and launching the Sigma Optimization Pro software, I firstly checked that the Firmware was up to date, which it was. I then clicked on the Customization tab. As the focusing was not an issue, I moved onto the Customization Mode Setting tab.
I have altered the C1 settings to the following; to latch onto fast moving subjects coming towards, or away from the camera:
AF Speed Setting - Motor's Drive Speed Priority
OS Setting - Moderate View Mode
I have left the Focus Limiter Setting unchanged, as I don't find this an issue.
I have altered the C2s setting to the following; to pan with fast moving subjects across the plane of the camera:
AF Speed Setting - Focus Accuracy-Priority
OS Setting - Moderate View Mode
Again I have left the Focus Limiter Setting unchanged.
On speaking with the extremely helpful Sigma Technicians at Welwyn Garden City, they explained that the OS Setting adjustment is concerned with what you see through the viewfinder. If you want to see the OS working, then switch to the Dynamic View Mode. If you want the OS to perform better without the image jerking around in the viewfinder, then select the Moderate View Mode. As I am primarily working with fast moving subjects I am more concerned about end result of the OS and in particular, not having distracting subjects 'jumping around' in the viewfinder as the OS shows me what it is doing.
I feel that the C2 settings I have now loaded into the lens, enable me to pan with more confidence and with a better hit rate. With the images I have included with this post, whilst the shutter speeds are not fantastically slow, please remember these are relatively small subjects moving at great speeds. Yes I could shoot at 1/30th or less, but I am working for clients at race weekends, who expect a broad selection of images, with their sponsors visible and sharp across the bike. I will have a further experiment at a test, or something, to truly test this excellent lens' performance.
Similarly, with the modern DSLR you may have to adjust your focus settings/options to work in harmony with those of the lens. Please refer to your own manufactures guide for this.
To see the results of the C1 settings to work with subjects moving towards, or away from the camera, please see the separate Blog.
Thank you for reading.
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Smiley Solar Eclipse taken on Sigma 500mm F4.5 APO EX DG and Sigma TELE CONVERTER 2x TC-2001
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Be Wiser Kawasaki bodywork and pit box, Circuito de Cartagena, Murcia, Spain. Canon EOS EOS 5D MarkIII, Sigma 12-24mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM, Focal length 17mm; 1/200 sec; f5.6; ISO 200; Shutter priority.
Be Wiser Kawasaki pit box setup day, Circuito de Cartagena, Murcia, Spain. Canon EOS EOS 5D MarkIII, Sigma 12-24mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM, Focal length 16mm; 1/200 sec; f5.6; ISO 800; Shutter priority.
Stuart Easton (GB) PBM Kawasaki, Circuito de Cartagena, Murcia, Spain. Canon EOS EOS 5D MarkIII, Sigma 12-24mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM, Focal length 17mm; 1/250 sec; f8; ISO 400; Shutter priority.
Tommy Bridewell (GB) Tyco BMW, Circuito de Cartagena, Murcia, Spain. Canon EOS EOS 5D MarkIII, Sigma 12-24mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM, Focal length 24mm; 1/250 sec; f5.6; ISO 800; Shutter priority.
The Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 II DG HSM is an ultra wide-angle zoom lens compatible with digital SLR cameras with 35mm full frame image sensors.
http://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=59_67&product_id=70
My previous lenses in this range were the Canon 15mm f2.8 fisheye and the Canon 17-40mm f4L USM. So straight away I was keen to see if the one Sigma lens could do the same job as well as my previous two?
The lens feels solid and well made, with nice grippy rubber and a built in lens hood. The AF/M switch sticks out a little and although there is a positive click, it may be all too easy to accidently switch the AF off.
The lens produced sharp images in the pit box and seemed to be sharp across the whole of the image with a reasonable aperture. There was good contrast, with detail in the shadow areas, which considering the teams had no livery, (so the garages were quite dull), was most impressive.
This ultra wide angle zoom range is extremely useful for working in tight, cramped pit boxes enabling you to capture the atmosphere of it all, without any compromise in quality. I also no longer have to swap lenses and so with the Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM / DG HSM | A on another camera body and the speed of the HSM’s, I should have no excuse for missing anything in the pit box this season.
In conclusion, the Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 II DG HSM is an extremely versatile ultra wide-angle zoom lens, which sits nicely alongside the Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM / DG HSM | A. Despite only being an f4.5-5.6, it produces good contrast, sharp images at a very affordable price.
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Andy Reid (GB) team Traction Control, Circuito de Cartagena, Murcia, Spain. Canon EOS EOS-1D X, Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM, Focal length 840mm; 1/800 sec; f9; ISO 400; Shutter priority, with Sigma x1.4 TC-1401 Converter.
Chris Walker (GB) Be Wiser Kawasaki, Circuito de Cartagena, Murcia, Spain. Canon EOS EOS-1D X, Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM, Focal length 600mm; 1/800 sec; f7.1; ISO 200; Shutter priority.
Chris Walker (GB) Be Wiser Kawasaki, Circuito de Cartagena, Murcia, Spain. Canon EOS EOS-1D X, Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM, Focal length 600mm; 1/250 sec; f14; ISO 200; Shutter priority.
Chris Walker (GB) Be Wiser Kawasaki, Circuito de Cartagena, Murcia, Spain. Canon EOS EOS-1D X, Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM, Focal length 600mm; 1/1000 sec; f6.3; ISO 400; Shutter priority.
Phil Wakefield, Sandbach, PWR/Sandbach Scrap Metal Yamaha, Circuito de Cartagena, Murcia, Spain. Canon EOS EOS-1D X, Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM, Focal length 600mm; 1/640 sec; f8; ISO 200; Shutter priority.
Luke Mossey (GB) Quattro Plant Kawasaki, Circuito de Cartagena, Murcia, Spain. Canon EOS EOS-1D X, Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM, Focal length 600mm; 1/1000 sec; f6.3; ISO 400; Shutter priority.
The Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM is the second zoom lens in the Sports category of the new Sigma Global Vision Range of lenses. However, this is a super telephoto zoom lens, covering an incredible range.
http://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/cas/product/sports/s_150_600_5_63/features.html
Straight out of the box, the lens feels solid, tactile and well made. Like the 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM the mount connection area, manual focus ring, customization switch and other controls, switch panels and cover connection areas are all designed to be dust and water-resistant.
Again, the first thing I did was to connect the lens to the docking station and update the firmware.
Now my usual trackside lens is the Canon 500mm f4L IS USM so I had my reservations as to whether this was going to be a fair comparison – a prime lens verses a zoom, an f4 verses an f5-6.3?
The lens felt very comfortable and wasn’t too heavy to hand hold for panning. However, for a normal race weekend, I would attach the lens to a monopod.
The focus lock switch, was useful for not only locking at the 150mm end for carrying, but for also locking at a focal length for panning. It was also easy to switch off and re-engage the zoom.
I was surprisingly pleased with the results; bearing in mind I was shooting in very bright light, across gravel traps and with brown, dusty backgrounds at bikes predominantly running no livery. This would obviously provide little contrast for the AF to latch onto. However, when it did lock on, it was faultless.
I tried shooting at fairly wide apertures and then stopping down a bit and to be honest, there was no discernable difference. Similarly by adding the new X1.4 TC-1401 Converter, the AF continued to function at 840mm! The hit rate was down a bit, but as I have said, I was asking a lot of this lens and Sigma are continuing to tweak the focusing via software updates. Back in the UK I am sure this lens will perform much better under less taxing and extreme conditions. Being old school I found the Manual Override switch to be very useful. As we all know, AF does have its limitations no matter what the camera and/or lens you are using. Sigma is aware of this and again this is where the docking station comes in very useful, as you can adjust the sensitivity of the Manual Override to suit you.
So how does the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM lens compare to a prime lens of the big two? Pretty admirably and when you take into account the performance over the vast zoom range, the portability, weight saving and price, it is in a league of its own. I kmow this lens will prove to be invaluable when I cover the NW200 and Isle of Man TT road races later in the year.
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Jakub Smrz (CZ) Lloyds British Moto Racing Ducati, Circuito de Cartagena, Murcia, Spain. Canon EOS 5D MarkIII, Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM / DG HSM | A, Focal length 24mm; 1/320 sec; f13; ISO 200; Shutter priority.
James Ellison (GB) JG Speedfit Kawasaki, Circuito de Cartagena, Murcia, Spain. Canon EOS 5D MarkIII, Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM / DG HSM | A, Focal length 38mm; 1/250 sec; f16; ISO 200; Shutter priority.
K-Tech Suspension in Chris Walker's Be Wiser Kawasaki, Circuito de Cartagena, Murcia, Spain. Canon EOS 5D MarkIII, Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM / DG HSM | A, Focal length 105mm; 1/200 sec; f4; ISO 800; Shutter priority.
Be Wiser Kawasaki Team Principle, Tommy Hill, Circuito de Cartagena, Murcia, Spain. Canon EOS 5D MarkIII, Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM / DG HSM | A, Focal length 28mm; 1/125 sec; f13; ISO 200; Manual.
The new Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM, is the standard zoom lens from their new "Art" line, of lenses in the Sigma Global Vision Range.
http://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/cas/product/art/a_24_105_4/features.html
My previous lens in this focal range was the Canon EF 28-70mm f2.8L USM and this was going to take some beating, as it is one of my favourite lenses.
Again, after unpacking, I updated the lens firmware and set about seeing what I could do with it in the pit box at the BSB test in Cartagena.
The lens feels very solid, and all the buttons are well located. They have a slight recessing and a positive click, so you will not accidently switch off the AF, or OS. The zoom ring is tactile and I like the way that the focusing ring is much smaller and recessed, so as to avoid knocking shots out of focus manually.
I quickly felt at ease with this lens and found it to be surprisingly sharp, not just in the centre, but at the edges too. Thanks to the HSM, it was quick to latch onto subjects, even in dull lighting conditions. It was also possible to shoot wide open and still throw the somewhat messy and confusing backgrounds out of focus. This was an attribute of the Canon lens that I particularly loved and was concerned if the Sigma lens could replicate it. The added bonus of the OS will also enable you to shoot at much slower speeds without any fear of camera shake, thereby cancelling out that it is an f4.
I found that the contrast of the images produced was excellent, whether shooting in bright sunlight with clear blue skies, or in the concreted grey environment of the pit boxes. There was also good definition in the shadows.
All in all, this is a very good lens. It sits in the standard zoom range, which is an extremely competitive area. Technically it is more advanced than its competitors (see above link) and this clearly shows in the final images. Do I want my old lens back? No thanks, the Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM / DG HSM | A, is a definite keeper!
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Danny Buchan (GB) Be Wiser Kawasaki, Circuito de Cartagena, Murcia, Spain. Canon EOS-1D X, Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM, Focal length 300mm; 1/640 sec; f8; ISO 200; Shutter priority.
James Rispoli (USA) Team Traction Control, Circuito de Cartagena, Murcia, Spain. Canon EOS-1D X, Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM, Focal length 235mm; 1/640 sec; f10; ISO 200; Shutter priority.
Chris Walker (GB) Be Wiser Kawasaki, Circuito de Cartagena, Murcia, Spain. Canon EOS-1D X, Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM, Focal length 120mm; 1/640 sec; f10; ISO 200; Shutter priority.
Ian Hutchinson (GB) PBM Kawasaki, Circuito de Cartagena, Murcia, Spain. Canon EOS 5D MarkIII, Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM, Focal length 161mm; 1/200 sec; f11; ISO 200; Shutter priority.
Josh Waters (AUS) Halsall Suzuki, Circuito de Cartagena, Murcia, Spain. Canon EOS 5D MarkIII, Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM, Focal length 252mm; 1/200 sec; f5; ISO 200; Manual.
Chris Walker's Be Wiser Kawasaki, Circuito de Cartagena, Murcia, Spain. Canon EOS 5D MarkIII, Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM, Focal length 269mm; 1/125 sec; f13; ISO 200; Manual.
Chris Walker (GB) Be Wiser Kawasaki, Circuito de Cartagena, Murcia, Spain. Canon EOS 5D MarkIII, Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM, Focal length 139mm; 1/200 sec; f10; ISO 200; Manual.
The all-new Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM is one of the revised lenses in Sports Category of the new Sigma Global Lens range.
http://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/cas/product/sports/s_120_300_28/features.html
Sigma says it is a “Durable high performance lens, redesigned with the photographer in mind.”
They certainly seem to have listened to professional photographers needs, as straight away the lens feels solid, tactile and well made. The mount connection area, manual focus ring, customization switch and other controls, switch panels and cover connection areas are all designed to be dust and water-resistant (not that I needed the latter in Spain).
After updating the lens firmware with the Sigma Docking Station, I set about putting it through its paces at the BSB pre-season test in Cartagena, Spain.
My previous kit in this focal range was the Canon 70-200mm f2.8L IS USM, and 300mm f2.8L IS USM. The Sigma large aperture 120-300mm F2.8 zoom lens eliminates the need for changing lenses, allowing the photographer to concentrate on composition and filling the frame. There is absolutely no compromise on quality whatsoever with the 2.8 aperture running throughout the entire focal length. For me however, the added advantage of not missing shots because of not having to change lenses is huge.
This is a very, very versatile lens. The quality, as you would expect with an f2.8 is simply outstanding. Images are crystal clear. It is equally comfortable capturing head on action, panning, candid portraits in the garage and PR portraiture. The attached images I hope illustrate its versatility and performance.
It is that good, I think it will stay on a camera body for the entire length of a race weekend, when the season starts at Donington Park in April.
Out of the box it was spot on, so I did not ‘play’ with the docking station, which enables you to adjust the focus position and other parameters. I will come to that over the next few days.
Okay the lens is heavy to hand hold for prolonged periods of time, but when you take into account what it replaces, then it is no heavier and if anything, more convenient. When shooting in the pit box, the OS comes into its own, enabling you to shoot pin sharp images at slower shutter speeds. The only issue I did encounter was lens flare when shooting some pit lane portraits towards the sun. The lens hood will have been designed to accommodate the 120-300mm focal range and so when shooting at the 300mm end, the lens could do with being a little longer, like on a prime 300mm f2.8. Whether this could be overcome in the future with a slide out extension to the existing hood, or a petal lens hood?
In conclusion, this is an outstanding lens. Well thought out, durable enough to meet professional needs, extremely versatile with exceptional optical performance. Sigma no longer just make good value for money lenses, they are making some serious professional performing quality pieces of glass to rival (if not better) the big two.
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First Impressions Matter.
“So why SIGMA lenses?” I here you ask. Particularly for a professional with over 25 years experience and a CPS Canon stalwart since the year 2000 after changing over from Nikon with the introduction of the digital Canon Kodak DCS 520. Whether that stands me in good stead to make an informed evaluation, only you can judge.
Whilst I was agency staff, we did have some SIGMA zoom lenses in the pool cupboard, and to be honest although they were optically fine, the AF was slow, a bit searching and the motor was very noisy. So, for me, they tended to stay in the cupboard.
However, that was a long time ago, particularly in terms of technology. SIGMA has, as I say, always produced good quality; value for money lenses for the amateur market and has arguably been the leading independent lens manufacturer. With the introduction of their new Global Range, on paper these look to not only rival the big two, but dare I say, would appear to be much better specked!
My current Canon lenses are:
- 15mm f2.8 Fisheye
- EF 17-40mm f4L USM
- EF 28-70mm f2.8L USM
- EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS USM
- Extender EF 1.4x mkII
- 300mm f2.8L IS USM
- 500mm f4L IS USM
Not a cheap investment, by any means!
As a sports photographer, covering motorbike racing and in particular the British Superbike Championship (BSB), this is a not an insignificant amount of kit to lug around a track all day long. To me the SIGMA equivalents (as follows) not only lightened the load, but also tightened up the focal ranges covered.
- 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 II DG HSM
- 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM / DG HSM | A
- 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM
- 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM
- TELE CONVERTER 1.4X TC-1401
Being ‘old school’ I have always been told that zooms are a compromise over prime lenses and that converters diminish image quality and AF effectiveness. However, my Canon EF 28-70 is my favourite lens and the 500mm with x1.4 Extender is my standard lens at circuits like Silverstone. However, on paper, the SIGMA’s Hyper Sonic Motor ensures quiet, high speed, accurate auto focusing. Similarly, the new converters are specifically matched to the new Global Lens Range, so all should be well.
To me First Impressions count for a lot and I have to say, that on unpacking the lenses, I could instantly tell that the build quality of the new SIGMA lenses is in the same league as the Canon equipment I possess and considerably better than the last experience of SIGMA lenses I had many years ago. The new range feels solid, with well thought out switch placements. The hoods are not flimsy and I like the little touches such as the locating plates to prevent you not attaching them properly. There is weatherproofing on the mounts of the sports lenses and the paint feels tactile and substantial. All in all, they just ooze quality.
The first task was to register the lenses with SIGMA. This is not only straight forward, but extends your warranty to 3 years in total! So they are prepared to back their products!
Then I set about updating the firmware on the lenses. Yes, the lenses! We are all used to having to update the firmware on our camera bodies, but SIGMA now enable you to do this via a docking station (sold separately which is mount specific). This way you can keep your cameras and lenses up to date. You can also tweak some focus settings too. Don’t panic, if it all goes wrong, you can simply restore the settings at the click of a button.
As a professional, I cannot afford to compromise on the quality of my images. The SIGMA lenses are not a decision I have taken lightly. Technically they are second to none. Now I have them all set up and paired with my camera bodies (1Dx and 5DmkIII) I am anxious to see if they perform in reality as their technical specifications suggest.
I will post specific reviews on each lens, in due course.
The details for the above image are:
Canon EOS-1D X, Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM / DG HSM | A , 1/4000sec, ISO 200, Shutter Priority, Pattern Metering
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Up coming SIGMA Lens Test in Spain. I will be putting the new 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 II DG HSM, 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM / DG HSM | A, 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM, 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM, TELE CONVERTER TC-1401, TELE CONVERTER TC-2001 and USB DOCK through their paces at the British Superbike test in Cartagena, Spain, this week. Look out for my thoughts in due course. Big thanks to MPB Photographic in Brighton and of course Sigma Imaging UK.
A stunning pair of period Triumph Daytona bikes photographed at Tithe Barn, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, for Classic Bike Magazine.]]>
Joe Francis and Andy Reid join Team Traction Control for the 2015 Season.]]>
A classic Norton, one of the many bikes at the National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham.]]>
A Ford Escort enters the water splash at the Neil Howard Stages at Oulton Park, Cheshire.]]>
New 2015 Yamaha R1.]]>
2014 British Superbike Champion, Shane Byrne, Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki.
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2014 British Supersport Champion, Billy McConnell, Smiths Triumph.]]>
2014 British Superstock 600 Champion, Kyle Ryde, Pacedayz Trackdays Yamaha.
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2014 British Superstock Champion, Danny Buchan, Tsingtao WK Kawasaki.]]>
Howie Mainwaring-Smart gets up close and personal with Josh Brookes on his way to victory in the opening Brands Hatch race.]]>
James Rispoli powers out of the woods and back onto the Indy circuit at Brands Hatch on his Team Traction Control Yamaha.]]>
Thomas Bridewell, Milwaukee Yamaha, Dan Linfoot, Quattro Plant Kawasaki, Ryuichi Kiyonari, Buildbase BMW Motorrad, Shane Byrne, Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki, Chris Walker, Lloyds British GBmoto Kawasaki, Josh Brookes, Milwaukee Yamaha.]]>
Ryuichi Kiyonari, leads Shane Byrne into the last corner at Silverstone in Race 2, to take the Showdown down to the wire.]]>
Chris Walker sets off down the Hangar Straight at Silverstone, on his Lloyds British GBmoto Kawasaki, as the heavens open.]]>
Australian, Josh Waters, is just a blur as he powers his way onto the start finish line at Silverstone on his Tyco Suzuki]]>
Paul Nelson of Nelson Recruitment Services, Birmingham.]]>
Angharad James of Bristol Academy Women holds off Jill Scott of Manchester City Women at Stoke Gifford Stadium.]]>
MCN Andy Downes looks longingly at his long Termer BMW NineT, before it is returned.]]>
James Rispoli backs his Team Traction Control Yamaha into turn 1 at Assen, on his way to the podium.]]>
Josh Brookes, is going too fast on his Milwaukee Yamaha, to take in the scenery at the Assen TT circuit in Holland.]]>
Christophe Ponson seems to be losing the fairing of his Bimota Alstare Junior Team superbike as he powers out of turn 1 at Assen]]>
Andy Reid, does his best Wallace impression on the podium after victory in the Stock 600 race at Donington Park.]]>
American James Rispoli of Team Traction Control Yamaha, thanks Roger Marshall for his help by wearing a replica of the helmet Roger used to wear when racing.
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Freddy Foray hangs onto his Honda Racing stock bike, at he approaches Goddards at speed.]]>
Marc Marquez using all the track (and more) on his way to victory in the Herz MotoGP at Silverstone, today, on his Repsol Honda]]>
Scott Redding gets his elbow down at Brooklands Corner, Silverstone on the special liveried Go & Fun Gresini Honda during Qualifying for tomorrows British MotoGP.]]>
Marc Marquez blasts down the start finish line on his Repsol Honda during FP1 at Silverstone prior to Sundays Hertz British MotoGP Round.]]>
Bennetts Ambassadors, Scott Redding, Josh Owens, Rory Skinner and Neil Hodgson at Silverstone]]>
Josh Brookes slips off his Milwaukee Yamaha at the Mountain, handing victory to Peter Hickman on the RAF Reserves Honda.]]>
Josh Brookes goes through Barn Corner at Cadwell Park, on his Milwaukee Yamaha.]]>
Honda CBR300 Road Test]]>
Dec Crutchlow shows that MotoGP star, Cal, is a chip off the old block as he crests the Mountain at Cadwell Park on the Ducati TriOptions bike.]]>
World Exclusive pictures of the Lotus C-01 on the cover of this weeks MCN and across pages 4 and 5. Shot on location near Munich, Germany, by Tim Keeton/Impact Images.
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Ryuichi Kiyonari, of Japan, on his way to his first of two victories on the Buildbase BMW Motorrad at Oulton Park, over the weekend.]]>
Australian, Josh Brookes, plays 'hide and seek' on his Milwaukee Yamaha at Lodge corner, Oulton Park, Cheshire.]]>
Scott Smart comes out of 'retirement' to ride the Anvil Hire TAG Racing Kawasaki at Oulton Park, Cheshire.]]>
Andy Downs, of MCN, is the first journalist to ride the Lotus Prototype. Photographed in Königsbrunn, Germany.]]>
Josh Brookes drifts his Milwaukee Yamaha out of the chicane at Thruxton on his way to his second victory of the day.]]>
Tommy Bridewell gets in the zone prior to qualifying on his Milwaukee Yamaha at Thruxton.]]>
James Rispoli, USA, out on his own during FP1 on his Team Traction Control Yamaha]]>
There is a storm brewing. The sky turns black over Brands Hatch, prior to the 2nd British Superbike Race]]>
Stuart Easton chases shadows on his Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki during qualifying at Brands Hatch.]]>
Championship leader, Shane Byrne, sets the pace at a sweltering Brands Hatch on the Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki.]]>
Mason Law takes a tumble exiting the hairpin at Knockhill on his Trik Moto Kawasaki, but somehow still manages to show off all his sponsors logos.]]>
Australian Josh Brookes on his Milwaukee Yamaha at Knockhill, with stormy skies overhead.]]>
Tom Sykes on the factory Kawasaki ZX-10R, leads the rest of the SBK pack on lap 1, in Misano Italy.]]>
Leon Haslam on his PATA Honda CBR1000RR at Misano, Italy as viewed by a sniper!]]>
Lorenzo Zanetti drifts his PATA Honda CBR600RR, at Misano, Italy.]]>
Conor Cummins flies the RAF Reserves flag at Snetterton after a difficult few weeks for the team.
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Larger than life character, Karl "Bomber" Harris who had his his own way of doing things. Always a fun guy to work with, who will be sadly missed. Thinking of his family and close friends at this sad time.]]>
Kawasaki team-mates, Tom Sykes and Loris Baz enjoy close racing at the Donington Park WSBK Round with Tom winning both races.]]>
Michael van der Mark approaches the Melbourne Loop on his PATA Honda CBR600RR, as an aircraft makes it final approach into East Midland Airport.]]>
A torrential downpour at Donington Park turns the paddock into something resembling a lake, prior to WSBK Round 05]]>
The death of Simon Andrews, who succumbed to his injuries sustained in a crash at the NW200, was most upsetting. He was a brave, determined, professional, who had more than his fair share of bad luck. He was quiet in the paddock, but had a cheeky side. This image, to me, epitomised his character. A fairly simple news shoot prior to the 2011 TT was required. Next thing I know, Si has climbed up on the bike and "struck a pose"
He was always a pleasure to work with and will be sadly missed. Gone, but not forgotten. My thoughts are with Simon's parents Stuart and Dee and sister Claire.
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Norton TT Bike World "Exclusive" on cover of May 14th "MCN" along with 2 other features inside, 100 Years of British Bikes and Chad gets TT fit, shot by Impact Images, Tim Keeton
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Great day had with Richard Newland (BMW) and Neil Watterson (Land Rover). BMW R1200GS vs Range Rover.]]>
A jubilant Andy "Reid" "celebrates" victory on his FFX Yamaha in the Superstock 600 Race at Oulton Park.]]>
Australian Billy McConnell Wheelies to victory at Oulton Park on his Smiths Triumph]]>
"Formula 1" Legend, Ayrton "Senna", who tragically lost his life, 20 years ago today at Imola. Pictured on the grid at Silverstone, prior to the British GP.]]>
Billy "McConnell" leans on his Smiths Triumph team mate Graeme "Gowland" round Clarke Curve on the last lap of the Supersport race at Brands Hatch]]>
Splashdown - Tommy "Bridewell" "crashes" out of qualifying at Brands Hatch, on his Milwaukee Yamaha.]]>
James "Westmoreland" pushes hard coming out of Paddock Hill Bend on his "Buildbase" BMW, at Brands Hatch.]]>
Michael "Dunlop" prepares to go out on the Buildbase "BMW" at the BSB Test at Snetterton]]>
Reigning BSB Champion, Shane "Byrne" has a wheelie good time at the "Donington" Park test on his Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki.
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Josh "Brookes" bathed in sunshine on his "Milwaukee" Yamaha, on day 3 at the pre-season BSB Test in Cartagena, Spain
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Milwaukee Yamaha's, Tommy "Bridewell" goes "fastest" on day 2 of pre-season BSB testing in Cartagena, Spain.
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John "Hopkins" gives chase on his Tyco Suzuki as Josh "Brookes" leads the way on his Milwaukee Yamaha in Cartagena]]>
Looking forward to replicating this image in Cartagena on Thursday with Josh Waters and Josh Brookes after they have swapped team jackets for 2014.]]>
Bikesport News and Impact Images Photography - Noriyuki Haga Fireball T-Shirt from Oulton Park 2004 photograph when Ducati burst into flames in BSB race.]]>