Car show lenses?

[JohnFromIA]

Hi, what recommendations do you have to capture full length car images when they are parked in fairly tightly together? Amateur & will likely only attend a few per year, so not wanting to break the bank on a new lens. Will any of the Minoltas fit the bill? Thank you.

 

[Unframed Dave]

From limited experience you need low angles and wide lenses. I don't claim much success, it's a lot more difficult than you'd expect. I take a kneeling pad and a 24 - 35. The biggest problem I find is losing my own reflection in the shot.

No knowledge of minolta lenses, I'm afraid.

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

I agree with Dave. There usually isn't space to "zoom with your feet" so a wide zoom lens would probably suit you. And if reflections are an issue you can always try using a CPL filter.

 

[JohnFromIA]

From limited experience you need low angles and wide lenses. I don't claim much success, it's a lot more difficult than you'd expect. I take a kneeling pad and a 24 - 35. The biggest problem I find is losing my own reflection in the shot.

No knowledge of minolta lenses, I'm afraid.

Thanks Dave. I chuckled re: the kneeling pad because that’s exactly what I needed! Photography is a different animal in my 50s than it was in my youthful days.

 

[JohnFromIA]

I agree with Dave. There usually isn't space to "zoom with your feet" so a wide zoom lens would probably suit you. And if reflections are an issue you can always try using a CPL filter.

I appreciate your feedback re: the filter. My reflection was in upwards of 1/3 of my images, so I do not want to repeat that.

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

I appreciate your feedback re: the filter. My reflection was in upwards of 1/3 of my images, so I do not want to repeat that.

To be clear, a circular polarizer will cut down on reflections and glare, but won't eliminate it entirely. Do you normally go to car meets/shows that are outside, or the kind of car shows where the entrants are parked inside a large hall/tent?

 

[THXGEEK]

Some software might help with unwanted reflections. I use Topaz Photo AI for touching up and removing unwanted elements. It is NOT perfect and can sometime leave some funky artifacts.

As always, YMMV.