Motorsport means very fast subjects, long distances behind fences and panning shots. You need fast tracking autofocus, long reach and quick bursts.
For most people, the best camera for motorsport is the Sony Alpha A7 V with the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports, about £2,980. Under £1,500 · Under £3,000 · Under £5,000
Lens advice: A 100-400mm or 150-600mm zoom is the trackside workhorse. Shoot at slower shutter speeds such as 1/125s while panning to blur the wheels.
Body £710 + lens £770 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 150-500mm equivalent · 2398g
Why: 20fps bursts, fast 6ms sensor readout, weather sealing.
Body £620 + lens £750 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 200-800mm equivalent · 1719g
Why: 120fps bursts, fast 4ms sensor readout, weather sealing.
Body £810 + lens £590 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 150-600mm equivalent · 1247g
Why: 30fps bursts, weather sealing.
Body £950 + lens £530 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 150-600mm equivalent · 3335g
Why: 12fps bursts, weather sealing.
Body £1,040 + lens £170 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 28-300mm equivalent · 943g
Why: 60fps bursts, weather sealing.
Body £2,110 + lens £870 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 150-600mm equivalent · 2790g
Why: 30fps bursts, fast 15ms sensor readout, weather sealing.
Body £2,360 + lens £499 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 70-300mm equivalent · 1455g
Why: 20fps bursts, fast 4ms sensor readout, weather sealing.
Body £1,460 + lens £1,310 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 225-900mm equivalent · 2265g
Why: 40fps bursts, fast 5ms sensor readout, weather sealing.
Body £1,490 + lens £590 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 100-400mm equivalent · 1305g
Why: 40fps bursts, fast 16ms sensor readout, weather sealing.
Body £1,390 + lens £750 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 200-800mm equivalent · 1719g
Why: 120fps bursts, fast 4ms sensor readout, weather sealing.
Body £3,090 + lens £1,680 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 60-600mm equivalent · 3197g
Why: 120fps bursts, a global shutter with no rolling distortion, weather sealing.
Body £3,350 + lens £1,620 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 200-800mm equivalent · 2796g
Why: 30fps bursts, fast 6ms sensor readout, weather sealing.
Body £2,360 + lens £1,690 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 100-400mm equivalent · 2265g
Why: 20fps bursts, fast 4ms sensor readout, weather sealing.
Body £2,599 + lens £1,400 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 100-500mm equivalent · 2100g
Why: 70fps bursts, weather sealing.
Body £1,460 + lens £1,310 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 225-900mm equivalent · 2265g
Why: 40fps bursts, fast 5ms sensor readout, weather sealing.
Each pick is the best body and lens we found from that brand within budget, priced with the body used where MPB lists it. Scores weigh the specs that matter for motorsport.
For most people, the Sony Alpha A7 V with the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports at about £2,980. Under £1,500: Sony Alpha A9. Under £3,000: Sony Alpha A7 V. Under £5,000: Sony Alpha A9 III.
Try 1/60-1/250s for cars and 1/250-1/500s for bikes, following the subject smoothly through the shot.
Only on fast-readout or stacked-sensor bodies; slower sensors bend fast-moving cars. Use the mechanical shutter otherwise.
A 100-400mm or 150-600mm zoom is the trackside workhorse. Shoot at slower shutter speeds such as 1/125s while panning to blur the wheels.