Cycling and a Lazy Autofocus..., How can I improve my gear

[Ulisse]

Hi everyone. I am new to this forum and would like you to help me solving an issue...

My 15yo son races in on his street bycicle. I like taking pictures at the races. To do that I use my Nikon D70 combined with an old Nikkor ED AF 80-200 1:2.8 D lens.
Alas in this configuration my machine is way to slow to keep the focus on a peloton travelling at 40-50 km/h (say 30mph).

How can I proceed to solve this issue?
Is it better to replace the lens with a smaller and lighter DX format lens (although I would like to mantain the current 1:2.8 luminosity) or should I plan to replace the D70 body with something more modern, such as a D7000?

Thanks in advance for your support! :thumbup:

 

[flea77]

Your lens is awesome, the camera, well it is a little old but not that bad. What focus mode are you using? I haven't used a D70 (have used D80, D90, etc) but if you put it on AF-C (continous AF) and select a center focus point, I see no reason you should have a problem, I have shot cycling with a D80 and D90 with no problems.

Good luck!

Allan

 

[gsgary]

That camera should be able to cope with a peleton if set up properly, this shot was taken with a Canon 10D similar spec and age, motorbike is doing about 100mph

 

[Robin Usagani]

You need to turn on all of your focus points + continous focus.

 

[gsgary]

You need to turn on all of your focus points + continous focus.

10D works better with center only not sure about old Nikons it could be the same