One thing I always hear or am asked from beginner photographers is “When should I upgrade my camera gear for motorsports photography?”
Here’s how beginners can know when it’s time to invest in better equipment for dirt track racing.
Dirt track racing is fast, gritty, and full of adrenaline—and capturing it through photography is no easy task. If you’re just starting out in motorsports photography, especially at local dirt tracks, you might be wondering: When is it time to start investing in better camera equipment? From camera bodies and lenses to filters and accessories, this guide helps beginners figure out the right time (and reasons) to upgrade.
1. Start With What Gear You Already Have
Before dropping thousands of dollars on new gear, it’s important to truly learn the fundamentals of motorsports photography. Many beginners already own a basic DSLR or mirrorless camera that’s perfectly capable of capturing solid racing images. Learn to shoot in manual mode, understand exposure triangle basics, and practice tracking fast-moving subjects in changing light.
Pro Tip: Focus on positioning, timing, composition, and light rather than gear. A great photo with an entry-level camera beats a blurry one from a $5K setup.
2. You’re Hitting Your Camera’s Limits
A clear sign it’s time to invest is when your current gear is holding you back. If you’re missing shots due to slow autofocus, poor low-light performance, or limited burst speed, it may be time to upgrade.
Signs You Might Need to Upgrade:
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You’re missing key shots because your camera buffer fills too quickly.
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Your autofocus can’t keep up with the speed of the cars.
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Your camera struggles in low-light conditions (think dusk or under track lights).
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You’re consistently pushing ISO too high and losing detail.
3. Lenses Matter More Than Bodies (At First)
“Marry the lenses, date the camera body” – This saying has stuck with me so long. Investing in camera gear can get expensive, but knowing the right things to invest in first, will help you save money.
When you’re ready to start investing, prioritize lenses over a new camera body. In dirt track racing, a fast telephoto lens makes a huge difference in image sharpness, background compression, and low-light performance.
Recommended Best Lenses for Dirt Track Racing:
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70-200mm f/2.8* – The most versatile lens for trackside photography with fast AF and sharp optics.
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300mm+ primes (f/2.8 or wider)* – If you’re shooting from the stands or far distances.
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24-70mm f/2.8* – Great for pit shots, pre-race, or behind-the-scenes storytelling.
4. Filters & Accessories: Don’t Overlook These
These may sound “extra” but they’re worth the investment if you’re looking to expand your skillset and strength in your work. Once you’ve got solid camera and lens choices, it’s worth introducing key filters and accessories:
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UV Filter: Basic protection for your lens, especially with flying dirt and debris.
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Circular Polarizer: Can help cut glare on helmets, visors, windshields, or wet surfaces.
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ND Filters: Not essential for every situation at the track, but useful if you want to experiment with slower shutter speeds for motion blur.
Also, consider:
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Extra batteries & memory cards (you’ll burn through them fast on race day).
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Rain cover or lens hood for unpredictable dirt and weather.
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A monopod or harness system if you’re shooting long hours with heavy glass.
5. Budget-Friendly Upgrades to Consider
If you’re still on a budget, you don’t have to go all-in right away. Consider:
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Buying used lenses or bodies from trusted sources.
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Renting gear for the bigger races (like the Knoxville Nationals or Kings Royal).
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Starting with a crop sensor camera with good FPS and AF to save money but still shoot fast action. (then transition to a full frame camera system).
6. Upgrade Your Editing Software
If you’re not already using the Adobe Creative Cloud’s software, you’re missing out. Using these two pieces of advanced photo editing software, especially when shooting in RAW files, to help you achieve a specific style or “look” you are trying to achieve, rather than just a cell phone camera editor. These two programs have endless editing capabilities, and Adobe has a “photographers” package, that involves these two for a cheap monthly price.
Industry Standard Software:
- Adobe Lightroom (I prefer Classic)
- Adobe Photoshop
Final Word: Don’t Let Gear Hold Back Your Growth
Your vision, timing, and consistency will always matter more than what’s in your camera bag. But when your skills grow and your gear becomes the bottleneck—that’s your sign it’s time to start investing.
Whether you’re looking to go full-frame, add a telephoto lens, or fine-tune your kit for the dust and chaos of the dirt track, let your passion and progress guide your purchases.
Ready to Upgrade?
Are you ready to upgrade your motorsports photography gear? Let me know your favorite lens or what’s next on your wishlist in the comments—or share your best dirt track racing shot using entry-level gear! I’d love to see it!