I believe you can buy a Pit Pass at NASCAR races if you want to spend some more money... Once you are in the Pits well...
At even NHRA Drag Races every ticket is a Pit Pass and people are free to roam and spend time in the Pits all day if they want to do it.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

Cell phones are used a lot today to live stream on Facebook...

Best,
Todd Ferguson

Is it just me or does the bird photo seem to be very soft and perhaps missed focus?

Best,
Todd Ferguson

Save them as Custom Shooting Settings in C1, C2 and if needed C3. I have a setting for indoors as C1 and outdoors as C2 on my Canon camera.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

In todays world these organizations treat media very very well in general. They understand the value of the extra exposure, pun intended, and the coverage both live and in images of their events bring to them. Small local tracks are where I have run into more issues shooting than any large regional or national event. At smaller tracks there can be a photographer who feels they are the "Official" track photographer and that you shooting may be infringing on their status or business. i have had these people tell me I can only shoot this or that and where I can shoot from. I try to get along with them but I also feel I have been given certain rights to shoot by the track management or organization. Often it is easier to just get along with them than to make an issue of it. Sometimes it is easier to just move into the stands and shoot from there with a longer lens.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

Most drag racing tracks that I have been to you can either get a more permanent credential with a lanyard or a vest of some sort that identifies you as media to their staff. Some organizations are much stricter, NHRA for example, and others enforce the rules more loosely. Ultimately I feel you are responsible for your well being and equipment well being and not interfering with the racing in any way. Some track and organizations allow the use of flash or strobes and others do not. Usually you have to sign a release and sometimes a set of rules to adhere to when receiving your credential. I have even had some tracks ask for copies of your photos that can get a little dicy. Usually an inquiry with the sanctioning organization and the track staff where you want to shoot will help you learn how to get access if you can. This should be done several weeks to several days in advance of any actual event. The staff is often too busy to deal with this stuff during race days unless you are already know to them. In drag racing the shooters are pretty well known to each other and often friends. So, you sort of have to accept that they are wondering what you are doing there in their world and if you have the common sense and manners to shoot with them. In time they can become friends too. But many of them are shooting to make a living or part of their living and some of us are out there shooting to promote the sport, but not for a living. Be respectful of those who are trying to make a buck. It can also be a very long and hot day or days at an event. Many tracks have media rooms with internet access, workspace, drinks, snacks and meals. In todays world many of these people are trying to get their photos processed and uploaded to websites as quickly as they can.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

I think you will find the 7D2 and the D500 both produce images that are acceptable to you. So, I am not sure this will help you decide. A few years ago I was shopping for a camera and ended up comparing a 7D to a 1D MKIII as that was in the same budget used. I ended up with the 1D MKIII and was very happy with it. You may want to consider the 1Dx MKI as Gene suggested if you are thinking Canon. The lens selection will be a big factor too of course. You might also compare images on Flicker taken with the camera and lens combinations you are interested in looking at for your new camera. Good Luck.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

Nikon must like to be low bidder on some Government and Commercial Contracts...LOL

Best,
Todd Ferguson

I think she let it go because of a lack of knowledge on her part.
But you got something that worked out for you and kept it out of the landfill!

Best,
Todd Ferguson

The 100-400 II with 2.0 TC I,II or III is not listed as autofocusing in the list of autofocusing lenses at F8 in my 1Dx MkII manual. Only with the 1.4 I, II and III TC. So, you may want to verify that and if you go past F8 it will be manual focus only as I read it...

Best,
Todd Ferguson

According to the Canon specifications it has a .31x magnification.
That is far from a true Macro 1:1 magnification minimum.
You can by a Canon 100mm Macro lens for 1/3 or less than the price of the 100-400 II if you are looking for Macro.
I will agree that you can do as you say and crop greatly and get something interesting if you have the megapixels to crop.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

Eneloops and don't look back. The ones I have can be recharged 500 and 1000 times. That is a lot of usage...

WD40 is mostly fish oil....

Best,
Todd Ferguson

Check out Black Rock Photography on FB. My friend Tara shoots her 5D3 and the 100-400 II most of the time. She loves the lens...

Best,
Todd Ferguson

Bob, You made a good wise buy!

Best,
Todd Ferguson

Bob,

The 758 is a great meter. I have one but just last week received a new 858 from B&H. So, far I like it even more than the 758. I expect I will be selling my 758 before too long. I doubt I would reach for it much more with the 858 within reach even though it is a great meter. I think meters are still very useful tools. I wish more people saw it that way.

Best,
Todd Ferguson