helicopter pic's 28-135 or 100- 400?

[rojo]

which len's would be more suitable? i think i know the answer, but if i was going to use the 100-400, what kind of setting's should i try and use? also what setting's on the 28-135? i'll be in the helicopter with windows, no way to take them off. any filters help out in this situation?

[Phil Hall]

I have done several helicopter runs. The 28-135 is the more usefull. If the ride is choppy then the 100-400 will not be of much use. On some machines you can take the door off. A polarizing filter may help cut down on reflections.

Good luck

Phil hall

[robertwgross]

Some lenses like the 100-400mm zoom have I.S. I think that could be important for the helicopter ride.

---Bob Gross---

[DamienB]

28-135. If your subject is so far away you need more than 135, shooting through the perspex will give you awful results - you probably won't be able to get it into focus, and holding a big lens close up to a window inside a helo will be difficult to say the least.

Shoot as wide open as you can or any imperfections or dirt on the perspex will destroy your shots too. As for a polariser, it may just show up stress lines in the perspex of the window, and completely ruin your shots.

Wear black if you want to cut down on reflections and see if everybody else onboard can do the same.

[Jay Todd]

This month's PDN has a story about a German shooting fine art out of a helicopter with beautiful results. He used a Hassie w/Velvia, but you can do the math based on what lenses he used, and maybe some other tips. Just skimmed the mag last night, so don't have all the details other than that. Hope it helps.

[walkien]

I used 28-135 IS. with UV filter

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v498/HenryW/Maui/IMG_1483.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v498/HenryW/Maui/IMG_5740.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v498/HenryW/Maui/IMG_5762.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v498/HenryW/Maui/IMG_5764.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v498/HenryW/Maui/IMG_5773.jpg

[PhotosGuy]

You won't need to worry about high f-stops & DOF as your shots will be at or near infinity, so you can use a very high shutter speed. Don't set your cam bag directly on the floor - the vibrations will loosen every screw in your equipment.
If you take the door off, you'd better bring a parka with you. Maybe gloves, too.