RIAT 2008

[Hogster86]

So, who's going and what're you taking? :D Also for those who have been before, where's the best vantage point to photograph from?

Many thanks :)


David

[Glenn.B]

David,
while i'm no expert i hope this helps.... i've been for the past two years, best to get there early. traffic can be a problem delaying access to the show.
i position myself somewhere near the takeoff/touchdown area. suits me best, although mid point of the runway may be better for display shots( helis ).....the runway is very long.

i use a 300mm +1.4tc for most of my air shots. wide angle best for static.
i notice you have a 70-200mm, you may want to get a 1.4tc to go with that.

the most popular lens is probley 100-400mm zoom, but i've seen 500mm used. may use mine this year ;)

do take liquids drinks as if its sunny and warm you will suffer from dehydration.

if your interested, look at my website in transportation there are a number of pictures from 2006 & 2007 RIAT.

hopefully some of the more serious avation photog's will reply ?

fingers crossed for good weather. happy snapping!!!!

[ies photos]

Alright David

I tend to do both days and position myself around the rotation point for the first day then next to the centre line on the second.

I'll be taking the 30D + 1D with 100-400, 70-200 and 17-55.
I am tempted to go and hire a 300mm F2.8 + TCs

Get there early before the gates open, you will still be queuing up if you want a front row spot. Theres always someone who will come and push their way through. I nearly saw a dutch guy get punched by an eastend cockney who was there with his family, when the dutch guy stuck his ladders in the way.

[muscleflex]

i just asked the same question! i'm gonna go on saturday! the raptors are visiting so i'll definitely be there. taking my 1d and 20d with 100-400! might rent a 24-105 or a 70-200 is tho.

[wibbly]

I was there last year (first time at an air show for many many years). I was camping from Friday night and left Sunday before the rush.

I used all my lenses on a 20D

70-200 + 1.4x for most in-air shots
24-70 for static displays
10-22 for static displays

Trick, I found, was to move around. There are shots to be had all over the place. Don't stay in one position, as it risks having your shots look a bit "samey".

Anyway, if you're interested in what that approach brought me, have a look at the Airshows gallery at http://TheBaldPhotographer.com

[Alistair Watson]

I have been going to RIAT for many years now. Since one of my friends no longer works for BAE I cannot go into the BAE tent now (which means my intake of Pimms has taken a nose dive but my photographic results have gone ballistic!).

If you can spare the cash, buy a FRIAT ticket, Mach 1, 2 or 3. Friends of RIAT. Basically you are in your own private grandstand pretty much on show centre, you have nominated grandstand seat, there is a marquee serving pretty good food and also a place to cool off and have a beer and importantly, clean toilets!

I will be there for Friday (arrival and practice) Saturday and Sunday (show days) and Monday (departure).

Hope you don't mind me posting a few pics! :D

http://www.exposurecompensation.co.uk/cpg/albums/ftp-up/Airshows/Fairford%202007/UK_RIAT_140707_147.jpg

http://www.exposurecompensation.co.uk/cpg/albums/ftp-up/Airshows/Fairford%202007/UK_RIAT_140707_351.jpg

[Hogster86]

Thanks for the ideas and input guys! :)

I think I will use:

17-55 for ground/static shots
70-200 for large aircraft in flight
100-400 for smaller aircraft in flight ...

Using the 1.4x would just turn the 70-200 into a 98 to 280 .... so I may as well leave the 70-200 as it is, and use the 100-400 for the extra reach.

Thanks again for the input!


David :D

[muscleflex]

^ you're gonna have to be fast changing lenses during all the action :-P