Going to an Airshow and Looking for Suggestions

[|)\/8]

I will be going to a Blue Angel airshow at NAS Jacksonville in October. I was just wondering if anyone has any experience with this show and what would be the best set-up to use. My options right now are my 30D with my 400mm f5.6, or my 70-200 f2.8 IS with or without a 1.4 TC. I am also thinking about possibly buying or renting a second body, this way I could have the best of both worlds. I look forward to any and all suggestions. Thanks.

[DC Fan]

Bring both long lenses - especially the 400mm - for aerial shots. You won't know until you get to the show which lens will be best, but it's likely that the 400mm will be the most useful. And, don't forget a wide-angle lens for images of parked planes.

[Kuma]

400mm for taking shots of planes flying around. 17-55 for static display aircraft.

[Roy Webber]

I undersatnd that many airshow enthusiasts use the 100-400 IS...add a wide angle for dramatic shots of grounded planes too

[In2Photos]

I undersatnd that many airshow enthusiasts use the 100-400 IS...add a wide angle for dramatic shots of grounded planes too
This was my combo when I went to a show last year. This year I will be using the Sigma 150-500 on my MKII and a 24-60 for stationary objects on it as well or on my 30D.

[|)\/8]

Thanks to all for the info, I was not even thinking about grounded/stationary planes and using a wide angle, I will definitely pack my 17-55 now.

[Medic1]

Definetly the 400. Even that probably won't be enough to get great shots on every pass without cropping, so you definetly don't want to go the 70-200 with TC route.

[PhotosGuy]

Don't forget this: Airshow guys - prop freeze? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=229542)

[Jon]

Since you're looking at a team, not just solo acts, you'll want zoom at least some of the time while the Blues are on. The 70-200 with 1.4x TC on the 30D may be a little on the short side to be the only lens you use during their act, but you'll definitely want wider than 400 for some maneuvers. So getting a second body for the day would be a good plan. And on the ground, with the inevitable crowds, there's no such thing as "too wide" (well, maybe a fisheye . . .).

[tomd]

Would the 400 plus the 1.4x be an option for him?

[Jon]

Well, it'd mean MF, and it will be too long for formation work with the Blue Angels. It may work with some of the solo acts, especially with smaller aircraft or at greater distances. With the right timing, it could be good for the crossover break, too. But I suspect trying to remember to MF with that combo will be a problem.

[tomd]

Well, it'd mean MF, and it will be too long for formation work with the Blue Angels. It may work with some of the solo acts, especially with smaller aircraft or at greater distances. With the right timing, it could be good for the crossover break, too. But I suspect trying to remember to MF with that combo will be a problem.

thanks for the reply. Obviously I've haven't yet had the pleasure to shoot an air show.

Since the AF won't work, could setting the focus to slightly short of infinity be an option? Or is this simply not a good idea, better would be use the 400 with AF and crop later?

[Jon]

Personally, I'd rather crop. You, with a 1D2n, would have center-point AF on the 400+TC though.

[andrewhuxman]

Lighting is good at this show facing Northeast, 100-400 is good airshow glass ,for statics the 70-200 works well for artsy type pics and or a wid angle. I take 3 bodies with me and have 3 different lenses on them for versatility . 500 on my 40D , 100-400 on my 30D ,70-200 and or 16-35 on my 400D, but your best bet is the 100-400 for the show (flying). Just my opinion. See you there:)

[ChunkyDA]

I rented a 400 5.6 which is good for the single fighters but formations and C-17 will overflow like a 32oz steak on a paper plate. Not sure about the weather in JAX on 24 Oct but the humidity can blur "top-o-the-loop" and distant shots with the long lens.

[andrewhuxman]

Not sure about the weather in JAX on 24 Oct but the humidity can blur "top-o-the-loop" and distant shots with the long lens.

Humidity also generates some great vapor and being that the F-18 (which the Blue Angels fly and there is also a SuperHornet demo) is one of the premier vapor makers I am looking forward to some awesome vapor or at least wishing for some. :D:D

[aj m3]

I plan to be there too.. although this will be my first time taking shots of anything going faster than about 40mph. I've read about every post on here about air show shots so I should be ok after some practice.

Just a question for those who have previously attended this, how crucial is getting there early for a good spot?

[DC Fan]

...how crucial is getting there early for a good spot?

Early arrivals are most useful for easy parking and clear images of planes on the ramps without needing to deal with crowds.

The air show's web site (http://airshow.jacksonville.com/) says the gates open at 9 a.m. and air performances begin at 10 a.m. It lists top civilian performers such as Skip Stewart and Patty Wagstaff, pilots you will not want to miss, along with a ground display from Rich's Incredible Pyro. It also notes that admission and parking are free. That's good for saving money, but it also seems to mean no reserved seating that could offer you the luxury of a moderately late arrival.

The best strategy is to get to the show before the gates open.

[andrewhuxman]

The best strategy is to get to the show before the gates open.

That is an understatement. Get in a soon as you can stake out your spot against the fence as close to show center as you can ,cause there will most likely be chalets for the vips. I try to do different spots on different days to get different vantage points. Should be a great show.80 something % humidity will make for some good vapor hopefully and get some good skies will be an extra added bonus.

[aj m3]

Looking forward to this. I'm a rookie.. any more advice other fast shutter speed and bring a huge lens?

[PhotosGuy]

any more advice Water. Drink lots of it!

[MacDogg]

Any updates, got any pictures? I just saw the Blue Angels last weekend and took a ton of pics!