2008 Space & Air Show @ Kennedy Space Center

[oscarl62]

Any one going to this event? I have tix for Sat. the 8. I am going to rent a 100-400l any tips would be great, I dont see on there web sight if the f22 will be there i'm hoping it does. thanks everyone.

[P51Mstg]

Going to pass on this one. Been to several shows that are clones of it this year. Standard military show with the Blue Angels.

If you have never seen an F-22 (and if its there) that makes it worth it. The F-22 is the MOST incredible flying machine of all times...... Also the F-104s will be there. They fly a very fast show (short length and lots of speed) which makes them interesting to shoot. When I saw them at Dayton this past summer, they were covered with engine oil and pretty nasty looking with the stained paint. I'm sure for this one they will be clean since they are going to be close to home. (actually AT home)

However, still coming from WV to FL to go to the show Kermit Weeks is putting on at his museum in Lakeland FL. Should be better with a variety of things flying as well as better access for photos.......

http://www.fantasyofflight.com/roar-n-soar/

The 100-400 is great for shows. I've shot a few hundred thousand pics with it. While I have the 500, I still find that the 100-400 is much quicker to use. With some of the fixed focus lenses (500 included) sometimes you have problems when the airshows get too close. That was a problem I had with the 300 F2.8. Still you learn to work around it and shoot them farther out. If you have one body and one lens, the 100-400 is it. Also quality is great too. You will be happy and you will see a LOT of them on cameras around you.

Have fun, do a day of the Cape then head over to FOF for a day with Kermit.

Mark H

[DC Fan]

Your aerial shots are at the mercy of the sun and the sky.

If the sun's behind you and you're shooting toward the north, you're in good shape. If the show line is to the north of the area where the planes will be performing, then you'll have to scramble to find the right exposure settings to get decent images of something like a F-22:

http://www.fansview.com/racing/08242008d0115.jpg

This Raptor put on a great show in Indiana in August, but the sunlight -- bright yet hazy and heavily backlit -- made it hard to get a good image. Hopefully, you won't have to shoot into the sun and the 100-400mm will let you get a properly framed shot. At least one guy at this show had a tripod-mounted 600mm.

[oscarl62]

thanks for the input. i know i will want to buy this lens. but i think i will get the 70-200l 2.8 1st. thanks everyone.

[P51Mstg]

Depends on what and how you shoot. I've got both and in 18 months I've used the 70-200 2.8 IS a few times, compared to a LOT with the 100-400. I end up using the 70-200 indoors and the 100-400 outdoors.

Of course it depends on what and how you shoot.

Mark H

[FlyingPhotog]

Just a friendly reminder regarding this thread:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=575775

A place to share info on upcoming aviation events worth shooting!