Questions about Air Shows

[MischiefK9s]

There is a big air show this weekend at Keesler AFB, MS. This is our first one since Katrina and my first one with my camera gear. So, I have a few questions.

Which lens does everyone seem to prefer for air shows? I have the 70-200mm f2.8 IS and the 400mm. Would the 400 be to long of a focal length?

For static displays, I was thinking about using my Sigma 10-22mm.

The base is limiting camera bags to small shoulder bags, so I'm thinking 2-3 lenses at the most.

Thanks

[mlav]

I use my 400 on my 40D and 70-200 on the 20D. Go get a second body! I frequently have both lense/body combos strapped to my neck at the same time. Quick transitions from one to the other and they aren't too heavy for me; 6'2" and 235#.

[MischiefK9s]

A second camera is a good idea. I do have the Rebel XT I could use and just get my husband to carry it :).

[12 Wyoming]

Husbands are good for something. :lol:

[FLphotoguy]

A second camera is a good idea. I do have the Rebel XT I could use and just get my husband to carry it :).

+1 on the second camera. The 400 will be fine. Shoot jets at 1/800 or higher and props at 1/250 or slower. Shooting propeller planes at a fast shutter speed will freeze the props and lose a lot of the motion effect.

Get there early to avoid traffic and get a seat by the fence. If you want any chance of shooting statics without someone standing next to the plane, you have no choice but to arrive early or stay late. While security frowns on large camera bags, a photo vest can hold a lot of gear.

You can see some of my aviation photos at www.AirshowDigest.com

[Scout7id]

I hope to be there both days myself. If I had a second body I would definitely mount my 17-55 on one and my 100-400 to the other. Unfortunately, I'll be switching lenses.

[MischiefK9s]

I did some practice shooting this afternoon. It's a lot harder than it looks!! I definitely need practice panning to keep focus.

Does anyone have any tips on getting better shots? There were very few clouds, so it was just the jet against the blue sky. I'm using a circular polarizer; should I meter a little to the right?


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[Scout7id]

Gayle, I'd get rid of the polarizer. You may pan your way out of some shots with it on, based on where the sun is. Both of those look good to me, though.

I'm hoping to get in line on Bayview around 7:45-8:00 am to beat the crowd and get on base. I hear it's going to be VERY crowded.

[FlyingPhotog]

+1 for drop the CPL...

[PhotosGuy]

I definitely need practice panning to keep focus. Try keeping one focus point on the same part of the A/C. Seen this?
Airshow guys - prop freeze? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=229542)

+1 for drop the CPL... We don't often get blue skies here on show weekends anyway, so I would too. But it might come in handy in sunlight if you're trying to get a slow shutter speed & wide aperture for static & taxi shots.

[FlyingPhotog]

Try keeping one focus point on the same part of the A/C. Seen this?
Airshow guys - prop freeze? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=229542)

We don't often get blur skies here on show weekends anyway, so I would too. But it might come in handy in sunlight if you're trying to get a slow shutter speed & wide aperture for static & taxi shots.

Respectfully Frank, true ND would be a better solution...

With a CPL, as you change your angle to the sun, the degree of polarization will change yielding skies that are even more inconsistant than can already happen due to rapidly changing azimuth, elevation, haze, dust, etc...

Another issue with CPLs (as it relates to shooting static subjects) is the probability of enhanicing the pre-stressing of canopy / windscreen glazing. This can lead to rather crazy rainbow patterns.

Just feeding the discussion... ;)

[PhotosGuy]

Respectfully Frank, true ND would be a better solution... I agree 100%. I have a CP & very rarely use it for A/C & cars.
I should have been clearer. Maybe I should have posted "so I would too." as "so I would drop it, too."? ;)

As for "But it might come in handy...", these off the wall possibilities just keep blowing through my brain. :D

[FlyingPhotog]

I agree 100%. I have a CP & very rarely use it for A/C & cars.
I should have been clearer. Maybe I should have posted "so I would too." as "so I would drop it, too."? ;)

As for "But it might come in handy...", these off the wall possibilities just keep blowing through my brain. :D

Preach On!! ;)

Actually, one place a CPL can come in handy is for cutting glare off painted details like national insignia and Nose Art!