Shooting from a Helicopter

[Win]

I'm going to try to get a neighbor to take me up in his helicopter to shoot some aerials of our homes. What lens would work best, in your opinion:

This will be on my 5D:

70-200 2.8 IS

24-70 2.8 (no IS might be a problem?)

Thanks,
Win

[Stealthy Ninja]

70-200

You'll be more than far enough away that 70mm should be fine.

You'll miss the 200 (and the IS) if you want a closeup of something.

Post the pics when you're done. :)

[golfecho]

It may seem counter-intuitive, but have him fly above trans-lift . . . in other words, don't hover, but fly along at a cruising speed. Hovering induces much more vibration than cruise flight.

[GAtegs.com]

Why not take both with you and swap them out?

[gecko3s]

It may seem counter-intuitive, but have him fly above trans-lift . . . in other words, don't hover, but fly along at a cruising speed. Hovering induces much more vibration than cruise flight.

Not to mention the inherent danger in hovering and the need to find a place to set down should an emergency rise...

We do photos from our helicopter at work occasionally. Nothing exciting, crime scenes, etc., but we do it the same way, as you're passing your subject, try to take the shot at a 90 degree angle from the helicopter...it seems to help us.

[Win]

Great tips so far, much appreciated. I would have never thought to "keep moving", a big help.

I don't think I'll hassle with changing lenses or a second body. The KISS principle will be in full on mode if I can get up there.

Win

[gecko3s]

Another thought...I don't know how your weather is up there, but down here it's HOT, and we usually ride with the doors off - this would be good for you photographically, but I would not ( and your pilot may not allow it anyway) recommend changing lenses. It could fall out the door (bad for your wallet and potentially someone's head), or, it could fall on the floor and roll behind a pedal (bad for trying to not crash the helicopter).

If you get to go - make sure you posts your shots here!

[PhotosGuy]

Think about the light on the homes when you plan the time to shoot.
You'll need the high shutter speed to eliminate the airframe vibration, but you'll be shooting at close to infinity, so you won't need a small f-stop for DOF.
Be sure not to let the camera contact the airframe. we usually ride with the doors off A big thumbs up on that. You don't want to shoot through a hole in the door.

More: Question on aerial shots. (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=662490)

[Martin Dixon]

Did you get any pics? Can we see them?