How to shoot an airshow?

[k4show]

This is my idea for one anyways, at least for the flying displays.

-Manual mode
-set iso, shutter speed(depends on if it is a prop, jet or a heli), and apt.
-high speed continuous
-ai servo

Now I am just confused on to just use my center focus point or set it to all. I am using a 40D and a 55-250.

[wardie]

I use the center focus point while shooting airshows

[PhotosGuy]

Start with this & the links you find in it: Airshow guys - prop freeze? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=229542)
-Manual mode That's what I use, but I'm leaning toward setting Tv for another shutter speed with EC (Exposure Compensation) cranked down to bring the sky in line with my manual setting for jets.
For a good starting point, first set the f-stop & shutter speed you need for the effect you want. Then the other parameter: f-stop or shutter speed. Then adjust the ISO.
Need an exposure crutch? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=89123)
I use the center focus point while shooting airshows I vary it for the situation. If you switch your camera to Custom Function 13-1 to put point selection on the Multicontroller (Joystick), life with AI Servo becomes a lot easier. It only takes a fraction of a second to set the point you need.

[FlyingPhotog]

Just my own opinion mind you but this gallery (http://jcbeckman.zenfolio.com/p90868385) encompases just about everything you might find at an airshow.

- In Flight Jets and Props
- Taxiing
- Statics (Details make the difference)
- People

The info for each shot is available above the thumbnails on the right when you've clicked on an image and made it larger.

[k4show]

Okay great, I added you on facebook by the way.

[FlyingPhotog]

Okay great, I added you on facebook by the way.

Ah, that's you...

Wasn't sure.

[imsilly2]

Opinions...

Getting used to photography and want to play with all the subject types. There's an airshow coming up the middle of October, you think my 18-200mm will suffice?

[k4show]

Depends on how far away you are. If there is going to be formation flying it should definitly suffice, but for further away shots I was struggling with my 55-250 on my 40D. Here are some examples.

Selfridge show:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23325821@N04/sets/72157622195555016/

Windsor show:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23325821@N04/sets/72157621994978827/

[lpryor]

Just my own opinion mind you but this gallery (http://jcbeckman.zenfolio.com/p90868385) encompases just about everything you might find at an airshow.

- In Flight Jets and Props
- Taxiing
- Statics (Details make the difference)
- People

The info for each shot is available above the thumbnails on the right when you've clicked on an image and made it larger.

Hey Jay.

Noticed in your pics your shooting up to 600mm but in your gear looks like your largest lens is the 100-400. Are you using a TC? If so, how do you go with autofocus or are you manual?

Cheers,
Lee

[FlyingPhotog]

Hey Jay.

Noticed in your pics your shooting up to 600mm but in your gear looks like your largest lens is the 100-400. Are you using a TC? If so, how do you go with autofocus or are you manual?

Cheers,
Lee

Hi Lee...

I have the 100-400 but I also have a 300mm f/2.8L IS with which I use either a 1.4X TC (for 420mm @ f/4) or a 2X TC (for 600mm f/5.6) and witheither it will still AF. ;)

[lpryor]

Thanks Jay.

That makes sense. The 300 2.8 does sound like a great idea especially with the TC's. What do you prefer when shooting a airshow? The zoom or the prime?

[FlyingPhotog]

Thanks Jay.

That makes sense. The 300 2.8 does sound like a great idea especially with the TC's. What do you prefer when shooting a airshow? The zoom or the prime?

Yes... ;):lol:

I guess I probably prefer the zoom for formations or Demo Teams and the prime for solo acts but it also depends on what I think I want to acheive and the distances involved.

Sometimes the 300 by itself is a good compromise:
http://jcbeckman.zenfolio.com/img/v7/p733129535-4.jpg

Sometimes the 1.4X helps fill the frame better:
http://jcbeckman.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p87743715-4.jpg

And sometimes you want the 2X for the added "Wow Factor"
http://jcbeckman.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p285167979-4.jpg

But don't be afraid to experiement. Sometimes even 17mm can be fun:
http://jcbeckman.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p416139875-4.jpg

Can't get at any 100-400 images right this second as PBase is undergoing some maintenance. When it comes back, take a look at my Luke Open House and Airshow gallery. That has a mix of 300 + TCs and 100-400.

[Jeff]

Something that I kinda liked doing was setting Av to f/8 which will give me a high shutter speed for jets, then Tv to 1/160th sec for prop jobs. It's quick and easy to switch back and forth between the two modes depending on what's coming next. And then its easy to tweak from there for example if a prop acft is taxiing vs one in flight.

[FlyingPhotog]

Something that I kinda liked doing was setting Av to f/8 which will give me a high shutter speed for jets, then Tv to 1/160th sec for prop jobs. It's quick and easy to switch back and forth between the two modes depending on what's coming next. And then its easy to tweak from there for example if a prop acft is taxiing vs one in flight.

That can certainly work.

I personally prefer manual most of the time and rely on reciprocal exposure.

If I increase my shutter speed by four or five stops, then I know I have to enlarge my aperture by four or five stops and vice versa. Very easy to do without even looking at the camera and the VF display will confirm that I did it correctly.

IMO, the best reason for shooting manual is that you don't have to chase exposure compensation (based off a meter that might be fooled by surrounding conditions) if planes are going in and out of the light. A half stop more here, a half stop less there is easy with just a little tweak of the main dial.

Shooting RAW also gives you lattitude in case you miss by a half stop (or more in some cases) either way.