This kind of crosses lines but

[Icecamp]

I have the privelege to work for the Alaska Smokejumpers(no, I don't jump, I am an airplane driver) for another fire season this year. In years past I have carried my G2 with me everywhere with me, and it has served me well. The size is great as the cockpit doesn't have a lot of extra room in it. I just find myself wishing for extra range a lot of the time.
I have a 10D with the following lenses: 17-40 f/4L, 28-105 USM II, 50 f/1.8 mkI, 80-200 f/2.8L, and 300 f/4L. When I do carry my 10D, I use the 50 or the 28-105. If I go with the 80-200, not only is it bulky, but it's too long for interior shots. Due to room and time constraints I don't really want to be changing lenses either. I am thinking the 28-135 IS might be a good choice for me, not only a good gap/walk around lens, but offering me decent range, but keeping the lens short enough for interior shots. I also think the IS will be beneficial with airplane vibration.
The other thought is to keep compact and get an S1 or S2, the S2 being attractive because of it's sensor, digic II, and the other improvements over the S1. S1 attractive purely on price. The large zoom range of the S1/2 is very attractive to me, the IS is also attractive.
If you were in my shoes what would you do? Any cameras/lens suggestions are appreciated.

[PhotosGuy]

Personally I don't see where the 28-135 IS gains that much over the 28-105. You could make up the difference with a bit of cropping. What I think you're saying is that you want an excuse to add the lens to your collection, so just go ahead & buy it! ;-)

[TonyKInTexas]

The IS on the 28-135 could be very beneficial.

[Denny G]

Icecamp, Hi. I've done alot of aerial work. Shooting from a super cub (me in front and pilot in the back). Started with a Canon AE1 using 28mm FD lens. Then to EOS1 using Canon 20-35 2.8L. Then specifically because I was shooting aerial I bought the 28-135 IS. The IS does make a big difference shooting from a small plane in West Texas with daytime heating updrafts. Shooting film I had the 20-35 2.8L mounted on my EOS1 and the 28-135 IS mounted on my EOS1n. BTW I also own the 80-200 2.8L and would never take it for aerial work. Buy the 28-135 IS for use with your 10D doing aerial shots and you will never regrett it.

[Icecamp]

Thanks Denny, that is the exact kind of information I was looking for. With the G2 I find myself always limited on zoom, the 28-105 did a decent job, but more zoom will certainly be welcome. I was hoping IS would help me with handholding in a constantly moving airplane, and your post is proof that it will.

[copter105]

Hey Denny, do you think a 100-400L IS is too much of a lens to shoot from an airplane?
Copter

[PhotosGuy]

Hey Denny, do you think a 100-400L IS is too much of a lens to shoot from an airplane? In my experience, a longer lens means that you'll just pick up more haze & "chopper vibrations". Lower, slower, & the right light made the biggest differences in my aerials. ;-)

[Denny G]

Hi Copter. I shot an airshow (Thunderbirds in April) from the ground, using my 100-400L IS. Got some great images. But:

When I shoot aerial the subject requires that I use a wide lens.

Think NASCAR's Talladega Superspeedway. If you are going to shoot the whole track from the air then a wide lens and high altitude are in order. If you wanted to isolate and shoot a race car from the air then a long lens and lower altitude should work.

Photosguy is right, at some point ground clutter (haze) and viabrations will cause problems.

To answer your question. I don't think the 100-400L IS is to much of a lens to shoot from a plane.

Denny

[copter105]

Do you think a Haze Filter (UV Filter) would be worth anything on a 100-400 IS L lens while shooting air to air? I understand there is a lot of atmosphere between the lens and whatever my subject of choice would be. But you know as much as I know that the distances between aircraft while in flight can be quite far. Before I purchase anything, I am trying to find the right combination for these circumstances. Thanks for any input in advance.
Copter

[Denny G]

Copter. Sorry, but I need to pass you along to the filter pros. Take a look at this thread.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=75951

Also

http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/technical/filters.html

Denny