sts-131 shuttle launch newbie needing help

[jojo77m]

Hi
I am flying over from the uk to see the 131 launch on April 5th, I have no clue about camera's but I've just bought a canon eos 450d double zoom kit
www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-18-55mm-3-5-5-6-55-250mm-4-0-5-6/dp/B00170WU8M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1269735334&sr=8-1
specifically for this launch.
it is: EOS 450D Camera, EF-S 18-55mm IS f/3.5-5.6 Lens & EF-S 55-250mm IS f/4.0-5.6 lens.


I will be going back to the place I watched last summers night launch (i forget the number) the Hotel/Motel in Titusville I think its the Clarion Inn.
anyway, what lens should I use out of those 2. and what settings?
i've heard 1/1000 & f5 or 1sec & f4.
but I have no idea which is best. If I stick it on a tripod & use the 250mm zoom, will i only get a few pictures before the shuttle goes out of frame? or am i far enough away that I'll get the whole launch?
I dont want to have to zoom out & then manually refocus 2 secs into the event. as far as i can understand the consencus is to use manual focus.


I like single pictures instead of a time lapse. I have a class 10 30Mb 4Gb sdhc & was testing it out tonight in the dark & the rapid burst never lags or fills the card.

I want to setup the camera press and hold the rapid burst button & watch it with my eyes, not through the lcd screen as i did last year. I would like a proper memory of the launch since I'll probably never see another.

huge thanks in advance

[PhotosGuy]

You used a "good" title, so be sure to look at the "Similar Threads" links at the bottom-left of this page.

[jojo77m]

i did have a look round before i posted, and i've since found
www.lauderdalechristmas.com/nasa-shuttle-launch.htm

i've decided to use the 250mm @1/1000, spin the dial round to 1/2000 for a few & then twist to manual set at 0.5s when its above the clouds , so i get a real mix.

[DDCSD]

i did have a look round before i posted, and i've since found
www.lauderdalechristmas.com/nasa-shuttle-launch.htm (http://www.lauderdalechristmas.com/nasa-shuttle-launch.htm)

i've decided to use the 250mm @1/1000, spin the dial round to 1/2000 for a few & then twist to manual set at 0.5s when its above the clouds , so i get a real mix.


I have no idea why that guy is using f/17 for maximum DOF?!? DOF will not be an issue when you're 3-8 miles away from your subject, your lens iwll be focused at infinity anyways. I would recommend using aobut f/8 on the lenses that you listed, for maximum sharpness.

I'm sure you'll be plenty far away that you'll get plenty of shots without having to adjust the camera with a 250mm lens.

Have fun! And welcome to POTN!!!

As Frank alluded to, there are several forum members that have shot launches and shared their photos and experiences. Some of those threads can be found at the bottom of this page.

[DDCSD]

Also, you may want to consider renting a longer lens (400mm+). 250mm isn't nearly long enough for tight shots of a launch.

[RWatkins]

I was at the last launch, and one of the cameras I used was an XSi (450D) with the same lens (EF-S 55-250) attached. The biggest thing I found was prefocus before launch using live view. Also, would look at getting a cheap tripod or monopod. Depending on where you are, there may be too many people there to set one up.

Second, get a small radio and pick up the local radio feed. We were caught off guard. Tried to use my iPhone to listen, but I think the data usage in the area clogged up.

If you want, I can post some picture of the combo you are taking from SpaceView Part in Titusville. Personally, I'd rent a 100-400, if I was going to do it again.

Oh, and get there early. We got there four hours early and it was PACKED.

The shuttle will be in frame for 5-10 seconds at least if you set up a tripod and the 55-250.

[ChunkyDA]

http://www.sworld.com.au/steven/space/shuttle/guide.txt
http://hubpages.com/hub/Watch-a-Space-Shuttle-Launch
http://www.phototrek.org/Travel/STS-93/exposure.html

[PhotosGuy]

Space Shuttle Launch Viewing (http://www.launchphotography.com/Shuttle_Launch_Viewing.html)

PHOTOGRAPHIC EXPOSURE GUIDELINES FOR NIGHT SPACE SHUTTLE LAUNCHES (http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/release/1997/76-97.htm)

[Blue Deuce]

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=467740&highlight=space+shuttle+night+launch