Airshow advise. What to take?

[ScottsGT]

Local USAF base has a show this weekend with the Thunderbirds appearing. My plans were to arrive with the 70-200 + the 1.4X, 10-22 for close ups, interior of transports and the 24-70 for walkarounds carrying everything in my Crumpler 7MDH clone bag.
Then I read this from their website:

Can I bring my camera, video camera, or cell phone?Yes. There are no security restrictions on these items. However, large camera bags are not permitted. Bring only the necessary camera equipment, leaving extra attachments at home. A small fanny pack or camera vest are useful for carrying film and small lenses.

How am I going to work around this? I could just carry the big lens set up and forget any close ups. Or walk back to the car after the T-birds fly? But then I don't want to leave a $1600 lens in the heat of the car to ruin it. ( My old Mamiya lenses would get oil on the iris shutters if left in the heat. Don't want to take that chance with my Canon lenses)
My reply to their Community information office:

So, my question is, just where am I supposed to place my 70-200 2.8 lens with the 1.4 teleconverter I want to bring to photograph the Thunderbirds, when I remove it to use my 10-22 and 24-70 lenses for close ups of the aircraft on the ground? The 70-200 is about 12" long and about 5" in diameter. Sorry, but no pockets that big! I'm sorry, but from my point of view, this lens is "necessary" for airshow work!
Looks like USAF and Shaw security has let the Terrorist win again!
Maybe I’ll go to the movies instead……

I know, they don't give a crap about one more guy with a camera, but I had to vent.

[aviator.4.life]

This should be in Transportation Talk...

I was thinking about getting some Think Tank gear for this exact situation you have. I forget which airshow I'm going to this year that has this same policy.

[ScottsGT]

This should be in Transportation Talk...


Good point! Didn't think of that. Please move if need be.

[DisrupTer911]

When I went to McGuire AFB for the airshow in 08 or 09, I had no problem getting in with my Domke J2 fully loaded.

I think they don't want people bringing roller cases or luggage looking camera bags in.

[garyeaton]

This is what I do: I carry three cameras with lenses attached 30D w/24-70mm, XTi w/10-22mm & 40D w/100-400mm. If someone comes with you, they can carry the 3rd camera. I put an extra camera battery or two in a pocket, and extra memory cards in the other pocket. Since I usually wear cargo shorts, I have 4 front pockets to use and I put the batteries and cards in the low pockets. Have a great time at Shaw AFB, Sunday's weather should be perfect.

[tacphotog]

I carry my lenses that are not mounted in cases on my belt. They sell them at best buy and camera stores. I carry filters and batteries in a vest. I use a fishing vest. It has lots of pockets but was cheaper than a photogs vest. Tripod I carry across my back with a tripod strap. No big hassle and I've never had a problem.

[FlyingPhotog]

Your sig shows two bodies so where's the issue?

Mount the 70-200 + TC on the 7D, the 17-40 + 580 on the 5D, forget using a tripod and go have a fun day.

[ScottsGT]

Your sig shows two bodies so where's the issue?

Mount the 70-200 + TC on the 7D, the 17-40 + 580 on the 5D, forget using a tripod and go have a fun day.

That's what I'm leaning towards. One small problem though. The family thinks I have only one camera body. Not two. Hehehe...I'll have some 'splanin' to do to the wife! :o I guess I'll let my 14yo carry the 5D since she is not going.

.....but he will throw me under the bus! LOL!

[yeller]

What the website says is sometimes more of a suggestion than an absolute rule. I've been to many shows where the rules were no backpacks or large camera bags and I've walked right in with both. All they ever did was look inside and send me on my way.

[tacphotog]

Like I said, a case that you can wear on your belt. For the 70-200 B&H has one for about $19.00. Just a thought.

[spitfirejd]

What the website says is sometimes more of a suggestion than an absolute rule. I've been to many shows where the rules were no backpacks or large camera bags and I've walked right in with both. All they ever did was look inside and send me on my way.

I've been turned away with a medium sized backpack camera bag and had to walk back to the car to drop the bag off. It all depends on the security people there and how flexible they are. I now use a photogs vest and carry the big lens on the body. The smaller lenses will fit in the vest, the 17-40 should be no problem. I've never taken a flash to an airshow and don't see why you'd need one. Tripods are more trouble than they're worth. You can't use them to take a pic high overhead and they get bumped by people in the crowd.

[FlyingPhotog]

I've been turned away with a medium sized backpack camera bag and had to walk back to the car to drop the bag off. It all depends on the security people there and how flexible they are. I now use a photogs vest and carry the big lens on the body. The smaller lenses will fit in the vest, the 17-40 should be no problem. I've never taken a flash to an airshow and don't see why you'd need one. Tripods are more trouble than they're worth. You can't use them to take a pic high overhead and they get bumped by people in the crowd.

Flash is handy for shooting inside aircraft when allowed and to also mitigate the effects of direct sunlight if you're stuck shooting from the shady side.

Vest FTW!!

[jollyroger99]

I rarely carry a camera bag onto the ramp at a show, it's just one more thing to worrry about. As with the other replies, I have a vest from a Banana Republic type store, carry my big lens on one body, and a smaller lens on the second body. I carry one more small lens in one of the large pockets, and only change small lenses between the same body. CF Cards and batteries easily store in the many pockets, and I use the built-in flash as needed.
How do you explain the second body to the wife? It's gonna happen sooner or later.

[ScottsGT]

Like I said, a case that you can wear on your belt. For the 70-200 B&H has one for about $19.00. Just a thought.

I've actually got the original Canon case that came with the lens that has a belt loop on it. I've got an old Army molly belt and shoulder straps. I was joking around with the guys here at work telling them I can hang my lenses all over the straps and use the ammo pouches for batteries and flash cards. :)

I'll probably use my fanny pack with the 70-200 case on the belt of it.

[mhm2526]

The more I read here, the more I learn. I'm planning on going to Shaw both days and had similar concerns so I'm glad to see this discussion. I was not gonna take my 10-22 but now I definitely will. Make sure you get your (ahem) "borrowed" second body back to the owner after the show. See you there!

[FlyingPhotog]

I just hope this serves as a lesson to everyone!

Don't lie to your significant other and you won't have gear issues like this! :lol:

[ScottsGT]

I just hope this serves as a lesson to everyone!

Don't lie to your significant other and you won't have gear issues like this! :lol:

Dude, she thinks I'm still shooting with the XTi she "let me" buy almost 3 years ago :twisted:

[spitfirejd]

Aww, you're goin' to get it when she finds out! Keep us posted when the 7D and 5D go up for sale :)

[golfingguy27]

I'm going to my first airshow as a "serious" photographer this weekend too. I am going to Andrews AFB for the Joint Forces Show. I debating exactly what to take as well. One thing I am surprised about. I was thinking about taking a monopod, but it seems the consensus is that they are more trouble than they are worth? I know my 50D and Sigma 120-400 will be going, and probably my Canon 17-55. I just need to decide exactly how I am going to carry everything since my normal bag is way too big.

[ScottsGT]

Advise from a 1 airshow seasoned veteran? (LOL!) Body with big lens, fanny pack with small lens and LOTS of CF cards. Get a belt bag that will hold your big lens. The only time I had to pull off the 70-200 + 1.4 EXII was to take a few close ups of my son and the interior of a C-47 I went into. Monopod=extra weight, more junk in the way. I am SOOOOoooo glad I did not lug around my big bag, even if they let me in with it.
Now, safety gear....Sun screen and a hat. I always wear a Tilley that has a lot of wear to it. Protects ears from sunburn, unlike a ball cap. Also the brim just flips up for verticle shots. Oh, comfortable shoes too!