Helicopter Ride. Which Lens or Lenses Do I Bring

Not sure if this belongs here but a friend of mine just got her Helicopter pilots license and invited me to go along and try some aerial shots. I'm a little nervous, beginning helicopter pilot and all. But in case I man up and do this great adventure, what lens or lenses should I bring? I figure we'll be a couple thousand feet in the air at least. I'd like to get some aerial shots of Spaghetti Junction (if we're allowed to fly over that area) and other places too like Turner Field, maybe the airport, etc. I have many lenses ranging from 24mm to 200mm. I have a 70-300 but that is more for a crop sensor. I also have a Sigma 10-20mm. I suppose I could bring the 40D and do all the shots with that.

What would you do? Besides take out an extra $1,000,000 life insurance policy?

CameraMan wrote in post #17024169
What would you do? Besides take out an extra $1,000,000 life insurance policy?

Enjoy the ride!

Make sure you take something wide to get a shot if your friend flying, preferably over something notable. I accidentally took a shot years ago which had the pilot (flying) with the Sydney harbour bridge and opera house in the background, which was well received!

I'm guessing the intended joyride location will influence the choice of lenses; where and what will you photograph? Ask your friend where she will be taking you, and at what height.

Also it might be a small helicopter; it might be worth checking how heavy and big your lenses can be, as it might be physically restrictive upfront! (Training aircraft are usually weight limited with limited storage)

Have you seen this one? Shooting from a Helicopter
Good luck!

Shot from bunches of helis. Even the small R22 and Schweitzer 300. They are tight but my 5'10" 220lb body had no issues. Unless you are shooting specific subjects like wild horses, boats or similar, I'd leave long glass at home. I carry 2 full frame bodies, one with 24-70 and the other with 70-200. Do NOT change lenses in flight. IS lenses will be preferable. Otherwise keep your shutter speed as high as possible. Helis shake like crazy and it's high frequency so you won't know it's happening til you get out and your body feels like it's buzzing. If your lens hoods don't lock, don't bring them. And if they do lock, tape them. Make sure cameras are secured to you. Empty your pockets, secure loose clothing and make sure your shoes are tied tightly (yes I have a story about that) The wind blast will catch you off guard and you don't want anything falling out of the Heli or worse, into the Heli and jamming the controls.
Most important...and I say this as a pro aviation photographer with lots of flight hours...do NOT ask the pilot to do anything they are not comfortable doing. Doesn't matter the experience level, if a pilot hesitates when you ask for a particular setup...don't push them. This is a quick way to end your life. As this is a "joy ride" with a fresh pilot I'd strongly recommend sitting back and enjoying the flight. Take pics as you want but let the pilot alone. Keep in mind you are a second set of eyes and ears and should let the pilot know if you see or hear anything unusual. Do a mission brief to discuss safety. This is critical.
Have fun but be safe first!!

Was going to say the same stuff. I'm a former aeroscout and flew in OH-58 Kiowas. Until the advent of IS in binoculars, it was tough using any kind of magnified view glass. The same will be true of your lenses. You'll need high shutter speed and IS if possible. Make absolutely sure your camera is secured to you and be very careful about leaning for a better shot. You don't want to bump the controls. You'll have a cyclic stick between your legs, pedals by your feet, and a collective stick probably on your left side. If you're flying without doors, you may be tempted to lean out for a better view. The collective control that lifts the helicopter up and down is right there between you and the door. Leaning on it is a very bad thing.

Best advice is fast lens with IS, nothing loose that can fall off, and be careful leaning. And oh yeah, don't wait until you're about to barf to tell the pilot you don't feel well.:p

Take your wide zoom lens and wear black to cut on the reflections inside the helicopter. Use a polarizer and share what you get with us.

enjoy your ride, and use your image stabilizer on the lens! lots of shaking going on in helicopters,i would bring the wide angle .

will the doors be on or off? If they are off, don't lean out to take a photo!

CameraMan wrote in post #17024169
Not sure if this belongs here but a friend of mine just got her Helicopter pilots license and invited me to go along and try some aerial shots. I'm a little nervous, beginning helicopter pilot and all.

Have fun. She's probably better now than she'll be in a year or two. Practicing for the practical test makes you better. They say people are most dangerous between 200 and 500 hours since they start to feel like they know what they're doing.

Helicopters are awesome. Enjoy the ride. Will it be an R-22, Schweizer 300, or something else?