Airshow Lens Combo

I'm undecided now, I'll definately be hiring a lens for the RIAT show at RAF Fairford but now am not sure how to approach the situation as I've never shot an airshow before. Possible solutions..

500F4 with maybe 1.4tc, not much freedom, weight issue
300F2.8 with 2xtc, IQ with tc issue, lots of freedom
100-400, reach issue, lightweight lots of freedom
70-200 2.8is with 2xtc, reach again, IQ issue... own the lens already.

Any input from guys/girls with airshow experience? What do you wish you had done different from the last trip?

I have never shot an airshow before i would think that the 100-400 would be great for this its so versatile.You might also wanna look at the 400 5.6L prime i have it and i love it.There is my tow cents i hope i helped you.Sean .L

For the best detail possible, go with the 500. You'll miss some formation shots(only when close to you), but it'll be worth it for the detail you can capture. I haven't done an airshow with a 500, but plenty with a 100-400 and 300+1.4x. I'm at 400mm most of the time, and still crop my shots. A 500 would be sweet!

I suggest a mon-pod too. You might not be able to shoot using it, but it gives you an easy place to rest when not shooting. My CF mono is light enough to not add much weight while shooting off hand, or use a quick-release. YMMV.

edit: Doubt you'd need a TC with the 500.

I'd use a long lens bracket and monopod for the 500, couldn't handhold that for long! Just wondering if someone had taken a 500 to an airshow and regretted it because of the weight.

No opinions on the 300 with 2x?

I know there are a few here who shoot airshows with a 500. Might want to review some airshow shoots in the transportation forum.

I very rarely use my 300 with a 2x TC. Wide open its a bit soft, AF gets very slow, and IS becomes less effective. It works, but I feel the need to shoot at f/8 and that gets a bit slow for things like an air-show. A 1.4x is fantastic with this lens, a bit sharper and a stop faster than the 100-400.

edit: by the way. Any of your choices(except maybe the 300 + 2x) will produce fantastic results. The 1-4 is probably the cheapest rent, so I'd strongly consider that lens. Then, I'd jump all the way to the 500 for best images.

edit 2: Just looked at your gear, and noticed you're shooting with a 5d. If it doesn't break the bank, definitely go for the 500mm!!! And maybe bring a 1.4x TC.

edit 3: Hey what's one more Haven't been to an airshow since last year, so the topic got me looking at my shots. Here's a couple formation shots at 400mm, on a 1d, to show you can't be too long at an airshow.

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Hello

I own a 100-400 and i am thinking of buying a 300 2.8 Sigma with a 1.4TC Sigma!!

For this purpose i have to sell the 100-400 Will i regret it??

Overkill wrote in post #5678861
Hello

I own a 100-400 and i am thinking of buying a 300 2.8 Sigma with a 1.4TC Sigma!!

For this purpose i have to sell the 100-400 Will i regret it??

Maybe

When I bought my 100-400 I used it so much I put my 300 up for sale. The sale fell through, and I didn't relist it. I'm glad I the sale fell through, and glad I have both.

I love my 300f2.8 for airshows on my mk2 sometimes its to long and others its to short but who cares, I sold my 100-400 when I got it and no regrets.

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LOVE that bomber shot! Nice!

It's looking like I'll be renting the 500 then, can't wait!

malla1962 wrote in post #5679239
I love my 300f2.8 for airshows on my mk2 sometimes its to long and others its to short but who cares, I sold my 100-400 when I got it and no regrets.

Yes, the 300 is great at airshows. But, if you didn't have any of the above, what would you rent? I'd take a 500 over my 100-400 or 300. Especially on a FF 5d, unless I had a real issue with the weight.

I don't do airshows so excuse the possible idiocy of my next comment:

is it bad to do an airshow with a 100-400mm with either a 1.4x or 2x teleconverter? (with a 1 series of course...)

I have neither but was wondering why that wasn't being considered...

all edification welcome!

caesar2164 wrote in post #5679499
I don't do airshows so excuse the possible idiocy of my next comment:

is it bad to do an airshow with a 100-400mm with either a 1.4x or 2x teleconverter? (with a 1 series of course...)

I have neither but was wondering why that wasn't being considered...

all edification welcome!

I tried it once. I wasn't happy with the AF speed, especially if I fell off target. Also, I don't care for the IQ of the 100-400 w/ a 1/4x TC, unless I stop it down a bit. A bright sunny day, maybe you could get away with f/11, but you'd need to bump the ISO to get good shutter speed for jets(I like 1/1000 or faster).

JC4 wrote in post #5679516
I tried it once. I wasn't happy with the AF speed, especially if I fell off target. Also, I don't care for the IQ of the 100-400 w/ a 1/4x TC, unless I stop it down a bit. A bright sunny day, maybe you could get away with f/11, but you'd need to bump the ISO to get good shutter speed for jets(I like 1/1000 or faster).

I was never that happy with extenders on the 100-400.Its a slow lens to start with.

adamlc wrote in post #5679452
LOVE that bomber shot! Nice!

It's looking like I'll be renting the 500 then, can't wait!

I would think hard about the 500 at the RIAT Have you been there before?I don't think I would like to lug the 500 round there.If you get to the front of the line I think the 300 and 1.4 will do a good job and on your 5d you will have a bit more than what I had with my mk2 and 300 bare.The shots I posted were from last years RIAT and if I go this year I won't be taking my 500 it will be 1dsmk2,300 and 1.4 TC

I would go with the 500 on a FF body. If money is not an object??