Buying a "little" more gear

Hi All,
I have been asked to shoot a airshow, Its at a pretty large airport so big zoom is a must.

This is what ive come up with so far.

- Canon 1D MK III
- Canon 400mm L (and monopod :lol
- Canon 2x Teleconverter
- Canon 70-200 2.8 IS L (Dont need to buy as I already own)

Please add anything I would need

I wouldn't bother with the monopod. Your not shooting cars on a flat track, IMO it will limit more than it will help.

My last air show I shot with a 300mm f/2.8 & 1.4x hand held. Also the 70-200 with the 2x is also great.

Most of the action I shot was too close for the 300mm & 1.4x.

Also a wide angle for the static displays.

Also if you are looking into renting the 1D MK III, my 40D works just fine for the air shows. The only thing you need the really fast frame rate with for the high speed cross passes.

Thanks,
Been looking at buying a 1D for awhile so might buy one. Which wide angle lens would you recommend for the static displays?

Your 17-85 should be fine. I brought my 17-40 and it wasn't tight enough to zoom past the crowds.

Thanks,
So i shouldnt need to buy anything else besides what I have listed?

I don't think so. What you mentioned sounds good to me.

Here is an example of what I show with the 300mm & 1.4x It's not really a useful shot, it's cool to get that close up, but I think you will use the 70-200 w/ 2x the most.

This shot was with my 40D, with the saturation turned up a little. No post processing. That setting on the 40D works much better than on my 20D, the color is unbelievable.

Ive been thinking,
400mm L or 100-400mm L IS?

If you have the money (£4.5k) get the prime every time. Or do you mean the 400mm 5.6? I have considered but general consensus the 2x on a 70-200 will be just as good.

Coops wrote in post #5781071
If you have the money (£4.5k) get the prime every time. Or do you mean the 400mm 5.6? I have considered but general consensus the 2x on a 70-200 will be just as good.

I agree. As much as I like to zoom you can't beat the prime. But I do zoom as I follow with the 70-200 & 2x.

Have you used the Canon 70-200 2.8 with the 2X TC? Some results with non-scientific testing:
70-200 f/2.8 & 2X TC combination "Test"
There's a link to other tests in there & Post #8 shows f/8 effective.

Nah never used my 70-200 with a 2x TC, Thanks for the link.

camlew2 wrote in post #5775413
Thanks,
Been looking at buying a 1D for awhile so might buy one. Which wide angle lens would you recommend for the static displays?

The wider the better.