Space shuttle advice

Anybody have useful tips for photographing a night space shuttle launch on the premises of Cape Canaveral?
I have a 40D and a 100-400L IS and a sturdy monopod.

Suggestions on best focusing, metering, exposure would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I'm assuming you'll be at the Nov 14th launch. I plan on being at Spaceview Park myself.
Anyone? Surely someone here has photographed a night launch.

Hint, hint.

Scroll to the bottom of the page and look at the left.

I'm going as well; going to try the 70-300 DO with the XSI on a tripod and see how it works out. I too am wondering what would be the best settings to capture the night launch from across the bay. If I had to guess: 1/100th, f8, ISO800.

The threads below didn't really have any great info...

I have received some advice from someone who's been there that the best settings are ISO 400, f/8 1/250 for a liftoff image.

For a time exposure to show the arc of the shuttle's flight, he recommends
a 16mm or wider lens, ISO 100, f22 and use a polarizer to cut the brightness.

I am planning of going aswell,but this is my first time to attend. is there any paticual place you go to shoot the launch? or is everyone all in one spot when it is time for lift?

I think it will be fun!

If you have never been before, the place you want to go to is Titusville. Take RT50 (off of 95 or from Orlando) and take it all the way to US1. From there take a left, go up about a mile or so and you will see a McDonalds on your right. Go past it, and you will soon see a restaurant with parking on your right; that's the place to be. If you get there early enough you can park your car there, then put your camera on a tripod right on the waters edge. I've found this is the best view outside of buying the tickets and actually going across the causeway to the space center.

what are you setting ry317 ?

any samples ?

http://gallery.me.com/​rdonaher#100366

Be kind... I took these THE day I got the camera with the 55-250 on a tripod. That whole shooting with a level horizontal was new to me...

Either way, these were taking from the spot I described above. Hope this helps!

That is a pretty good spot... Nice shots !

I guess the 400mm won't cut it eh ?

What kind of lens you need to get close ups ?

The best telephoto money can buy...

I'll be using my 300, wish I could get my hands on a 500mm or more though!

what time you going to be there ? will there be plenty space for tripods and such. I'll be there for sure ry317

I haven't looked at my thread in months but I think everything you need to know is within through out the post. Bear in mind when assessing them the noise really manifests itself at the posted resolutions. The 50mb tiffs are gorgeous.

I have several more over the years but have never posted them on POTN.

https://photography-on-the.net …ight+launch+spa​ce+shuttle

https://photography-on-the.net …ight+launch+spa​ce+shuttle

Should have put together a pamphlet and sold it. I have probably been PM'ed 100 times in the last year asking how to photograph the shuttle

If you need any further advice contact me and I will try to help, time permitting.

I will be there for sure; I would think it's going to be VERY crowded. It's a Friday, and only at 8PM, AND it's a night launch. The last night launch I went to over the summer was CRAZY busy and it was at 2AM and during the week....

I'll be working in Orlando in the AM, was planning to have lunch in the city, then head out around 3PM or so. Hopefully that will put me there around 4 so I can beat the after-work rush.

Blue Deuce wrote in post #6661538
I haven't looked at my thread in months but I think everything you need to know is within. Bear in mind when assessing them the noise really manifests itself at the posted resolutions. The 50mb tiffs are gorgeous.

I have several more over the years but have never posted them on POTN.

https://photography-on-the.net …ight+launch+spa​ce+shuttle

https://photography-on-the.net …ight+launch+spa​ce+shuttle

Should have put together a pamphlet and sold it. I have probably been PM'ed 100 times in the last year asking how to photograph the shuttle

If you need any further advice contact me and I will try to help, time permitting.

Amazing photos, and thanks for the info!