First Post: F-16, A-10

A couple jets flying around Davis Monthan AFB in Tucson, Az. First week with the camera, and def first time trying to photograph something moving this fast..

Pictures cropped but otherwise untouched...

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

it's definitely not easy. I've tried my hand at it a few times, but work usually gets in the way. first one's pretty fuzzy, but second one doesn't look too bad. did you try panning your movements with the plane? keep practicing. thanks for sharing and welcome

What kind of shutter speed did you use?

first one looks like it was taken in the digital zoom range of a P/S.

i agree though, tracking jets aint easy.

photos were not bad.

Keep at it. It does get easier. Check the links in here:
Airshow guys - prop freeze?

Good start mate...i made my first tender steps into aviation photography almost exactly a year ago! Things to remember...if you're shooting pointy fast things...use a fast shutter rate...for slow lumbering things with props...shoot as slow as you can go (generally between 1/60 - 1/250)...i found panning hard but, as opposed to panning and just scatter gunning, i use single shot and try to keep a ryhtm hitting the shutter, it kind of keeps me steady...lastly, try and get as close to the flight line as you can..or! find out where the dog leg turn into approach is so you can catch a good topside (like the '16) when they bank..often if they see you there they get a bit showboaty and play for the camera a little...well, your boys in the '15's do at Lakenheath!
My friend's wife has just been posted to Davis monthan so late this year/next year i'll be heading over as i seriously want to get some Warthog images!
p.s...a couple of good UK forum's with tips are lowfly.net and fightercontrol!