Air Show Lens

helicopter

7

11 Jul 2012 - 9:21 PM

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I,ve just got back from Fairford airshow and realise my 70-200 is not long enough to get close ups of planes in flight, I would appreciate any suggestions as to what I should buy either Canon or after market. I am using a 7D

macroman

10

11 Jul 2012 - 9:41 PM

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I have a Sigma 70-300 which usually does the job.

Franticsmurf

10

11 Jul 2012 - 9:47 PM

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I used a Nikon 70-300 and a Sigma 170-500 at the local airshow last year. The 500mm was a bit too long for some of the planes when they flew close to the crowd. At full zoom, it was a handful and I wasn't using a monopod but there was plenty of light for a fast shutter speed. It gave great detail, though, and was ideal for the fast jets.

Sierrakitten

7

11 Jul 2012 - 9:50 PM

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Next time, try going up to Totterdown for a day. I've had great results up there with just a 200mm. Anything longer would have been overkill. Location, location, location....

kodachrome

1

15 Jul 2012 - 8:04 AM

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Was it the Farnborough Air Show this week end.

Koda

discreetphoton (Site Moderator)

8

15 Jul 2012 - 1:21 PM

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Get yourself a teleconverter. Then you've got the best of both worlds. Even a 1.4 takes it up to 340mm, which isn't far off the 400mm. Plenty for all but the largest airshows.

mikehit (e2 Member)

3

15 Jul 2012 - 5:23 PM

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Quote: Even a 1.4 takes it up to 340mm,

A 1.4x extender/converter on a 200mm lens gives you 280mm




I agree. What we are talking about here is extending the range on the camera he has got, not comparing to performance on a totally different format.

javam (e2 Member)

8

16 Jul 2012 - 2:53 PM

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If it is something you intend to do a lot of, the 100-400 is the lens to go for.

I would like a second body and a 500 or 600mm option for some things, but I need to build up the funds to do that.

You could always try hiring one for the next show you go to and see how you get on.

Before I bought the 100-400 I had the use of a friends 70-200 f2.8 IS L and 2x converter and it was not too bad a combo, but visibly softer than the 100-400.

Both are softer than the 400mm F5.6 L, but I prefer the flexibility of a zoom.