Airshow This Weekend.... Lens Suggestions

[kirbym2]

Hi All,

Attending a local airshow this weekend. Hoping to capture some cool shots both on the ground, and in the air. Any recommendations on an "ideal" lens? I'm borrowing a 70-200 2.8 for my D7000. Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[Derrel]

Nikon 200-400 f/4 AF-S G VR NIKKOR MIGHT BE "ideal". Sigma 100-300 f/4 EX HSM is okay too. Sigma 120-300 f/2.8 OS.

 

[tirediron]

Depending on how close you can get to the action, I would look toward the 500 or 600mm f4 as being ideal.

 

[bigtwinky]

I'm a Canon guy, and was thinking of the Canon 100-400. I see Derrel gave an equivalent focal lenght Nikon lens.
So yeah, that one.

 

[kirbym2]

Thanks for the feedback... I think I posted half-hoping that 200mm on a crop body would suffice (at the same time knowing that it probably wouldn't).

Appreciate the suggestions... will have to see about beg, steal, or borrowing for Sunday.

 

[PWhite214]

I have done well with a 100-300mm for flight shots, and carried a 28-85 for static and display shots on an 'C' sensor. I have used up to 500mm for some flight shots, but without high speed focus, had a low success rate.

So much depends on your location in relation to the action. Get there early and find a place close to the flight line. With 200mm, you will probably get good photos.

I always seem to want a longer lens.

Phil

 

[boomer]

This is an airshow i shot with my 70-200 VR II and D7000. Many of my pictures were slightly cropped, just to give you an idea. The 70-200 will work perfectly fine, but there will shots you'll be wishing you had a longer lens.

Luke Days Arizona 2011 - a set on Flickr

 

[bigtwinky]

Thanks for the feedback... I think I posted half-hoping that 200mm on a crop body would suffice (at the same time knowing that it probably wouldn't).

Appreciate the suggestions... will have to see about beg, steal, or borrowing for Sunday.

You can always rent something. Not sure about Vancouver, but I have 2 local camera stores that rent out gear for the day, weekend, week,...
At worse, if you cant find anything, maybe rent a teleconverter. In bright daylight, a 2x teleconverter could work. It knocks you down 2 stops, so your f/2.8 can only go f/5.6, which should be way more than enough. Making that 200mm a 400mm which is a 600mm at 1.5 crop factor.

And again, not sure on the Nikon teleconverters. The Canon 2x sucks for image quality with model I and II, but the newer model III is acceptable

 

[table1349]

70-200 f2.8 for ground shots. 400mm f2.8 for planes in the air.

 

[kirbym2]

Appreciate the feedback all around. Going to see what I can get at one of our camera supply shops that does rentals. Worst case I'll look into the teleconverter, as that may end up being my only option. Thanks! I'll post some shots after the weekend!