Shooting Airshows

Hi all,


I was wondering if anyone had some good tips for shooting airshows (the flying type, not the stationary type!) given how fast everything moves.


I took these photos at the RedBull AirRace in November last year (these are unprocessed other than to convert to JPEG):


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3184/...0688c86651.jpg


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3026/...3da663a599.jpg


I do wish I was able to have shot the second one with a longer lens, but I didn't have one on me at the time.


Both images were taken with EOS400D and 300mm f/4L IS. The first image was 1/500s @ f/5.6 and the second was 1/1000 @ f/8

Crop the second picture. There's no need (IMO) for so much blue background on the sides. Maybe even crop it like a portrait which will give more feel of the movement upward.

Cropped it a bit:


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3127/...033ec7d7fb.jpg





You're right, does like quite a bit better without all the blue [:)]

It looks like the f18 is cold and is wearing a scarf. Great shot! Good detail still even after cropping it. My advice is to set your shutter speed to allow a little blur in the props. If I recall from my flying days they are around 800-1000 RPMs during approach, and 2300-2700 RPMS during higher speed flight. Aviation is tough though because there is usually a limited place where you can stand, and the planes are kept far away. A lot of people like the 100-400L for this, usually there is plenty of light for it.


Tom

Taken with a Canon 40D and 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS, IS Mode 2 (Pan). Shutter 1/100 and Ap f/6.6. I sure wish the sun had been behind me but I think the shot still works. I took several lenses but favored the 100-400 all day. I had the 70-200 2.8 also in my bag but the focal length was just not sufficient most of the day. This was my first real shoot with the 100-400 and I had a lot of smiles during post processing!


http://gallery.mac.com/sirpopealot/1...G_8762/web.jpg

Nice one!





I wanted to go to the F-22 demo here at the reno air races, but we were too busy to make it this year. :(

Here's one from "Wings Over Marietta" in Georgia.


http://www.itheone.net/IMG_7059.jpg





Canon 40D w/ 70-200 f/4L NON IS @ 188mm ISO 160 f/6.3 1/1000s

Great photos! And you must been close to that Thunderbird!


For Air Shows you really the longest lens in your bag. [:)] I would recommend even renting a 300 or 400mm if you don't have one. It's really worth it for. Last air show I was at I just brought a 70-200 and a 17-40 (for statics) and while I got some great photos, I really needed a longer reach. For shooting propeller driven aircraft and helicopters I think it is really important to see that the blades are moving so I would recommend keeping the shutter speed at 1/250 or less.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3188/...22a40e544d.jpg

Here's a few more:


http://www.itheone.net/IMG_6706-small.jpg


40D w/ 70-200 f/4L @ 188mm ISO100 f/7.1 1/1000s





http://www.itheone.net/IMG_7079-small.jpg


40D w/ 70-200 f/4L @ 104mm ISO160 f/6.3 1/800s





http://www.itheone.net/IMG_7083-small.jpg


40D w/ 70-200 f/4L @ 70mm ISO160 f/6.3 1/2000s

Nice work everyone!


I will add a few more shot with the Canon 40D and the 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L:


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