Airshow photography - recommended lens?

[NewNameNeeded]

Hello all,

Just a general question really - off to an airshow this weekend at Duxford. Assuming rain doesn't stop play what sort of lens do people find useful for air shows?

My only zoom is an 18-250mm Tamron lens. Found it fantastic for a general purpose lens but think it may be a bit slow for airshows / sports.

So just curious to know what other people use?

It needs to be Nikon fit.

Thanks
Matt

[Jenx]

Hope you've got deep pockets

[SMB]

I'm looking at this too for a canon SLR, so far I 've found out that the recommended is a 100-400 L canon lens, not cheap at about £1000 but good. I've been looking at the new Sigma 120-400 with optical stabilisation too, at circa £500-550. Not had chance to look at either in detail or try one out, so any comments people could add welcome.

The sigma comes in Nikon fit.

Edited by SMB on Thursday 4th September 10:17

[4hero]

SMB said:

I'm looking at this too for a canon SLR, so far I 've found out that the recommended is a 100-400 L canon lens, not cheap at about £1000 but good. I've been looking at the new Sigma 120-400 with optical stabilisation too, at circa £500-550. Not had chance to look at either in detail or try one out, so any comments people could add welcome.

The sigma comes in Nikon fit.

Never done an air show before, but will be attending Leuchars this year with my 100-400 and 70-200 f2.8. I've seen some stunning results with the 100-400, so fingers crossed!

p.s. you can get the 100-400 from kerso for £840, even cheaper if you email him (wish I had done this before getting mine )

edited to say, the 100-400 is a beautiful lens. Can be used for lots of things from portraits (from a distance mind you ), photographing the moon, and is superb for motorsport!

Edited by 4hero on Thursday 4th September 10:33

[Simpo Two]

I use a Nikon 70-300mm. Just upgraded to the VR version so the ED is looking for a new home...

[Bernie-the-bolt]

I use a Canon 70-200 2.8 IS L + a 1.4x II which gives a minimum f stop of 4 and seems to do the job....









I know you're a Nikon man but Canon make some cracking lenses!

[NewNameNeeded]

Bernie-the-bolt said:

I know you're a Nikon man but Canon make some cracking lenses!

Thanks anyway!!! Great shots

Edited by NewNameNeeded on Thursday 4th September 15:00

[Famous Graham]

I used a 400 5.6 prime for a few years - the lack of flexibility wasn't a problem at big shows like RIAT or Legends but it could sometimes be a bit too much for the smaller shows, particularly Old Warden











No idea if there's a Nikon equivalent though

Edited by Famous Graham on Friday 5th September 01:18

[RobDickinson]

200-400 is very pricey.

Out of the sigmas I'd look at the new bigma (150-500) or the 100-300/120-300's Both of which work well with tele convertors & are fast sharp and have HSM (if not OS/IS/VR).

[Simpo Two]

Worth adding that much of the photo quality posted here is down to the skill of the user not just the lens. Having said that I find a good zoom range and accurate tracking AF important (more useful than f2.8 I'd suggest)

[NewNameNeeded]

Thanks gents. Never mentioned a budget as hadn't set one but £1000 is pushing it - it just isn't the sort of photography I do much of. The Tamron 18-250mm will have to be tested to its limits ... although from the weather forecast an underwater camera might have been a better bet!

Anyone else going to Duxford 90th anniversary show on Sunday?

[Famous Graham]

Simpo Two said:

Worth adding that much of the photo quality posted here is down to the skill of the user not just the lens. Having said that I find a good zoom range and accurate tracking AF important (more useful than f2.8 I'd suggest)

I still haven't done a big show with my 1D - would bloody love to have AI Servo