Quick replies please - Airshow lens

[RobDickinson]

Off to Warbirds over wanaka and will be taking my own lenses which top out at a 70-200 & 2.0tc

Have been offered to borrow a sigma 120-300f2.8 or a 400mmf2.8L, both big and heavy.

Not sure if I'll have a tripod with me, can take if needed I guess!

I guess handholding either all day will be a tough job, is the 400L handholdable at all?

Do I risk dropping someone elses $15k lens!?!

( Photo & video store is lending me them, the sigma is used, the canon is new).

[Simpo Two]

Do you really need f2.8 with 400mm in broad daylight?

If you need 400mm (which is pretty long with a crop sensor) I think I'd stay with the 70-200 and TC for range and flexibility, and skip the speed.

[RobDickinson]

400 2.8 + 2.0 tc = 800mm & decent IQ probably

120-300 + 2.0tc = 240-600f5.6 and probably sharp enough for some good pics.

Dont need f2.8 especialy but do with the tc.

The 70-200f2.8 isnt great at 400/5.6 with the TC would rather not use it there.

[Simpo Two]

800mm equivalent to 1280mm... jeepers, you shooting this from Christcurch Rob?

That's a handful and when the plane starts heading towards you you'll be buggered.

Anyway, you know what you're doing and what you want from the day, I don't. Give my regards to Wanaka!

[RobDickinson]

Yeah not sure the 400 (with tc on) is going to be right, probably best without the tc anyhow.

Its just I havnt used a 400/2.8 and probably wont have many options to do so! OMGB $13,500 list price kinda puts it beyond my reach.

The 120-300 is probably more usefull (with tc) still need the tripod tho I think.

Also dont think my ball head is rated for 6kg of lens!

[itsnotarace]

RobDickinson said:

is the 400L handholdable at all?

You'll get a handful of shots and then have to put it down. A decent monopod will be a must for all day use.

[4hero]

Take the 70-200, and borrow a 100-400 if you can. Used both mine the last time I was at leuchars, great combo!

Edited to add, used both these hand held on separate bodies. A bit tiring after a long day but I now have muscles like the governor of California

Edited by 4hero on Tuesday 30th March 23:25

[RobDickinson]

Plan A was to borrow a 100-400L but its not available

Ah borrowed the sigma lets see how it does

Edited by RobDickinson on Wednesday 31st March 00:56

[strudel]

Get anything good?

[RobDickinson]

I think so! Have ~3000 or so shots from today so going to have a quick review and go back tomorrow, weather looks better tomorrow was difficult to expose properly for both sky/plane today.


Shoulders ache from the 120-300 all day!

Absolutly orsome event though. The Zero , Spitfire & Vampire were the highlites