Alliance Air Show

[l.mccormick]

I am sure a few of you have been to this Air Show in the past.

While I know I will have no problem with my lens choice for the planes setup static for everyone to view. Will my 70-200 2.8 be long enough to catch some of the in-flight action?

The reason I ask is I am working on a small project to get a couple of good shots for some wall art for a pastor friend of mine and if I need to get a 1.4x extender or rent a different lens I will.

Also which is typically the better day to go, Saturday or Sunday? I know the website says Sunday is a repeat performance but seeing if there is a benefit of one over the other.

Thanks

[KeithnFW]

Originally Posted by l.mccormick

I am sure a few of you have been to this Air Show in the past.

While I know I will have no problem with my lens choice for the planes setup static for everyone to view. Will my 70-200 2.8 be long enough to catch some of the in-flight action?

The reason I ask is I am working on a small project to get a couple of good shots for some wall art for a pastor friend of mine and if I need to get a 1.4x extender or rent a different lens I will.

Also which is typically the better day to go, Saturday or Sunday? I know the website says Sunday is a repeat performance but seeing if there is a benefit of one over the other.

Thanks

Hey Larry,
The 70-200 might be enough, it's hard to say. Some shows the performers will fly close, sometimes not. 300mm is what I shoot at airshows and it's just about the perfect length. I know Fort Worth camera and Arlington Camera both rent lenses. I do use my 70-200 to shoot larger aircraft (C-130, B-52 etc etc), but smaller fighters usually require more length. As for what day is best, the only thing that might be different from one day to the next is weather. And while Alliance puts on a good show, the only drawback is that the showline faces west, so by 3pm when the Blue Angels fly you'll be shooting into the sun. Another tip is to get there early. I think they open at 9am. Hope this helps

[l.mccormick]

Much appreciated Keith. I know camera stop in Plano rents out the 100-400 IS lens but I haven't ever used it before so not sure on it, maybe a good event to give it a try. Maybe I will just see if Arlington Camera has the 300 2.8 IS up for Rent that weekend and put the monopod to work.

You have some great shots there Keith.

[KeithnFW]

Originally Posted by l.mccormick

Much appreciated Keith. I know camera stop in Plano rents out the 100-400 IS lens but I haven't ever used it before so not sure on it, maybe a good event to give it a try. Maybe I will just see if Arlington Camera has the 300 2.8 IS up for Rent that weekend and put the monopod to work.

You have some great shots there Keith.

The 100-400 is very popular on the airshow circuit. Very versatile. I started out using the 100-400 for a year or so, until I started getting better results with the Canon 300mm f4 IS. I have shot with the 300 2.8 and it works very well with the 1.4 extender.

[l.mccormick]

Just looked online, the 300 2.8 IS is only 50 for the day, I will have to call tomorrow and see if they have it reserved that weekend.

Thanks for the advice Keith.

[CaptainTom]

Larry
Ask them about a weekend rate. Most places have a special rate that if you pick the lens up later on Friday, and bring it back early on Monday, they charge a single day rate. I know Ft. Worth Camera has this policy.
The traffic at Alliance is a killer, so have lots of gas, and lots of water and snacks aboard. You'll need a portable chair, etc. Lots of sunscreen, and good walking shoes.
If the weather is good, the Angels will do the "high" show. They are close enough for good photos, but you'd better practice your panning skills, and if you are familiar with the show routine, you can be ready for their approach.

I might go out there this year. I hate the crowds and all the commotion, but I'm not getting any younger, and still thrill at the sight and sounds of the aircraft.

[Wes]

I stopped going several years ago because it became just too darn expensive. I pretty much only go to the airshow at Carswell nowaday. Just as good as Alliance and a heckuva lot cheaper.

I've shot an airshow before with a 70-300 and it seems that was all the lens I needed.

[t00mies]

hey larry -


i've got a sigma ex 1.4x teleconverter that you can borrow if you wanted to try it out. it works with the 70-200 2.8 and gets you to 280 on the long end. i have only taken a handful of shots using the converter -- i think the AF is a tad bit slower, probably because of the stop loss in light, although in daylight, it probably wouldnt be affected as much.

send me a PM if interested.



tommy

[jonnydonut]

*stupid question here*, but I don't know anything about converters. I assume however if you put the 1.4x canon converter on the 70-200 2.8L, then the widest focal length you can shoot at is 98mm and your closest is at 280mm. Also, you probably lose a f-stop, right?, which would make it most open f-stop f/4 or is the next stop f/3.5?

also, thought you guys might find this useful:
http://www.allianceairshow.com/
thanks for the post.

[MRCPix]

it will turn your 2.8 into a f4. yes everything you said is right.

that is what I will be using at this years air show since I couldn't get a 100-400.

[CaptainTom]

Expensive ? parking is $15 admission is free.

Don't forget to figure in the crop factor on your Canon at 1.6

200 X 1.6 X 1.4 = effective 448 ( 35mm equivalent )

[l.mccormick]

Working on a few options, have a friend that has a 300 f4 that I may use for that day. Had already ordered a 1.4x extender to add to my arsenal anway (thanks for the offer though tommy).

Figure if I get the 300 and the 1.4x I will have plenty of distance on the 30d, then can have the 70-200 mounted on the 5D for most of the other pictures.

Appreciate everyones input, looks like this airshow get's a huge crowd so will have to make sure we are there when they open to get a good place to setup.

Also just so I am getting the conversion right, if I put the 300mm on my 30d with the 1.4 extender that would make it essentially a 5.6 at 672mm? (300*1.4*1.6=672mm)

[CaptainTom]

Yup.

and with your Canon high ISO is not a problem, and you can easily shoot at 1/1000 or faster for hand holding.

[KeithnFW]

And by the way. . . .The Blue Angels usually do a show on Friday afternoons. Sort of a practice show. At least this has been the case before when they have been at NASFW

[picasso]

I shot with a 70-200 last show and it worked out great. It was a cropped sensor though. I have full frame now so, I am not so sure. I am probably going to go just enjoy the show and not worry about shooting it this time.

Paul