UK Airshow focal length for WW2 Fighters ?

[DBenz]

In the process of deciding on a lens to go with the 17-40 and 20D I have, and wishing to fill frame with Spitfire, or Mustang etc. Now 200mm becomes 320mm, is that going to be enough ?...no way of testing such outside a camera shop. Firstly what is minimum foc length required at a UK airshow and runway to crowd regs with aircraft in front of me, then what if aircraft off to my 10 oclock, 11 oclock angle ?

Any recomendations on affordable sharp with minimal abberations max £500 lenses suitable also welcome. I also will need to add extension tubes as require to use this lens on 3ft away subjects....so a 1.2m perhaps better than 1.8m !

Is 70-300 going to introduce a compromise in quality ?


Canons 70-200 f4 has good reviews, but the 75-300 is not so well optically and speed wise I read.

DBenz

[Ant]

I can't comment on specific lenses for you as I shoot Nikon, but I'd recommend at least a 300mm lens.

I shot six airshows last year with a 70-300mm lens on a DSLR and got fairly good full frame shots. However, you'll probably find that you'll want to get even more reach for those flying shots. Probably the most popular canon lens for aircraft shooting is the 100-400L but at just over £1000 it may be out of your price range.