Today's Van Nuys Air Show

[another view]

I'd agree about the shutter speed with showing prop rotation, but it's not easy to do. It might take about 1/125 to blur it, but with a long lens that will be a slower shutter speed than you'll want to hand hold - especially with moving the camera around to keep the plane in the frame. That "IS" lens would help out a lot in this situation. I've only been to a couple of air shows so I didn't have much advice... But you did good!

[poker]

I'd agree about the shutter speed with showing prop rotation, but it's not easy to do. It might take about 1/125 to blur it, but with a long lens that will be a slower shutter speed than you'll want to hand hold - especially with moving the camera around to keep the plane in the frame. That "IS" lens would help out a lot in this situation. I've only been to a couple of air shows so I didn't have much advice... But you did good!

Thanks AV. Next time I'll rent (or own!) a lens with IS that goes to 400mm. I realize with my current photography interest, I'll need 400mm. I also like IS. It gave me more confidence. I'll remember that prop rotation issue next time.

[poker]

1. DC-3 in the background and a rare P-51 Mustang
2. Unknown Helicopter

[I_Fly]

Thanks AV. Next time I'll rent (or own!) a lens with IS that goes to 400mm. I realize with my current photography interest, I'll need 400mm. I also like IS. It gave me more confidence. I'll remember that prop rotation issue next time.

Hey Manacsa,

Nice shots, especially the statics. I've been shooting airshows with a 1D and 75-300 for several years and have been saving for a 100-400 for that extra 100mm. I think if you can get hold of one, it'll definitely help the shots of aircraft in flight, assuming you practice or shoot enough to get proficient at panning with a long lens at a relatively slow shutter speed!

Something to keep in mind with the IS, that depending on the mode, it's only going to help with a stationary position (mode 1 I think), or panning in a level horizontal motion (mode 2 I think). It may actually hurt your shots if you're moving in the vertical while shooting.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing more of your airshow photos! Keep 'em coming!

[poker]

Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing more of your airshow photos! Keep 'em coming!

Thanks Troy. I enjoyed the experience and I look forward to the next.

The next one will be at the mother of all Cali airshows (well, at least I think it is). The Blue Angels will be there.

http://www.miramarairshow.com/

I was reading on mode 1 and 2 on the newer IS lenses. That would be a great thing to have.

[I_Fly]

I'd agree about the shutter speed with showing prop rotation, but it's not easy to do. It might take about 1/125 to blur it, but with a long lens that will be a slower shutter speed than you'll want to hand hold - especially with moving the camera around to keep the plane in the frame. That "IS" lens would help out a lot in this situation. I've only been to a couple of air shows so I didn't have much advice... But you did good!

I have to agree and disagree with AV.

1/125th is a great general purpose shutter speed for blurring props. I use it almost exclusively when shooting propellor driven aircraft. About the only time it's not slow enough is with an airplane with 4 (or more) blades and they've got the power pulled back. The prop will be rotating slow enough that 1/125 will almost freeze the prop.

I disagree with not being able to hand hold the lens at that shutter speed. I've got a whole website full of shots of airplanes shot with a 75-300 USM IS at 300mm and 1/125. You just need a steady hand and lots of practice. From what I've been reading about the 70-300 it should produce even better results than my 75-300.

BTW, I agree with AV...you done good!