Aircraft in flight

F

FinPix

New member
Hi
The Space Shuttle is flying over DC tomorrow. Being new to SLRs, got my D5100 in October, I am wondering what would be the best settings for photographing the Space Shuttle in flight? The time will be 10-11 AM, from the south, altitude Apox. 1,000 to 1, 500, circle around the Mall and head west. Weather is expected to be partly sunny-cloudy. I have both the 18-55mm & 55-300mm lenses
Thanks
 
M

Mike150

Senior Member
Hey Fin,
I'm not the one to tell you how to set the camera up. Too many others here who are much more knowledgeble than me.

I had planned to go but my doc told me today that I need to stay near home a few more days. I would think Udvar Hazy Parking lot is the best place to set up if they're landing from the South. They'll come in Low and Slow. If they're landing from the North, then you can only hope they will at least do a fly by before landing.
 
E

Eye-level

Banned
I bet there will be ton of cameras aimed at this thing! Wonder what kind of security is involved with this voyage?

I don't know how to do such a shot really but I assume it would be best to use the long telephoto lens??? I look forward to seeing some of your shots...

This was made with a 50mm tessar and film so it is full frame...I would guess that plane is 500 feet off the ground maybe 1000 I don't really know...it was low and slow and frigging loud though!

airplane.jpg
 
Last edited:
R

Rick M

Senior Member
You definitely want your 55-300 and a circular polarizer would get rid of reflections on the craft. Might want to search for other plane shots to see what range of ISO folks used.
 
E

eurotrash

Senior Member
Missed this one. Flight was half an hour earlier than expected and DC traffic was TERRIBLE with people oggling over it so I never got to my destination in time. I also realized that my zoom is a POS and needs replacing!

It flew over me as I was traveling and I snapped a few but they suck. Bad. It WAS friggen' loud, complete with fighter escort!
It did fly RIGHT over my house at about 1000 feet though but my camera told me I was an idiot and didn't have a card inside it. Doh. It wasn't meant to be I guess. I'll go to the Smithsonian and photo it on the weekend or something.
 
R

Rick M

Senior Member
eurotrash said:
Missed this one. Flight was half an hour earlier than expected and DC traffic was TERRIBLE with people oggling over it so I never got to my destination in time. I also realized that my zoom is a POS and needs replacing!

It flew over me as I was traveling and I snapped a few but they suck. Bad. It WAS friggen' loud, complete with fighter escort!
It did fly RIGHT over my house at about 1000 feet though but my camera told me I was an idiot and didn't have a card inside it. Doh. It wasn't meant to be I guess. I'll go to the Smithsonian and photo it on the weekend or something.
Click to expand...

What zoom do you have?
 
E

Eye-level

Banned
To get a picture of such a subject is a very challenging thing...there's always next time sir...who says the shuttle won't fly again someday!!! :)
 
E

eurotrash

Senior Member
Especially when you're driving a car and traffic is...well northern virginia traffic! There may never be a next time, but I was honored to see it with my own eyes more than anything.
 
Top