printer273

We are going for a closed door helicopter ride in June to Kaui I have a D800 and I am stuck on what lens to bring, my choice is Nikon 14-24 2.8 or 24-70 2.8 anyone have any recommendations on which one to bring. Also a polarizing filter will it slow down my shutter speed to much?
thanks

Howard5252 Loc: New York / Florida (now)

How high/low will you be flying and what do you want to take pictures of??

printer273

We are taking Jack Harter tours, don't really know how low but they are certified to fly the lowest on the Island, I want to photograph all that the tour offers

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

here one at 1700 ft at 168 mph with a fast shutter speed 50 mm lens. off the wing tip in a mini mustang:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Howard5252 Loc: New York / Florida (now)

OK. Of the two lenses, I'd take the 24~70. You can take wide angle (panoramic) and still retain some ability to take specific shots like buildings, cars, and maybe people. Try asking the tour company, I'm sure you would not be the first to do so.

jethro779 Loc: Tucson, AZ

I'll bet riding the wing was windy!!

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Took two doors-off flights on Oahu last October. I recommend the 24-70 2.8 lens. I took a 24-105 f/4. No polarizer. Most of my shots were in the 50-70mm range. Shutter speed, even with a polarizer, shouldn't be too much of an issue. Odds are you will have bright sun. You will have vibration, but with doors on you will not have the wind buffeting of a doors off flight. I shot mostly around 1000-1200/sec. with good results. There were times when I could have used a bit more reach, but that wasn't a real problem. You will probably be flying at about 1000' most of the time, which is the FAA minimum over populated areas. 500' over rural is the minimum. If I were going today I would be torn between the 24-105 and the 70-200 that I now have. Nothing longer then that. You just choose your point of shooting a bit differently during the flight. You are moving, after all. You may be able to carry a 2nd lens to swap out in flight. Can't do that with doors off. Even if you can carry another lens you are not going to want to do much juggling of gear. It's tight in the choppers.
Was a doors-off flight not available or were you nervous about it? As far as I am concerned, it's the only way to do a photo flight. Unequaled views. I flew with Genesis Choppers. Liked the first one so much I went back and did it a 2nd time. They are the ONLY company in the islands that has NEVER injured a passenger. Totally professional.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Yeah, but it's a lot of fun, I can tell you! :-D

jethro779 Loc: Tucson, AZ

It might be, but without a seat belt you wouldn't get me on it.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Here's why it's fun:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-186332-1.html

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

just on verge of flippin over.. lol

here one kinda flat winged

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

old open cock pit is fun, but cold in winter :mrgreen: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

jimbo70 Loc: Orange Park, FL.

If the windows are plastic you won't want a polarizer.

Bear2 Loc: Southeast,, MI

Did a private (just wife and I) 'doors off' helicopter charter on a new Robinson 44 helicopter. Obviously could not change lenses as all items had to be secured. I Took my D7000 with my Nikkor 18-200 VR II, and never wanted for anything else. We were on Kauai in an ocean front room for ten days, celebrating our 50th anniversary.
Our kids popped for the charter flight, and our travel agent Up scaled room and airline seating. What a trip.

On your full frame your 24-70 - 2.8 would be fantastic, and all you would need.

Do not be afraid of leaving to doors off, it a blast, and you are secured. I would do it again in a heart beat.

Hope this helps.
Duane

ralfstinson Loc: SF Bay Area

Sometimes the glass (plexiglass) will do strange things with the polarizer, check on the ground and if there is a problem, don't use it. Close to the window (not on) with a wide f/stop will reduce window scratches. Usually the windshield on sightseeing a/c are kept clean but have a handkerchief available.