shooting from helicoptor (Page 6): As a working advertising shooter, I have shot at least a hundred times from helicopters in Hawaii, more often than not with my Hasselblad 50mm. The...

jimbuckley Loc: Arizona

As a working advertising shooter, I have shot at least a hundred times from helicopters in Hawaii, more often than not with my Hasselblad 50mm. The 35mm equivalent is 28mm, so I would recommend that or, even better, a 24-70. Good luck and Aloha!

aellman Loc: Boston MA

dkeysser wrote:

Bill, I can ask the tour company about the M16, but my hunch is same as yours - it will be strongly discouraged.

At the risk of stating the obvious, use faster shutter speeds to reduce the effect of vibration. Have fun!

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

ELNikkor wrote:

There won't be any wildlife because of the "whup!-whup!". If I was going up, I'd take only my 24-120 on my D750. Longer tele not necessary.

That is exactly the lens that I brought along and used. I shot at ISO 400 and a polarizer filter. Vibration was not an issue. Just don’t rest the camera on any part of the helicopter. There were only three of us (pilot included) on the flight, so I had the entire back seat to myself to roam around and shoot from. I shot through open windows.

usnret Loc: Woodhull Il

Any way you can touch base with the pilot a day or to in advance to ask what his AGL (above ground level) distance ranges will be on the flight? Time of day, sunny skies, overcast all come into play. I would go with my 24-70 on one body and my 70-200 on the other body. Also, try to avoid having the shadow of the chopper in the picture.

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

usnret wrote:

Any way you can touch base with the pilot a day or to in advance to ask what his AGL (above ground level) distance ranges will be on the flight? Time of day, sunny skies, overcast all come into play. I would go with my 24-70 on one body and my 70-200 on the other body. Also, try to avoid having the shadow of the chopper in the picture.

The 24-70 is perfect. You most likely won’t go above 2000’ in elevation gain.

James Van Ells

Use a 24-105 if you have one. No polarizing filter! With the vibration of a helicopter, shoot at 1/1000 and auto ISO for best sharp shots.

nervous2 Loc: Provo, Utah

Bill_de wrote:

Contact the tour company. They have the most experience for their particular tour.

Any time I shot from a helicopter I used an M16. I don't think the tour company will recommend that.

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Glad you made it back.

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

James Van Ells wrote:

Use a 24-105 if you have one. No polarizing filter! With the vibration of a helicopter, shoot at 1/1000 and auto ISO for best sharp shots.

Why no polarizer? Worked great for me.

Glenn Reiner Loc: Sacramento CA

This guy (pilot) knows what he is talking about. I had a helicopter trip in Alaska this summer.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

dkeysser wrote:

My sons bought me a helicoptor tour of the North Shore (Minnesota) for Christmas. Should be fantastic. My question is: what focal length lens would you recommend? I have a 70-200 mm (105-300 on my APS-C camera). That is my longest lens. Do you recommend that? Anything shorter? Thanks for your advice.
Don

Most helo drivers know what altitudes will offer the best opportunities for photography. Your choice of lenses perfect for what you want, it is the very lens I use. Don't expect to chancge lenses in the helo, room is very limited. The most important factor is the removal the doors, get rid of them if possible. DO NOT WEAR SUNGLASSES! Have fun and enjoy the ride, dob't get too involved with your gear, just make it work for you.

tcthome Loc: NJ

Bill_de wrote:

Contact the tour company. They have the most experience for their particular tour.

Any time I shot from a helicopter I used an M16. I don't think the tour company will recommend that.

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jtang2

Over Namibia, found that 24-70 and 70-200 zoom lenses (full frame) covered my needs. Have fun!

Abo

dkeysser wrote:

My sons bought me a helicoptor tour of the North Shore (Minnesota) for Christmas. Should be fantastic. My question is: what focal length lens would you recommend? I have a 70-200 mm (105-300 on my APS-C camera). That is my longest lens. Do you recommend that? Anything shorter? Thanks for your advice.
Don

A VR (IS) lens.

And hopefully you don't swallow any of the fillings that are vibrated out of your teeth.

olddutch Loc: Beloit, Wisconsin

Bill_de wrote:

Contact the tour company. They have the most experience for their particular tour.

Any time I shot from a helicopter I used an M16. I don't think the tour company will recommend that.

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AMEN BROTHER.

olddutch Loc: Beloit, Wisconsin

During the tour DO NOT rest your arm or shoulder against the frame of the Chopper. The vibrations will transmit to the camera. Just hold the camera with your elbows by your side and a shutter speed at 200+. Will take out most of the vibrations. ASA. At 200 also