Making The Most of 30 Minutes in a B-25: While I have been a faithful reader of UHH almost every day for several months, this is my first post and I am looking for some advice. I have...

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Making The Most of 30 Minutes in a B-25

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Jul 26, 2013 20:13:02 #

Carter Power Loc: Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada

While I have been a faithful reader of UHH almost every day for several months, this is my first post and I am looking for some advice.

I have booked on as a passenger on a B-25 (aka Grumpy) that will be at a local air show in August/13. I lucked into the seat beside the pilot! Photos are allowed. I have a Sony A-77 and am looking for some advice about what lenses to take with me. The choices are (all Sony lenses): 18-70 kit, 75-300 zoom, 70-200 tele +/- 2x teleconverter, 20mm wide angle, 16 mm fisheye.

I see the last 2 as having limited application so I may well take along my 18.2 megapixel P/S - Sony DSC-Hx200V.

If you were in my shoes, which lenses would you carry in your backpack that will take 2 camera (1 small) and 3 lenses max?

I am viewing this as a "once in a lifetime" opportunity but have very little experience with in-flight photography so any thoughts, suggestions, warning, etc. will be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance...Carter

Jul 26, 2013 20:27:25 #

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Welcome to UHH

Jul 26, 2013 20:30:01 #

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

You don't really have any really wide angle lenses.
I would rent/buy a 10-20 since you have an APS-C sensor.

I'm extremely jealous! Have a great time.

Jul 26, 2013 20:42:57 #

MSG Leggett Loc: Wausau, WI (Central Wis)

If you haven't seen the Inside of a B-25, and your flying front seat with the pilot, it's real tight. Your shoulders are almost touching. Forget any telephoto unless you are shooting outside at scenery, and that you can do from any airplane. Enjoy the ride and concentrate on the aircraft. My father flew during WWII. If you ever get to Milwaukee's Mitchell Field, they have at the entrance on a pedestal, a mounted Mitchell. That is how the airport was named after Gen. Billy Mitchell. Have a great flight.

Jul 26, 2013 20:43:55 #

Carter Power Loc: Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada

St3v3M wrote:

Welcome to UHH

Thank you...I really enjoy the tremendous variety and generally sage advice.

Jul 26, 2013 20:49:13 #

Carter Power Loc: Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada

GoofyNewfie wrote:

You don't really have any really wide angle lenses.
I would rent/buy a 10-20 since you have an APS-C sensor.

I'm extremely jealous! Have a great time.

Thanks Goofy Newfie. That is just the kind of help I was hoping for. We don't have a lot of rental options locally so I will need to try to source something in Victoria or the Lower Mainland.

Are you small enough to fit into a pocket? ...could take you along that way!!??

Thanks again.

:)

Jul 26, 2013 20:52:39 #

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Carter Power wrote:

Are you small enough to fit into a pocket? ...could take you along that way!!??
:)

I wish! I love old planes and flying as much as photography. If it were't for having a seisure, my license would still be current.

Most big rental places will ship.
My advice: Find one fast and just do it!
http://www.borrowlenses.com/product/Sony/Tokina_11_16mm_f2.8_sony

Jul 26, 2013 21:00:35 #

Carter Power Loc: Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada

MSG Leggett wrote:

If you haven't seen the Inside of a B-25, and your... (show quote)

We have a 15 minute briefing on the ground pre-flight and the plane is part of the static display the next day at the air show so I thought there would be some good chances for getting some interior and exterior shots of "Grumpy". Without knowing exactly where the flight plan will take us, there is lots of great photo potential in the area...Desolation Sound, Bute Inlet, the Coastal Range on the Mainland and the Beaufort Range on V.I. Plus aerial of some of the local communities...all speculation at this point but I would like to be ready for as much as reasonably possible.

Thanks for the heads up about the tight quarters. Will check with the organizing group to see if my camera backpack will fit at my feet!

Many thanks, sir.

:shock:

Jul 26, 2013 21:02:01 #

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

http://www.borrowlenses.com/product/Sony/Tokina_11_16mm_f2.8_sony

http://www.lensrentals.com/rent/sony/lenses/wide-angle/sigma-8-16mm-f4.5-5.6-dc-hsm-for-sony

Jul 26, 2013 21:06:58 #

Carter Power Loc: Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada

GoofyNewfie wrote:

Most big rental places will ship.
My advice: Find one fast and just do it!
http://www.borrowlenses.com/product/Sony/Tokina_11_16mm_f2.8_sony

Thanks, I'm all over it! Supper will have to wait!

:P

Jul 26, 2013 23:13:27 #

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

I would want a wide angle lens shorter than the 18. It was suggested to rent a 10-20mm. I think that is a great suggestion. I have a 11-16 which is what I would have on my camera.

Jul 26, 2013 23:29:27 #

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Carter Power wrote:

While I have been a faithful reader of UHH almost ... (show quote)

Personally, I would think the last thing you would want would be scenics; you can hire a private pilot to get those. Try to concentrate on the plane: instrument panel, controls, pilot, in-flight shots of whatever is visible of the exterior; most of these will require a wide-angle. I can think of little or nothing that would require a telephoto (unless there are several planes in formation). If you can take a camera with a swivel LCD, you will be able to get good shots looking starboard aft without having to move. They say Doolittle could do amazing aerobatics with a B-25; keep your seatbelt/harness tight and your bag closed. Pucker factor: Moderate to High!

Jul 26, 2013 23:43:20 #

GPS Phil Loc: Dayton Ohio

Carter Power wrote:

While I have been a faithful reader of UHH almost ... (show quote)

For in flight shots I have found that my 10-20mm Sigma works well. Don't forget to keep the camera level with the horizon and not the inside of the plane. Also remember that the vibration levels are quite high so be careful about touching the plane with elbows or hands while shooting.
Ap. priority works well to control your depth of field.
Look forward to your pictures and I will be eating my heart out. God bless!

Phil

Jul 27, 2013 00:34:22 #

Carter Power Loc: Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada

GPS Phil wrote:

Great advice! Thanks Phil. Very much appreciate, esp. the vibration.

Jul 27, 2013 00:40:20 #

Carter Power Loc: Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada

Mogul wrote:

Personally, I would think the last thing you would... (show quote)

Thanks, Mogul! This is a solo plane flying people from the community who were willing/able to fork over the required cash...aerobatics will likely be saved for the air show on the following day...I hope??!! My camera does have a swivel LCD so I'm hoping for a good range of shots from a seated position. Will do my best with this great help from Hoggers.

Thanks again, Carter

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