Mono pod with tilt head, allow for up and down, ball head are likely to move side way
Tripod and gamble head for air shows
I will tell you I have used a 100-300 on crop frame at an air show and done quite well. Actually, I believe all you may need is 400mm on crop frame if you are in a decent location. I used the bodypod that I made -
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-357496-1.html..
I use a Benro Adventure 4 Series Aluminum Monopod (MAD49A). Without a head it costs less than $100 and extends to over 75 inches. Once you add a head and a camera the viewfinder is ove 80 inches. Mine is very sturdy and doubles as a walking stick.
Harry P wrote:
Hi,
I have not posted on here for a few years! During the Covid lockdown I purchased a Sigma 150-600mm telephoto lens for my Nikon D5100 with money I saved up a long time for. Obviously because I bought it during the lockdown and that air shows across the planet were cancelled, I haven't used it for air shows yet, but I finally will be at RIAT 2022
I am quite a slim man, I'm 23 and don't have that much muscle haha! And I think I may have a bit of an issue with holding it still enough for when I am shooting prop/rotor aircraft where I'm using a slower shutter compared to photographing jet's. I'm curious if any experienced air show enthusiasts have any recommendations for good tripods to use as it is a bit of a heavy lens! The zoom on this lens is a little awkward turning your hand quite a bit from 150 to 600mm but I think at RIAT 2022 I wont need to go below 300mm which should be helpful!
One tall tripod that I have had my eyes on recently is a K&F Concept K234A7+BH-28L (pretty sure that's the model number for it!) its quite tall which is nice as I have another tripod from the same brand that I like to use for Nature, but its not at my height and I have to lean down to look into my Nikons viewfinder which isn't exactly comfortable. This tripod has a ball joint on the top for moving the camera around to different viewpoints! the only issue I can see is that it is made with aluminium and I have heard you should really use a tripod that's made from carbon fibre.
Would any experienced air show enthusiasts on here recommend this particular tripod or is there a different tripod that I should look at? I look forward to peoples opinions!
Many thanks
Harry
Hi, br br I have not posted on here for a few ye... (
show quote)
I shoot with the Sigma 150-600 sport all the time hand held. Air shows are fine to shoot from monopods if they are allowed, but Tripods are not very practical and are likely to be banned from the main crowd areas. Since you need a high shutter speed to stop action anyway, there is no reason not to hand hold.
Seen a Sirui Monopad with the three legs on eBay for less than $100.00. Purchased this item already and added a Watson Video head. Works great as a stand along item or a Sirui BH25 Tripod with video head. Stands 6'5" fully extended and weighs less than 7 pounds. Aluminum construction, 6 year warranty and a padded carrying case included. This is a pricey tripod around $400.00 on sale but well worth it. Remember you get what you pay for. You buy cheap you get cheap.
An alternative suggestion: Considering that planes will be moving rapidly and if doing acrobatics, frequent changes in direction, then shooting from either a tripod or monopod may not get you the shots you want.
Consider perhaps getting a good camera strap like one from Black Rapid or a harness type setup from Cotton Carrier. Then you will not be holding the weight of the camera and lens in your arms when there is little action, but you have quick access to the camera when the action is flying.
If you use a monopod, consider adding to it a Wimberley monogimbal head. Your lens will need a arca swissplate on its tripod collar mount.
https://www.tripodhead.com/products/monopodhead-main.cfmIf you use a tripod, make sure it is a series 3 or 4. A gimbal head might be needed too.
The air show I go to has a special place for photographers with tripods. You buy a ticket for it.
Wallen wrote:
If your going for a tripod, something solid and at least up to your height with a good gimbal head would do fine.
Otherwise, use a monopod with a good ball head.
I agree With the Combat Concept !!! Though I Haven't Done any Airshows yet !!!!.
PoppieJ wrote:
my experience with airshows is that the sky is bright enough that you will be shooting at a really high shutter speed anyway. My thoughts are that a tripod would be more of a liability than an asset.
I totally agree. I have shot a number of airshows with long heavy lenses. In general, you need the freedom of hand holding when tracking. I then suspend the lens using a neck strap or similar while waiting for the next shot. This works for me - others may have other preferences.
I also have the 150-600 sport and this question was interesting.
Look at this video on YouTube. I think it looks like a good answer to
your problem. REALLY, check it out. I'm going to look into it as well.
I will paste the link below.
I've tried a ball head on a monopod and it is a horrible idea IMA.
The lens will flop side to side.
Good luck
Wildlife Photography Gear - Using a Gimbal Head on a Monopod (2020)
Michael Aagaard Wildlife Photography
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yzbE8lkywg&t=259s
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