Anandnra Loc: Tennessee

Perhaps "Apaflo" who lives in Alaska will chime in on this.

Last year I had a similar opportunity and I shot with the 24-70 on the 5D3 and the 70-200 on the 7D2 and got satisfactory results.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

I agree with the idea of a prime lens. Maybe in the 80 to 150mm range depending on what you are trying to capture. If the general landscape, wider. If animals through the bush, longer.

Dan Mc Loc: NM

The 40 mm pancake is an excellent choice....plane is cramped and shooting thru a window with any long lens ain't gonna be good!

lbrande

I flew a C172 out of Merrill Field in Anchorage to Denali, and used a 24-70mm and a 70-200mm. My co-pilot would take the plane when I had some pictures to take. My results were satisfactory.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

Turbulence is inherent to mountain flying, and long lenses tend to amplify the vibration and movement of the aircraft. And yes, it's cramped. Last year my grandson and I went up in a Cessna 206 on floats and flew around in the Denali area. I used the 18-140 Nikon lens and got some pretty good shots, while he used a 50mm f/1.4 on his D810 and got some really nice images. I was in the front seat and found that shooting through the windshield was not a good thing. The plexiglass was curved and distorted things, and threw the focus off. Not to mention, the higher shutter speed tended to sort of "freeze" the propellor! I'd recommend the 50 or an 85mm lens, and you can always crop in PP afterwards to bring something out. I also have to agree that you shouldn't use any part of the plane to brace the camera. What I have found in 2 different plane rides and a helicopter ride is that room is non-existent, and large cameras with big lenses don't work very well in that environment. Oh, and try shooting in shutter priority, using a high shutter speed to minimize blurring due to vibration from the aircraft and bouncing around in the air from turbulence.

ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or

Ah my Dream life and job were a reality. Teaching photography at the university and owning a bush plane. That was the life for almost 10yrs in Alaska. Most short zooms are the best or the better point and shoot cameras. About 18-105mm works pretty good. You will be flying at about 85mph (super cub) to about 130 mph in a Cessna 206. Shutter speed should be at least 1/500 and 1/1000 would be better. The lighter the better. The smaller in size the better. You will have slightly less room than a 1960s vintage VW Beatle with ten times the noise and vibration. Better shots are with the window or door open but the wind will tend to suck all lose things out quickly. Do not use any lens filters or lens hoods. The Windows are plexiglass and any kind of polarizing filter looks bad. It is hard to change lenses while bouncing around and turning 360s. Check on the ground to make sure your AF will not get confused shooting through the window. If you are directly contracting a photo shoot vs a sightseeing flight, then you might consider taking a small black pillow case. Tape it open to the window. Cut a hole in one of the corners and tape your lens to the pillow case. This will act as lens hood and block any glair but not transmit any airplane vibration to your camera. Less than 5 min after leaving Anchorage you will be in the bush. 30seconds after take-off from Talketna you will be in the Bush. Happy Shooting

aellman Loc: Boston MA

I think that is an excellent idea! >Alan

ecurb1105

First are you flying dedicated photo flights or shooting while going from place to place? If you have a dedicated photo flight, ask about removing the window or even door for your flight. This allows you more room to move and compose your shots and helps keep you away from contact with the vibrating airframe. I normally use a fifty on a full frame body so your 40mm would seem to be ideal. Contrary to some advice, I use a lens hood ( mine are aftermarket screw-in hoods) and aerial work is almost the only time I recommend a UV filter.
Also, talk to your pilot before you go up if you're trying to get a special or specific shot. Ask the pilot to help you get the shots and they can do wonders for you, tell them how to fly and you get either a dull, boring flight or it will be like you're dodging anti-aircraft fire. :-)

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

He could ask the pilot to do some tight banking turns to get a more vertical shot. It gives an entire different point of view

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

OK. We fly a piper archer, not known for being roomy. We use a 7D with a 24-105mm all the time with absolutely no problem. Not sure why a camera and the 18-135 would be a problem. The 24-105 and 18-135 are virtually the same size lens length wise.

Here's a couple near our home in PA.

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

if you are flying the plane, hang a bag on the back of your seat, and take them all. the last thing I want in a bush plane is the pilot with a camera in his hand.

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

Long lens limit you to long shots. Short lens will let you do some tighter 45 DEG. without trying to stick your head through the roof. Even in tight banks you can get a flatter looking shot.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

That is why we use the 24-105mm

ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or

What, no selfies. How about txting and flying? Watch out for the cumulous granite. Mother Nature is very unforgiving in aircraft.

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

I like my 50