RAS24 Loc: South Texas coast

I am new to photography and own a Nikon D3400 with a 18-55 mm and a 70-300 mm. I will be in Albuquerque for the balloon festival and I was wondering which lens should be my walking around lens for the morning liftoffs. I have been following the discussions on the forum and one thing that I have picked from all of the discussions is that I should take pictures and decide what I like. And each picture should be taken with multiple settings to find the right one. So which lens should it be ? Thanks

sandiegosteve Loc: San Diego, CA

I've got two shots in mind when I think hot air balloon.

The first is something tight, like maybe with the fire filling the ballon. Or just the basket, people in it and some of the ballon. To get a sense of being in there where the balloon is the story.
The second is wider. I like colorful shots where the balloons dot the landscape and add to the story.

So, what lens? I'd have something wide and something long. For some landscapes, 70-150 actually works well. 300 obviously works well for closer detail shots. Given those two lenses, I'd go 70-300. And step as far back as I could to make the 70 wide.


That is how I approach lens choice. It starts with some possible thoughts about what I want the image to look like. That includes where I want the sun (a back lit balloon sounds neat, but so does the sun lighting it up in golden hour). Then I can even think of where I want to be and with which lens. If I could get really close, I'd have something really wide on.

jamesl Loc: Pennsylvania

I have never been fortunate enough to make it to the festival but my brother has been there several times. He normally used a lens similar to the 18-55 mm to get the wider view of all of the balloons. Later inthe day he chose a 70-200 mm to zoom in on the balloons as they were preparing to take off. Keep in mind that your 18-55 mm functions as a 27- 82 mm and your 70-300 mm is equivalent to a 105-450 mm zoom due to the 1.5 crop factor of your D3400.

mikegreenwald Loc: Illinois

I've been to the huge balloon festival in Aspen several times. Walking amongst the balloons pre-takeoff, a wide lens is needed. I used a 17-35, and occasionally a 24-105.
At that site, there are high hills very near the launch area, and I then had use for the 100-400, as well as for the 24-105 for group shots.
As always, choose a lens the fits you purpose - what are you trying to accomplish?

traderjohn Loc: New York City

If it were me, I would take the 70-300 lens. You would still be able to get an idea of the event also provide you the opportunity to take close-ups of the ballon and some of the details of the ballon also people in the basket.

tallguy56

I have attended the fiesta a number of times. 2 things I remember being impressed with (there were many) is how close you can get to the balloons. You can actually walk among them as they launch and start to get airborn. So a wider angle lens is helpful. As they ascend you can capture them from fairly close. The other thing is how cold it gets right before sunrise. So be prepared by wearing layers that you can shed as it warms up. Enjoy....you will love your time there. it is a unique event.

jcorning Loc: Delaware

Why not take both and play?

dleebrick Loc: Indian Land, South Carolina

Here's a couple shots from Albuquerque. Close up is 10mm, distant one is 154mm

strawberry36 Loc: San Jose, CA

Take both lenses.
The long lens will be your workhorse, but the wide-angle will serve you well for the crowded morning ascension and the evening after-glow.
Take anything that looks interesting. The events move quickly and you can sort it all out later.
And, bring a monopod for night-time shots.
Bob

Merlin1300 Loc: New England, But Now & Forever SoTX

The 2 lenses you have should cover the event well
A single lens at about 18-200 would be great - but only with acceptable ambient light permitting shots at ISO 800 or less at shutter speeds of 1/240 sec or less
I was in Albuquerque in 1996 - - fabulous show !! DO post some photos !!

VABob

I went 2 years ago. I use a Nikon D750 and usually use my 28-300 walk around lens, but there are so many balloons AND people that I used my 16-35 a bunch. Also note that there is a mountain to the east that blocks sunlight on the balloons until it gets over the mountain or the balloons get up in the air. You will find the best photos are taken from other balloons. Not easy or cheap to get a balloon ride, but wish I had that opportunity. You just cannot imagine how many balloons there are and possible compositions so you just have to shoot away and do some composing in the crop tool. Good luck.

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

Unless you have a truly compelling reason not to, why not take both? It’s not possible for us to predict what compositions may catch your attention while you’re enjoying the festival. Might as well be prepared which the multiple options your two lens can provide.