Shooting from a plane::::::advice please:::

[old dog]

hi guys........I`m going up for a flight this week. Taking my dad who turns 85 on wednesday. It will be a suprise for him and one that will put a very big smile on his face. The pilot (my cousins husband), asked if Iwas bringing a camera......silly question I said.

My question is this......WHICH LENS to use. I am thinking, the 17-55 might be the right choice. You can see what I have below here. Any other suggestion. I will take a few anyway, just don`t want to be changing them etc. Thanks.

[ameerat42]

Hi old dog. What sort of plane? Cessna - high wing, or low wing craft?
If former, you can open the window flap after take off and shoot through clear air (highly recommended) instead of usually scratched and smudgy perspex. Wear ear plugs if you have the window open. (If latter, have a good trip anyway.)

About lenses, qualitative: if "too" wide, you will get parts of plane that might block wanted view. Too narrow may deprive you of vistas.

Definitely a zoom, though, and unless wanting to zoom in for great detail, not too long.

When shooting, use widest f/stop and highest shutter speed. DO NOT even think of leaning on the side of the door to "steady" the shot, but hand hold the camera to minimise vibrations, AND DO NOT place it into the slipstream. AND, of course, keep it strapped around your neck. ISO setting, high enough to give you about 1/1000 sec shots, but not too high for noise.

OK, now looking at your lenses, I'd say the 18-135 would fit the bill, but I dunno what it's widest aperture is. No matter, if f/4 that's still OK.

If you can, sit in the aircraft while it is still on the ground and point some lenses out of it.

That's about all. Am.

[old dog]

thanks Am......yes, a cessna...high wing. I`ll be in the back seat. 18-135 eh? Don`t use it much these days but it`s still a good lens. Might take it along. Good info....big thanks.

[Big Pix]

....... what he said :-}

[Old Skool]

Polarizing filter might be a good idea if shooting thru windows??

[ameerat42]

Polarizing filter might be a good idea if shooting thru windows??

(I was slow on the uptake, thinking, "Oh, yearh! Fair enough...) BUT...

Not in this case, I sadly think. The reason is that (I'm sure) the back "window" doesn't open. If you then applied a polariser to perspex you'd get BIG coloured stress patterns instead of countryside. Am.

[Wayne]

Back seat of a 172 is not going to be easy to get out of the window.
In daylight, f/5.6 will be plenty wide enough fstop, so that 18-135 may be a good bet.

[old dog]

thanks guys again for the info.

[Kym]

Open window for sure.
I was in a chopper in March - talk with the pilot before going!

http://www.aeropix.net/how-to/how-to-index.htm

http://photo.net/learn/aerial/primer

http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/aerial-photography-10248.html

[old dog]

thanks Kym....looks like I`ll be in the back as I want my dad to ride shotgun. Maybe if there is a next time I`ll get to be up front and get an open window. We will be in a cessna this time and the rear window doesn`t open..I`m told.

[gerry]

did someone say C172? The back seat in a C172 is pretty roomy if your the only one in the back and a normal sized person. I personally would go as wide as possible, a long zoom when viewed thru a window of a old aircraft (depending on the model - probably lates series hopefully) will degrade quickly. I think a CPL would be a good idea and I have not seen excessive patterns on perspex windows as mentioned. Also if you want images of your old man in the front you will need wide angle :).

for example heres a shot from the co-pilot side of a C172 using the nikkor 17-55 I am sure it had the CPL on, but it was awhile ago. This was through the perspex window (original) on a series aircraft that I guarantee is older than the one you will be in :)

I do have some images from years ago from in the back seat which I could probably rustle up if your inetrested.

http://gerry.avernus.com.au/slide/files/512_gkxh8/DSC_4155.jpg

hth

[kiwi]

Two pieces of advice

1/ dont fall out
2/ dont let your gear fall out

:)

[gerry]

Two pieces of advice

1/ dont fall out
2/ dont let your gear fall out

:)

in that order? :)

[ving]

... parachutes are not for whimps...

if at first you dont succeed, skydiving is not for you!

[Fantasyphoto]

Isn't the 172 subject to a recall due to faulty wings? :eek:

Have fun Graeme, don't forget something wide enough to capture your dad's smile.

[old dog]

thanks again guys.....had to postpone the flight due to it being too windy but it will be on soon.

[Mal01]

Of course if you want to get serious ... ;)
http://www.geospatialsystems.com/imaging-products/kcm-cameras/kcm-39-digital-aerial-camera/

[old dog]

thanks mal...but maybe a tad too serious...:D