I used the Nikon Z 100-400 lens last year, and will again this year. Debating on the 1.4x tele extender, but I know that when on the flight line, and they do low altitude flybys, the 400mm to too long as it was, so with the `.4x tele on it, would really need to zoom out some.
Lots use the 400mm or 600mm, but a prime at an airshow might be limiting when they have 2 or more in one formation type flyby. I'd guess then whomever has an alternate body, with lesser lens.
The new 180-600 Z seems like a logical alternative to the 100-400, but heavier, longer...
RWNPhoto wrote:
I used the Nikon Z 100-400 lens last year, and will again this year. Debating on the 1.4x tele extender, but I know that when on the flight line, and they do low altitude flybys, the 400mm to too long as it was, so with the `.4x tele on it, would really need to zoom out some.
Lots use the 400mm or 600mm, but a prime at an airshow might be limiting when they have 2 or more in one formation type flyby. I'd guess then whomever has an alternate body, with lesser lens.
The new 180-600 Z seems like a logical alternative to the 100-400, but heavier, longer......Show more →
That was another option. Optically and AF speed, you think the 100-400 will be better when compared to the 180-600?
I think it partly depends on the air show, will it be your only lens, and what type of photos are you trying to get? A photo of a single plane usually needs a lot more reach than a formation.
The last air show I went to I used:
The Sony 200-600mm about 60% of the time
The Sony 200-600mm + TC 1.4 about 30% of the time
Tamron 70-300 about 10% of the time on a second body
So I would probably go with the Nikon 180-600 if I had to pick one lens. BTW a 70-200 can work too for formations, I have done that in the past. I have also used primes in the past at air shows, but I wouldn't recommend them with how good the zooms have gotten today if your looking for a single air show lens.
DWOfPaul wrote:
I think it partly depends on the air show, will it be your only lens, and what type of photos are you trying to get? A photo of a single plane usually needs a lot more reach than a formation.
The last air show I went to I used:
The Sony 200-600mm about 60% of the time
The Sony 200-600mm + TC 1.4 about 30% of the time
Tamron 70-300 about 10% of the time on a second body
So I would probably go with the Nikon 180-600 if I had to pick one lens. BTW a 70-200 can work too for formations, I have done that in the past. I have also used primes in the past at air shows, but I wouldn't recommend them with how good the zooms have gotten today if your looking for a single air show lens. ...Show more →
Id love to use the 70-200 as it’s stupid sharp, but it may not have enough reach.
100-400 with 1.4x does well for me. TC doesn't noticeably affect AF performance, you'll rarely need 100-139mm and sometimes even 600mm would be short, but 560mm + a small crop is fine. If you get some clouds, shooting at 400-560 can make it look like you're up there with them.
I’ve been using a 70-200 with a TC so in effect a sorta 100-400. Next one I go to I’m bringing a 100-400, just seems to me the perfect air show Zoom. I think any longer and tracking will become a problem, I mean I sometime have trouble finding aircraft when zoomed to the max, the sky is pretty big. Put a wide angle in your bag for some interesting shots of the static display birds.
@RoamingScott, that’s a great shot of Doc the B-29. Might I gently suggest that when you are shooting propellers, drag the shutter a bit more, 1/160 or slower usually works well. Props that are frozen in place with the aircraft in flight just look … odd.
ArizonaImage wrote:
Id love to use the 70-200 as it’s stupid sharp, but it may not have enough reach.
I agree I would not use a 70-200 as a single lens solution. I was referring to using a 70-200 instead of say a 70-300. So for instance taking the 180-600mm and 70-200mm.
Unless you have more needs for a 100-400mm if you already have the 70-200mm already I would probably go with adding the TC 1.4x and TC 2x to my kit instead of a 100-400mm. That's what I ended up doing for my DSLR setup, and it sounds like the Z 70-200mm and TCs play even nicer together. Sharpness might take abut of a hit with the TCs but an f5.6 lens can never ben an f2.8 lens and do you see your self ever taking the 70-200 and 100-400 out together?
It's a bit outside the box today in the mirrorless landscape, but the Sigma 60-600mm from the DSLR days is probably the best all in one air show lens ever made. I wonder if you can find a good deal on one to adapt it with the FTZ. Back before the world shutdown in 2020 and everything got canceled I was planing on picking up a D850 and Sigma 60-600mm. Then when things really started reopening in 2022 I ended picking up a Sony a7rIV and Sony 200-600 instead. Now in 2024 I am mostly using my Z8 and thinking of picking up the Nikon 180-600.
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Edit, don't mind the IG sample, but to give an example of why I think zoom range is so useful at an air show:
This from the Friday evening show at the Gary, IN airport. This was mostly singe plane shots. There were times 300 MM was too much. The venue was much smaller than the weekend show and centered on the airport. No crop.
100-400 or 180-600. And bring a standard zoom for static exhibits.
180mm will be wide enough for anything flying, except possibly for things near the ground (like a helicopter demo) where you might want to get the crowd in the shot, or possibly a wide shot of a multi-ship demo.
400mm won’t be long enough for some tight portraits of more distant aircraft. I once had to heavily crop a B-2 from 400mm. But 400mm will do well for most photos, and you’ll get 90% of what you need.
If you have one of these two lenses, bring it. If you’re buying a lens, I’d buy the one that would be most useful for other uses. IF you’re buying a long telezoom for JUST air shows, I’d go with the 100-400 and use DX mode on a Z7/Z8/Z9 to make up the reach.
Do not use a 70-200. You’re right, it’s far too short.
And again, bring a standard zoom. You want to get photos in/under/around aircraft. The B-1’s bomb bay was a highlight for me.
Since I own a 100-400 that’s what I’m bringing on the Z9 to my hometown’s air show in April. Will throw the 1.4x TC in my bag (it may or may not make an appearance on the camera). Might also bring a 24-120 on my Z7 for eye-level subjects. Depends what I feel like carrying and the weather report. That ought to cover it.
