Tim Adams wrote:
I do both, use a monopod and shoot hand held. A pod helps, especially when you get down to 1/30 and slower. I usually fire off a burst of at least three shots. Most of the time one is much sharper than the others.
Thanks Tim. 1/30 sec! Wow! I was thinking 1/80 sec would be really pushing my luck.
In the end, I think I'd be happier with a small number of more spectacular results than a lot more mediocre ones. I don't know when I'll next get a chance to try, but I'm keen to give it a go when I can.
Tim's work speaks for itself. I don't use a monopod because I end up lifting the monopod, which renders it useless. The beautiful full arc, while not easy to achieve in the air or on the ground, is much tougher to get from the ground. When you're up there in smooth air and everyone is in harmony, you can just tell it's working. On the ground you battle panning speeds, vertical and horizontal movements of the camera, lots of variables. I consider that full arc the mark of a shooter who really has all the variables under control and Chris seems to be that guy on a regular basis.
Tim's work speaks for itself. I don't use a monopod because I end up lifting the monopod, which renders it useless. The beautiful full arc, while not easy to achieve in the air or on the ground, is much tougher to get from the ground. When you're up there in smooth air and everyone is in harmony, you can just tell it's working. On the ground you battle panning speeds, vertical and horizontal movements of the camera, lots of variables. I consider that full arc the mark of a shooter who really has all the variables under control and Chris seems to be that guy on a regular basis.
Thanks JW. So even some of the masters find it tougher to get good a full arc from the ground. What you say about air to air makes sense, but that's not likely to be an option for me. I had plenty of practice tracking dirt karts from close range just recently, so some of that practice might help at least a little for panning in sync with aircraft.
Nice set of shots you've just posted, including the tarmac burner.
Just got an email from Canon on the Mark III - sounds like the firmware upgrade might be enough - but I'm sending it in to be sure. Watch your email for the notice.
I have been enjoying this thread off and on, and finally have a couple of images to share. None are very good, the day was not great, and there were some obstacles to overcome because of the limited area we could shoot from, but here you go.
Can you name the aircraft in this image? I will share more later, but I really like this one as he was flying away from me yesterday.
I guess I will put these up now - not sure when I will get back later. Most are close to full frame, but cropped a bit. It was interesting to see just how big this beast is!
Look at the FedEx semi that is parked towards the rear of the A380, that should give you a little scale. I have a couple of others that I have not worked on yet that I will post later, that will also give a sense of scale.
I have a very basic understanding of aerodynamics and all that, but it is still amazing to me to see something that is heavier than air lift off and fly away. Little men and their big machines. Wow... gotta love it!
You're right, a blue sky day would have been better, but... there's always next time.
not likely a next time for this one, though - that is why I tried to make the best of it. NWA is not ordering any, and so far no other US carrier is, either. UPS and FedEx canceled their orders, so I am not sure when I will next get the chance to see this beast.
