Beginner looking for advice!

R

robbiewebb

Suspended / Banned
Messages
3
Good afternoon everyone!
My name is Robbie Webb and I'm 22 from winchester Hampshire. Over the last couple of years I have really taken an interest in aviation and spend numerous hours at local airports and Heathrow when I am working there occasionally.
I would like to start taking photos using a decent camera and would like to ask anyone for any advice on what models and lenses to choose. I would like to buy second hand at first just to get to grips with the cameras and any software.
Would anyone have any suggestions for me?
Many thanks and I look forward to hearing from you all!

Robbie Webb.
 
Go on flickr, have a look at the EXIF (basically the camera/lens details) and that'll give you a starting point but consider how much you a) can spend b) want to spend c)have to spend and if its worth it for you. I'd suggest the secondhand market could be a good route to get more for your money before deciding if it is/isn't for you. It's not uncommon to see a £3k body/lens combo being wielded at airshows. Also consider whilst it is potentially one of the most popular genres of photography, it is potentially one of the hardest as the environment and the subject are probably the most dynamic.

Finally, without asking what you actually do it may be that the work you are doing falls within a no photography caveat - in which case you'll be shooting from the fence which could require a completely different setup.
 
Thanks for the reply. I am an electrician and sometimes we get called to Heathrow to fix problems, all over the site. Whilst I am working I am allowed to take photos In some areas such as hangars. so yes taking photos from the fence and at air shows would be the most likely option.
 
Generally, this should be your route of thoughts:
  1. Shooting in daylight and mostly still subjects — advanced compact camera
  2. Shooting in low light and mostly still subjects — mirrorless system camera
  3. Shooting in low light and some moving subjects in daylight — entry-level DSLR
  4. Shooting moving action in low-light — mid-range or high-end DSLR
Also take into consideration the distance from the subject, which will determine what lens(es) you'll need or, in the case of the advanced compact cameras, how big a zoom range you'll need.
 
I'm assuming it's aircraft that has prompted the interest?

If it's aircraft you are mainly interested in shooting then you're going to probably need a long lens on whatever camera you choose.

What's your budget. Without knowing that it's pretty hard to recommend anything.
 
Another idea, have a look through the transport sub-forum for the sort of pictures you hope to be able to take, then ask the person(s) who took it what kit he has and what he recommends for you?
 
Thanks for your help! I don't really have a set budget just would like second hand at first if that's possible? What sort of thing should I be typing into eBay? Would like a general lens for general photography too...
 
It is possible, but you can potentially be spending £2k straight off the bat.....

Have a look here; http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/

For anything aircrafty you are going to want a minimum of 300mm, longer if possible but then you get into a whole world of pain. Canon, Sony, Nikon - pick your poison. On my first post there is a link to my flickr account, most of the aircraft in flight shots were taken on a Canon 7D with either a 100-400L or 400L, the static stuff generally 7D with Canon 18-200 or Sigma 8-16.
 
Hi,

I think you will need at least 200mm and be prepared to do some cropping afterwards. The below were taken at Yeovil last weekend with 200mm and I have cropped them after. Obviously a 400MM lens would be great, but then you are talking lots of cash!! I think it all depends on how often you are going to use it, for me its the odd air show here and there so cant justify (to the wife) spending the cash! (yet!)



20140726-13386 by Peter_939, on Flickr

20140726-13156-2 by Peter_939, on Flickr

20140726-13356 by Peter_939, on Flickr

20140726-13415 by Peter_939, on Flickr
 
Hi Robbie,
It's a maze isn't it, all good advice above, and like you I started out on a budget buying everything secondhand, and there are some bargains to be had. Kit has been mentioned above, and consensus is naturally your going to need a longish lens 200mm as mentioned as a starting point. Especially if your photographing flying aircraft and your a distance away, longer the better as Peter says. Also remember you might want to get a lens that has fast autofocus as planes don't usually hang about, so when your looking through reviews look for a lens that focuses quickly, and perhaps one that has some sort of image stabilisation.
It's hard to be specific as you need a camera first before you pick a lens.

I feel I must mention one the camera, the Nikon D300, I have just had a quick peep at eBay and the prices are quite low. I have a 300 and love it, I also have full frame cameras but I love the 300 so much I can't bring myself to part with it. It was essentially a pro camera, more or less before the advent of full frame came online properly, and you'd be getting a lot of camera for your money. Anyhow it's one worth looking at. Hopefully there will be others that can give you some other options to look at of a similar ilk.

Second hand cameras of this sort of calibre with a low shutter count can give you sterling service for a long time, and they can be great value for money. Frankly all this old tosh about must have the latest and greatest is a load of old ........ As David says in his signature cameras don't take pictures people do!

Consider you might be able to pick up something like that with a kit lens for general photography and the find a nice 200mm lens upward to go with it.

I hope this helps a little in your search.

PS I'm just up the road in B/Stoke Robbie
PPS Pete like your pictures, What no Phantoms;) ( Yeovilton ahh happy days I'm ex FAA)
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top