Cosford Airshow

JasonPC

JasonPC

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Grabbed a couple of tickets for the Cosford Airshow yesterday. Never been before so just wanted to ask for any advice on kit etc. I have a D700 and Sigma 150-500. Is this OK for the job at this event? With last years attendance around 40K I'm wondering if we'll get anywhere near the aircraft anyway. :D

As said, never been to this, (or any other airshow for that matter), before so any tips re: venue etc will be much appreciated. (I've visited the museum a fair few times but I guess the airshow is a different story.)

:)
 
If the light is half descent then the kit is fine. Biggest suggestions is AF-C, 21 point, CW metering and probably a little EC offset (+.7 or so) due to the bright BG.

Shoot in raw as that will give you ~1 stop at either end recoverable.
 
I would get there early, very early! I went a couple of years ago, the forecast was good and the Vulcan was on the programme. Apparently the jams were terrible, they closed the ages and people were turned away from late morning.

Chris
 
Thanks guys. I'm ok with the photography side of things, was just wondering about venue layout, crowds etc and if my kit would give enough reach.

Chris: I'm in Shrewsbury so we'll be going on the train. I'm sure that road into the museum jams up pretty quickly!
 
Hi jason
Me and my family go every year without failure as my parents only live around the corner from the base, its a great event and you will get near the aircraft. Its a good idea to go early as it gets VERY VERY VERY busy, im extremely looking forward to this years show as its the 75th anniversary show and i won the photographic competition last year and my image is part of the show programme this year :) .
Regarding your gear the 150-500 will be fine, just get there early and you will have a fantastic day.

Andy
 
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I've not ever been, but I understand that the sun's in front of you for most of the flying display.
So bone up on shooting in those conditions, keeping in mind that most military aircraft are gray, or black which makes things less than ideal.
 
jonathan_ed said:
What do people class as "Early"?
Click to expand...

I went a few years ago, when the forecast was for a sunny day, I got to the Cosford Junction on the M54 at about 9:00 am and joined a queue on the hard shoulder.

Chris
 
jonathan_ed said:
Oh..... Lol. Well i was looking at setting off at seven which would get me there for about half 8 ish
Click to expand...

I think you would be ok at that time. Although I was in a queue, it was moving slowly, rather than the complete jam that occurred a couple of hours later.

Take some sun cream, the runway is east-west and the crowd line is to the north, which leaves you looking south, into the sun, to watch the display.

Have a good day,

Chris
 
Brilliant, thanks. I am looking on satellite images of the site now lol.

Well i don't mind a moving queue.

Well, as Im a ginge, suncream will be whacked on! Shame about shooting into the sun but hey ho
 
I'm going this year. It'll be my first time going and it's only 40 mins away!

I was planning on getting there for about 0800-0830. Grab a spot with my chair and take it from there. I've no idea what the viewing area is or the floor plan is, hence the reason getting there early to scope a descent spot.

Anybody know what it's like there regarding viewing spots?
 
Thanks for the updates guys. I think I might leave the 150-500 in the car and use the 70-300 mostly, the Siggy is too heavy to cart around all day. After thinking about going by train, we've decided to drive and go really early.
 
Does anyone know how busy the trains get? Thinking of heading down with family in tow but slightly put off by the tales of traffic woes.
 
Matt-P said:
Does anyone know how busy the trains get? Thinking of heading down with family in tow but slightly put off by the tales of traffic woes.
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The train station is almost on the airfield - very convenient. I don't know how busy arrivals are, but it is very busy when everyone tries to leave at the same time.

A few years ago my wife had to catch a train for an onward journey rather than leave with me by car - she almost missed her flight. At the end of the show everyone heads for the station and apparently it was very crowded, with station staff managing the flow of people onto the platforms. There were frequent trains but be prepared to wait.

I would prefer to go by car, arriving at 9ish will keep you out of the worst of the queues and you can take some extra picnic supplies to enjoy after the display and wait for the queue to disperse.

Arriving by air is the best way, but not easy!

Chris
 
Cheers Chris, just the sort of info I needed. Statoon might not be best with a couple of tired toddlers!
 
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