Lens for Duxford flight line?

[ian-83]

Going to Duxford in September for the last air show of the year, currently my longest lens is 85mm so looking for something longer, was looking at the 70-300 as its within my budget.

Or shall I just hire lens for the weekend?

Forgot to say using a Nikon D7000

 

[Hazza]

I'm not familiar with Nikon but on a crop you should get away with a 70-300, but hiring a 200-500(?) or similar might not be a bad idea, depends on what your budget is. I'd recommend standing at the end closest to the M11, you will get shots as the aircraft bank in, or as far as you can walk down to the land warfare hall.

If you enjoy the airshow then I wholeheartedly recommend looking at visiting The Shuttleworth Collection, light is perfect and the venue is very intimate.

Harry.

 

[ian-83]

Thanks for the response. I used a 70-300 once when I was in the fields the other side of the M11 a few years back but currently have nothing lens wise that long.

I have been to the Shuttleworth collection but I think at the time I was still in Primary school. I have seen a few photo's from there and it looks good.

 

[cambsno]

You can never have long enough lol!!!

Assume you are looking at the 70-300 VR which is around £250 used? At that price you will struggle to get better, although the Sigma 100-300 f4 is around £350 and supposed to be good.

I used to use a 300mm f4 Nikon at Duxford and it was a great lens, but sometimes not short enough (formation, large aircraft) or not long enough, but overall it was fine. Now using a Tamron 150-600 (one on here for sale at around £500). Been impressed with this - normally shooting at f9-f11 in order to get 1/250 for prop blur (although use this on FF). Have to admit to last year standing in the field (and the year before) which gives you much better light than official view.

Shuttle worth is lovely - some very interesting aircraft and you are much closer to the action.