Shooting from a small plane

sbeecroft

sbeecroft

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Stephen
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Just got the opportunity to go out in a 2 seater aeroplane this afternoon! Obviously going to take camera, but has anybody got any advice on what would be my best starting point re lens choice but more importantly settings wise. Only going to have an hour or so and don't want to spend whole time trying to work out whats best to do.

lens wise I have available -
10-20
24-70
70-200

with a 7D.

Thanks in advance.
 
If you have to shoot true glass it might be worth getting a polariser or shoot with a hood flush with the glass.
 
I dont have any filters, so yes will make sure have lens pushed against window. Thanks.
 
I'd stick with the 24-70. Some of those two seaters can be tiny inside - not even enough room to change a lens, and a long one can be awkward - and you'll be belted in and probably wearing earphones so moving will be difficult. Some slow flying high wingers have windows that can be opened in flight, but you're likely to be shooting through the canopy if it's a low winger. If you can, plan with the pilot before you take off what you'd like to shoot. He/she should be able to put you in position - explain that you mostly want to shoot away from the sun - and will drop the wing to give you a clear shot. Make sure your auto focus doesn't lock onto the canopy or anything on it. Aperture priority and enough ISO to give you at least a 250th should be fairly safe, but vary things a bit. Shoot on drive.

And don't forget to ask if you can drive the plane for a bit! ;)

Edit to add:Just noticed that this is too late...hope you got some good shots.
 
Thanks for the advice. Not too late as been postponed due to weather until this Sat. I think I will go for the 24-70 then.
 
Assuming you're having to shoot through a window/canopy give the window a jolly good clean before going up. You'll get the chance while the pilot is doing his pre-flight walk-around.

Another thing to bear in mind is that light planes can be very bumpy places so avoid trying to brace yourself against parts of the a/c, keep your arms as free and steady as you can.
 
I've shot from helicopters. Depends on what you are shooting (planes need a slow shutter speed) but vibration and lack of room is the killer. Usually the planes are quite small, so don't think you can take a huge lens if you are sat next to the pilot.

Vibration and buffeting is the main issue along with the canopy perspex. Highish shutter speed and shooting through a windows is best, but you may need to have a chat before hand on options.
 
It'll possibly be polycarbonate rather than glass so it'll have lots of swirly scratches in it, still get decent shots as you'll be focussed at infinity mostly. I've some pics somewhere I did with a Canon 10-20 on a 30d.
 
Thanks for the advice.

Plane booked again tomorrow night so hopefully get up then. Rain and Wind is causing the problems at the moment but least its allowing time for more research. I think from what people are saying it is going to be a case of on the first flight seeing what the situation is like re movement, windows etc trying out my technique and then hoping can get another flight after feedback on images!
 
IMG_4536-1.jpg


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As you can see, the windows are a bit of an issue..... the full res ones looked better but I've no idea where they are. These are crappy photobucket compressions.
 
Thanks, they are really useful at demonstrated what a 10-20 lens is likely to get. I was really struggling to picture in my head what sort of viewing angle you would get at what focal length.
 
No worries :) I'd say it was the most useful, I think I did take a longer lens with me but didn't use it.
 
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