Fixed 300mm lens…

The pictures of TEEJ show us that the Nikon 300 mm lens with converters works well. Is there anybody using the Canon EF 300/2.8 in combination with converters?

Hi Andrew,

No probs, and glad to have been of assistance.

Cheers

TJ

Thanks I really appreciate all the insights into the larger fixed lens and the links to your online pictures..

Andrew

Hi Andrew,

I’ve only ever used the 1.4x with the 70-200 f/2.8. If you have any other questions then please don’t hesitate to ask.

Cheers

TJ

TJ,

I use similar same settings pretty much on my 70-200 F2.8 when shooting without the 1.7 X converter…sometimes my camera gets confused on goes out off focus on a fast past by a spitfire or mustang but I guess it all comes with practice…

Cheers

Andrew

Hi Andrew,

No probs. Yes, it is very fast on its own. Obviously with teleconverters above 1.4x it will slow it down. The 2.0x teleconverter really requires good light. I use a D2X and shoot in shutter priority mode. I normally use 1/320th for props. I do sometimes go lower, but usually for landing/take-off shots. Helos I normally shoot at 1/200th. Jets are really open as it all depends on the conditions. The highest that I will use these days is 1/1600th. The lowest that I will use for flying jets is 1/500th.

TJ

Thanks for all the insights…one last question is regards to operating the bigger lens..

I am assuming the that 300 F2.8 is a pretty fast acting lens…what settings do you tend to go with when photographing props and/or jets in flight…do you set your Nikon up with a shutter priority, aperture priority or program mode or perhaps full manual…

Andrew

Thanks. No probs. As Old Shape stated they provide a very stable platform. Bushhawk also make the shoulder mount in bright safety orange. A bit like some childrens toy guns.

My Bushhawk is something that I never use around an operational airfield. Far too easy to spook airfield security/aircrew and public alike. I only use it for airshows and on the hills for low-level work. The choke points are well used and low-levellers using video are also up there with all sort of shoulder rigs/mounts, etc. Prices in the UK for the Nikon 300 f/2.8 are around £2,800.

TJ

Super shots on Airliners.net TJ

I guess I am sorta already using some of that technique with my 70-200 2.8 in that I am waiting at full 200mm for the approach or pass and then sometimes pull back to 150mm to keep in the aircraft in frame abit longer but I really like the detail that you are getting in the close ups when the aircraft is so tight in the image that if over laps the full frame…

The shoulder mount does sound like an excellent idea given the weight so longer as it does not get mistaken for a rocket launcher eh?

thanks for the feed back..

The lens retails for about $5K USD over here in Canada..how much do they go for in the UK?

Andrew

Those shoulder mounts are fantastic for panning and holding the camera kit very steady.
We used to make them (In the 1970’s) out of old Rifle stocks but there are not as many rifles around these days, and the shutters are all electronic (We used to rig a long cable release to the trigger mechanism) and lastly, it looked like a gun. NOT a desirable thing to be lurking round the peri-fence with!!!! So demand dried up. (Only sold about 30 anyway)

Thanks, Andrew.

No, not really. You have the added advantage of waiting for the subject to fill the frame, rather than chasing it with the zoom. It helps if you know the location and subject that you are shooting. The most noticeable difference will be the weight.

I sometimes use a shoulder mount.

The double handled Bushhawk 320. It allows a really firm and steady platform for close-up action shots.

http://bushhawk.shopol.com/Item/BH-320D.htm

http://bushhawk.shopol.com/Group/5YDIQ7IWWOKX6ZMJ.htm

Some of my shots from the UK low-level areas

http://www.airliners.net/photo/UK—Air/Eurofighter-EF-2000-Typhoon/1352061/L/

http://www.airliners.net/photo/UK—Air/Hawker-Siddeley-Hawk/1345800/L/

http://www.airliners.net/photo/UK—Air/Lockheed-Martin-C-130J/1345799/L/

TJ

Quite amazing pictures TJ.

Does it take time getting used to a fixed lens vs a zoom type lens?

Andrew

Hi Andrew,

I use the Nikon Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 VR. The following images were taken on and off using a 1.4x teleconverter. Number 18 was taken with a 2.0x teleconverter fitted.

http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/showthread.php?t=84651

TJ