Yes I should, but then for ever day with a photo opportunity like this, there are about ten when you see little of interest.

Exactly! I could have refuelled from a Boeing earlier in the week but alas, no camera to hand. Haven’t had a view like that for several weeks and then I seemed to get them all week.

By “big flight deck” do you mean an ERJ145? If so, I’d say my Dash-8 has a roomier cockpit but still not enough space for a decent camera to be perched. Don’t aircraft designers know we need somewhere to stow our cameras? 😉

Nice pics!

Ah, nothing like taking the cheap option then! :rolleyes: Is the 70-200 the f2.8 or the f4.0?

Andy

Thanks for all the kind comments chaps.

The lens is the f4.0 version (non-image stabilised) and “only” costs around £400 new on the net, which, compared to the price of a similar sized standard USM lens, I think is excellent value for money. I’m only just beginning to get to grips with photography, moving on from the beginner to intermediate stage.

Only down side is it’s a bit too big of a set-up to have in the flight deck. I’ve had some great air-to-air oppportunities recently but a compact cannot do justice to them. Easy answer – fly bigger aeroplanes I suppose!

The idea is to get to grips with the camera first and then be ready for this years airshow season, but I have to say, I had a rather fun time despite the cold. Perhaps I’m being lured into the murky world of “spotting”? I haven’t rushed out for a thermos and parka just yet but you never know….Just promise you won’t tell any of my colleagues at work 😀

In all honesty, I love “spotters”! I think it’s quite nice that people come to watch me at work! I too started off feeding my passion for aviation by watching the a/c at LHR as a small child and to be honest, the enjoyment of watching aeroplanes, either in them, flying them or on the ground, has never left me. I know only too well that I’m in a very fortunate position to be paid to do something I would have gladly done for free (better not say that too loud!). I also recognise that for every person like me, there’s a 1000 others who’d swap places in a heartbeat – I know, cos I certainly would have when I was stacking the shelves at B&Q not so many moons ago. I’m sure Wys and others would agree.

So keep spotting, I’ll keep waving (BACX Dash 8’s – well, until 29th April!) and if you ever so a tall fat bloke with specs, an EOS 20D and an L series lens over on the termite hills at MAN, don’t be shy, introduce yourself, but remember, I’m new to this, so be gentle! 😀

Well they are all great shots! 😀
I really do like the AA 767 and the PIA 777 landing, may i ask what new camera do you have?

Ta! The new camera is a Canon EOS 20D with a 70-200 USM L series lens. I decided it was time to go full digital, thus relegating my poor old EOS 1000FN 35mm camera to the spares cupboard.

And “bye,bye Mrs. Skypilot….”