Beginner Tips/Lense reccomendation?

[TomKatter]

Just getting into the entire Aviation Photography thing, I purchased a fairly "cheap" Cannon EOS400D with an 18-55mm lense (came stock) and I have been practicing around the house on the daily. Any tips for a complete beginner and also any reccomendation for lenses?

[Supra]

Hi, Being new to Aviation Photography (assuming not new to photography?) there is a wealth of information to be seen by reading through relevant topics within the multiple pages of this section of the Forum. You could also get some useful advice from Googling specific subjects where you encounter uncertainty? The primary aspects of your aspirations will be Practice, understanding, practice, experimentation, practice adaption, practice! Oh...did I mention practice?
1) Don't be suckered into using the 'Auto' function.
2) You're gonna need a longer lens for flying shots! ( Lens quality is essential for sharpest shots!)
3) Don't be afraid to ask those around you for practical advice.... & practice!
Good Luck & Go for IT!

[TomKatter]

Hi, Being new to Aviation Photography (assuming not new to photography?) there is a wealth of information to be seen by reading through relevant topics within the multiple pages of this section of the Forum. You could also get some useful advice from Googling specific subjects where you encounter uncertainty? The primary aspects of your aspirations will be Practice, understanding, practice, experimentation, practice adaption, practice! Oh...did I mention practice?
1) Don't be suckered into using the 'Auto' function.
2) You're gonna need a longer lens for flying shots! ( Lens quality is essential for sharpest shots!)
3) Don't be afraid to ask those around you for practical advice.... & practice!
Good Luck & Go for IT!

Thank you for the tips mate! Really appreciate it.

[John flightpath]

Hi Tom,
First off I would look at a 70-300mm lens. By either Sigma, Tamron or Canon. All need to fit the Canon EF mount. See how you go on with that and then progress from there. You may want to look into a converter in case you want a longer reach. On the 400 d I would recommend the 1.4 converter. Thats probably the next stage up and then go from there. Once you have found where you are with everything you may want to get another camera body like the 450d or 550d for example. Most importanly , make sure you have fun persuing your hobby.

Cheers
John 'flightpath'.

[TomKatter]

Hi Tom,
First off I would look at a 70-300mm lens. By either Sigma, Tamron or Canon. All need to fit the Canon EF mount. See how you go on with that and then progress from there. You may want to look into a converter in case you want a longer reach. On the 400 d I would recommend the 1.4 converter. Thats probably the next stage up and then go from there. Once you have found where you are with everything you may want to get another camera body like the 450d or 550d for example. Most importanly , make sure you have fun persuing your hobby.

Cheers
John 'flightpath'.

Thank you for the detailed response mate, I will look into a 70-300mm lens as per your reccomendation. Really appreciate it.

[XWP29]

Perhaps a Canon EF 100-400 mk 2 it is a go to lens for many of us if you want in air shots. If you think you’ll trade up camera bodies, most of us do you’ll have the right lens.
Be aware that a combination of lens may be necessary depending on where you intend to photograph.

[slogen51]

Exactly - it depends on where most of your photography will be and what the subject is - i think a long lens should be the last resort instead try and get closer ( airshows , on base , spotters days etc)

At Lakenheath a sharp 200mm is fine for landing shots and obviously at Mildenhall the aircraft tend to be larger.

When you find your feet you will probably want to upgrade to a Nikon system

[TomKatter]

Thanks all! Greatly appreciate the support.

[Tally-ho]

Just getting into the entire Aviation Photography thing, I purchased a fairly "cheap" Cannon EOS400D with an 18-55mm lens (came stock) and I have been practicing around the house on the daily.

1. You made a good sensible start. Next up a 70-300mm Canon lens, if your budget allows go for the 100-400mm Canon lens. You started with Canon, stay with Canon, that goes for lenses too.
2. Familiarize yourself with editing software, the ability to enhance your pictures. Canon has a software program called DPP (Digital Photo Professional) which can be downloaded from the web. There are many others, Canon's DPP is a good starting point.
3. Open a Flickr account (first 1,000 pictures you submit is free) that way you and others can see your pictures, progress, and comment/critique as the case may be.

Photography is a long never ending road of discovery ...