Biggin Hill 2005 D2X/200-400VR

I took these over the weekend with the D2X and 200-400VR. I calculated the keeper rate at around 10%. These are some of the ones I liked. I must confess its a real challenge getting clean pictures at 1/500s shutter speed for the prop driven aircraft. I also used the Gitzo 1228/Markins M10/Wimberly Sidekick.

Hope you like them

Supermarine Mk V Spitfire (which I believe served at Biggin during the Battle of Britain)


The same aircraft landing


Hawker Hurricane (Also served at Biggin)


Taxiing Spitfires (into Sun)


A pair of close formation P51 Mustangs


Sea Vixen (Early carrier jet)


Bringing things right up to date the Eurofighter Typhoon


The rest can be found here
http://www.pbase.com/pete_lethbridge/biggin_hill_2005&page=all

 

Thanks Dave

I like the Sea Vixen best, in the original image you can zoom in to an amazing level of detail.

With a hit rate of only 10%, I need to practice my panning more.

 

Thanks everyone, here are some more you might like..

Hellcat (Steven Grey's at the controls)


P47 Thunderbolt


Mk IV Spitfire


Now this was the hardest shot at 1/160 shutter speed (by mistake), however I got luck with the panning and it created a nice effect with the background.
Seafury


PBY Catalina


Stearman Wingwalker


F86A Sabre



Tornado GR3 putting on the brakes


Finally an SU26

 

Thanks Gordon

Yes, it was really the first true test for my 200-400. I also got very sunburnt...but learned a fair amount about the camera and technique.

 

Scott...

I think a prime (if this is your question) is always going to be lighter. However, I found that at some points I wanted to reduce further than 200 to get the shot, so I definitely think you need the ability to zoom. This issue is not so much with the lens, its more to do with panning technique at slow shutter speeds (1/500 for prop plans to get prop blur). You are struggling with a fast moving plan and slow shutter, so your technique has to been spot on. With jets, you can crank the shutter speed up as far as it will go, because there are no moving parts to worry about.

Regards

Pete

 

Hi Paul

Its not the weight that causes the issue, the sidekick is an absolute must as it allows you to balance the camera and lens perfectly.

I did have a fair amount of OOF shots, which I can only attribute down to my less than perfect technique. It was the first time out with the lens (believe it or not, I've only had it 9 months or so!). When I say 10%, there were more shots in focus, but they were of the same scene. When you pan and press the button, it can rattle off 10 shots before you know it. So, by about mid-way through the show I'd filled 3 4Gb cards. Of these I've only used approx. 60.

I've found some more I like, so I'll post these up over the weekend. I'd like to thank everyone for the comments though, very encouraging. :smile: