Airshow Lens Rental

Booking a trip to an airshow in the spring and was looking for feedback on renting a lens. Currently have a Z5 and 24-120. I'm considering renting the 100-400S, however, I'm not sure if the show (Air Power Over Hampton Roads, on a military base) would allow me to bring a bag with me (allowing me to swap lenses), and I wouldn't want just the 100-400, since I'd miss the ability to take pictures of static displays.

So that being said, if I needed a one-lens solution, I'd consider renting the 28-400. It would balance nicely on my Z5, and I'd be at F/8+ all day anyway. Do people bring multiple lenses to airshows? What's the consensus/recommendations?

400 could be too short. The airshow should have posted rules about what you can bring. Based on the many times this question has been asked, if you're closer the 100-400 is fine. If you're not, get something that goes to 600.

ghostfox_1 said:

400 could be too short. The airshow should have posted rules about what you can bring. Based on the many times this question has been asked, if you're closer the 100-400 is fine. If you're not, get something that goes to 600.

Click to expand...

Oh, agreed. I guess I was just more asking if people bring multiple lenses, ie the 24-120 + 180-600 or just bring a single body + lens.

I went to a local show with my kids and it seemed like the Z8+100-400 was the predominate setup.

Keep the Z5 + 24-120Z

Rent another Z body [6,7,f,8] with a 180-600.
Wear them with a crossbody sling logging them on your sides,
one on the left, one on the right.

I wear my Z30+zTC1.4+180-600Z on my right,
Zf+[70-300E or 24/200Z] on my left when walking.

( you will cover whatever you need )

PS: later, if you are interested, I can post a couple of photos how do I do that

--
___.............................!............................ ___
-------- Mid of French/Italian Alps --------- I Love my Carnivores. >https://eu.zonerama.com/AlainCH2/1191151
.
Photography ... It is about how that thing looks when photographed..
( Avoid boring shots )

Contact the airshow and ask them. All the ones I have been to have no problem with with bags and backpacks. At most they would do a quick check to make sure your coolers aren't packed with beer.

Also check their website to see if they offer a "press package" ticket. My local airshow will give you access to a dedicated seating area front and center of the flight line. A guy doesn't even need press accreditation, just pay a little more.

Yes, I do take multiple lenses (and bodies) specifically for shooting between stuff in the air and stuff on the ground.

Lastly, even if they do not allow bags, a guy can carry a big lens (100-400 or 180-600) on a slinger type strap, and a smaller lens in a belt mounted lens pouch. Just cap the big lens and let it hang from the strap when shooting with the smaller lens.

Depends on the show and where you will be relative to the planes. We have an airshow in Tampa that I have needed only 50mm to get frame filling shots of jets as I have friends who live close to the base. Others might need 600+mm. Tough to answer without having been to the airshow you are attending.

turtle1300 said:

Booking a trip to an airshow in the spring and was looking for feedback on renting a lens. Currently have a Z5 and 24-120. I'm considering renting the 100-400S, however, I'm not sure if the show (Air Power Over Hampton Roads, on a military base) would allow me to bring a bag with me...

Click to expand...

You need to figure that one out first. It is difficult to provide a recommendation otherwise.

turtle1300 said:

... (allowing me to swap lenses), and I wouldn't want just the 100-400, since I'd miss the ability to take pictures of static displays.

Click to expand...

400 is too short for me. I am mostly at 840 mm during airshows. Renting the 180-600 and bringing that and the 24-120 sounds like the most reasonable option, pending a positive outcome of the inquiry above.

turtle1300 said:

So that being said, if I needed a one-lens solution, I'd consider renting the 28-400. It would balance nicely on my Z5, and I'd be at F/8+ all day anyway. Do people bring multiple lenses to airshows? What's the consensus/recommendations?

Click to expand...

I usually bring 100-400, 400/4.5, and 600/6.3. Works well for me. But I shoot primarily the flying, with static displays being far less important. However, your 24-120 should take care of that nicely.

I shoot a number of air shows in Southern California each year and can share some of my experience.

Back in the day I was using a 300 f2.8 or a 500 f4VR on a D4 or D5. Now I’m using two Z9’s and choose from 100-400, 400 f4.5, 180-600, 600 f6.3, 400 f2.8TC, and 800 f6.3. I shoot these handheld with VR sport setting.

I have my bodies set to manual with auto ISO, BBF with 3D on the AF-on button and Wide Area large on the Fn1 button. I’m shooting at 20fps.

In 2024 I exclusively used the 400TC. This gives me 400mm or 560mm at the flick of a lever. For prop aircraft I want to be at 1/200 to get prop blur so need to use a ND filter in the rear slot of this lens.

The air show at Miramar is on an active Marine base, so there are strict rules. No camera bags, so you have to carry in your equipment by hand or in a clear bag. It can be at least half a mile walk from the parking area to the show area, so carrying heavy equipment can be taxing. This year I hand carried the 400TC on a Z9(I used a Kirk handle connected to the RRS foot) and had another Z9 with the 100-400 in a clear shoulder bag, along with the 24-120.

You need to check on the policy at your airshow.

I’m not familiar with the Hampton Roads location, so don’t know what focal length would be required. If you think that 400mm is too short, then your choices are the 180-600 and the 600 f6.3 (I never consider third party lenses). I wouldn’t recommend the 28-400. The 600 is a pound lighter and more maneuverable. If you aren’t used to using long telephotos then you need to get the lens in your hands well beforehand and practice panning and finding the best settings. Also be aware that shooting over long distances can be subject to atmospheric conditions, which could give you disappointingly soft images.

I’m not familiar with the Z5 but wonder if that could be a limiting factor. Others may have more insight into using this body and its limitations.

I'm happy to answer any other questions.

Here's some examples from last year’s shows with the 400TC.











--
Alan

Looking through my images I did find these examples with the 100-400 backed off from 400mm. The vast majority of my images are at 400mm, 560mm, or 800mm, so I'm not sure that the 100-400 would be the best choice for your rental.

The Blue Angels image might look a little soft but it was shot through rain.







--
Alan

Thanks everyone. The Z5 is great, but the lack of shooting speed makes panning higher speed aircraft difficult. I imagine the blackout free nature of the Z8 is an absolute game changer here.

Looks like I should consider renting the 180-600 at a minimum. A Z6ii would be doable if I decided to carry a second body.

The show is on Joint Base Eustice Langley, an active military base, and the bag policy has not been posted yet. The policy from 2023 states: the only [permissible bags] are diaper bags, small purses, and small camera bags at or below 21 inches long, 10 inches wide, 10 inches deep

I would not recommend the Z6II for airshows. I had the Z6 (similar AF I think) and found it hopeless for AF tracking. I sold it and got a Z6III as my third/backup body. It has the Expeed 7 processor and the AF capability is quite similar to the Z8/Z9.

ajr images said:

I would not recommend the Z6II for airshows. I had the Z6 (similar AF I think) and found it hopeless for AF tracking. I sold it and got a Z6III as my third/backup body. It has the Expeed 7 processor and the AF capability is quite similar to the Z8/Z9.

Click to expand...

Sounds good. Stepping up to the 6.3 is trivial. Figured I'd shoot with the fixed point AF rather than rely on tracking.

turtle1300 said:

ajr images said:

I would not recommend the Z6II for airshows. I had the Z6 (similar AF I think) and found it hopeless for AF tracking. I sold it and got a Z6III as my third/backup body. It has the Expeed 7 processor and the AF capability is quite similar to the Z8/Z9.

Click to expand...

Sounds good. Stepping up to the 6.3 is trivial. Figured I'd shoot with the fixed point AF rather than rely on tracking.

Click to expand...

Fwiw, I shot an airshow with the og z7 and didn't have issues. If that level of camera is unusable, makes me wonder how he got shots 10 years ago

I think I was using single point back in my D4/D5 days, so it does work, but the Z9 makes life so easy now.

turtle1300 said:

ajr images said:

I would not recommend the Z6II for airshows. I had the Z6 (similar AF I think) and found it hopeless for AF tracking. I sold it and got a Z6III as my third/backup body. It has the Expeed 7 processor and the AF capability is quite similar to the Z8/Z9.

Click to expand...

Sounds good. Stepping up to the 6.3 is trivial. Figured I'd shoot with the fixed point AF rather than rely on tracking.

Click to expand...

Good advice from ajr. If the OP is going to rent a second body, rent one that is based on the EXPEED 7, i.e. Z6iii or Z8, or perhaps a Z50ii. In that case, a DX body may work with the 100-400.

The downside is that I am not sure the OP has CFexpress B cards for the Z6iii or Z8, although one can use SD card only on those bodies.

ajr images said:

I think I was using single point back in my D4/D5 days, so it does work, but the Z9 makes life so easy now.

Click to expand...

I think this is a critical point. I shot entire airshows in single-point with D610 and D810, and my images were just fine. But the level of difficulty has decreased a lot now.

turtle1300 said:

Booking a trip to an airshow in the spring and was looking for feedback on renting a lens. Currently have a Z5 and 24-120. I'm considering renting the 100-400S, however, I'm not sure if the show (Air Power Over Hampton Roads, on a military base) would allow me to bring a bag with me (allowing me to swap lenses), and I wouldn't want just the 100-400, since I'd miss the ability to take pictures of static displays.

So that being said, if I needed a one-lens solution, I'd consider renting the 28-400. It would balance nicely on my Z5, and I'd be at F/8+ all day anyway. Do people bring multiple lenses to airshows? What's the consensus/recommendations?

Click to expand...

I'm a big fan of bringing a 100-400 and a 24-120, I think that's a good idea. The biggest thing you'll be fighting, regardless of focal length, is the atmosphere. 400-500ish is about as long as you'll reliably be able to pull off.

Smallish, plenty long, lets you do some creative stuff. I do 70-200 + 400/4.5, ground stuff I use my iPhone because those are usually pretty lousy photos anyway with people everywhere.

70-200 for the wider contextual stuff, 400 for the tight stuff.

90% of your images will be out of focus due to heat blur. I took an 800/6.3 to the last air show I attended, and it was completely unusable because of atmospherics.

Try not to just do PLANE-IN-CENTER-OF-FRAME-AGAINST-BLUE-SKY, those are usually super boring

These are both with the 400/4.5

I took photos at the past two Abbotsford International Airshows. I used my D500 DX-format camera and Sigma 100-400mm lens for most of the photos. That camera and lens combo was quite good. You would need to use a 150-600mm lens to get the same field of view with your Z5. You might want to consider renting a 180-600mm lens rather than the 100-400, if one is available.

Here is a link to photos that I took at the 2024 airshow. https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/67874725

Terrible Photographer said:

I'm a big fan of bringing a 100-400 and a 24-120, I think that's a good idea. The biggest thing you'll be fighting, regardless of focal length, is the atmosphere. 400-500ish is about as long as you'll reliably be able to pull off.

Smallish, plenty long, lets you do some creative stuff. I do 70-200 + 400/4.5, ground stuff I use my iPhone because those are usually pretty lousy photos anyway with people everywhere.

70-200 for the wider contextual stuff, 400 for the tight stuff.

90% of your images will be out of focus due to heat blur. I took an 800/6.3 to the last air show I attended, and it was completely unusable because of atmospherics.

Try not to just do PLANE-IN-CENTER-OF-FRAME-AGAINST-BLUE-SKY, those are usually super boring

These are both with the 400/4.5

Click to expand...

Turns out your user name is, in fact, misleading.

It is true that heat blur is an issue when shooting planes that are approaching low in level flight. However, with very long lenses you can capture planes pulling vertical, at the top of loops, diving straight down after loops, etc., where heat blur is usually not as much of an issue.

Turtle,

Do you have only one body? If not, consider bringing both bodies with you and having something shorter on the second body.

As for getting in to the show with a backpack, my guess is that won’t be a problem. They expect people to come with gear, and will inspect upon entry. Also, depending on the size of this airshow, either Nikon or a local store (if there is a local store) may be offering loaners on a first-come, first-served basis. The Wings Over Houston Airshow has that, as well as a Photographers Pit, which is more than h Neal ticket but WELL worth the extra cost. If this show offers the same, I HIGHLY recommend you go that route.

Sam