SHUTTER SPEED FOR AIRCRAFT

[merv]

I know that for prop aircraft and choppers you should use a slowish speed, maybe 1/125 sec. What happens when you have a 300 or 400 lens on? I thought that to avoid handshake you should have a shutter speed the inverse of focal length. You would then need a speed of 1/400 sec to avoid shake. What about prop blur then? It would be even faster for a 500 lens:bang::bonk:

 

[Dino f]

You are correct Merv, thats the rule of thumb, but, that rule has to be broken to get prop blur or panning result. This is where practice comes in. You would be better off starting with a faster speed until you are comfortable with it,then slowing down until you reach the speed that gives yo the required amount of prop blur. Remember, a sharp photo with no prop blur is acceptable, a blurry photo with alot of prop blur isnt.
Dean

 

[Gofer]

I know that for prop aircraft and choppers you should use a slowish speed, maybe 1/125 sec. What happens when you have a 300 or 400 lens on? I thought that to avoid handshake you should have a shutter speed the inverse of focal length. You would then need a speed of 1/400 sec to avoid shake. What about prop blur then? It would be even faster for a 500 lens:bang::bonk:

Good example of the need for IS (VR in Nikon language).

 

[Nod]

IS/VR/OS helps a lot but so do good technique and practise. You can also use supports like monopods, beanbags or tripods with suitable heads.