Trips and tricks for Prop Aircraft?

[tayloss]

Hi all,

I’ve recently got back into Aviation photography and am due to RIAT and Wings and Wheels in the coming weeks... my kits is Canon 70D with 70-200mm F4 ii a Canon 7D Mkii with Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary..

While I find setting up the camera for fast moving jet fairly straight forward, it’s the helicopters and props I’m struggling with!

One I don’t seem to get the movement in the props that others do, and also they aren’t as sharpe on the slower shutters speeds..

I’ve been advised to use 1/320th for creating movement and using the panning technique... where does this fit in using a shutter speed above focal length? What happens at say 400mm and I want some movement? How do I stop motion blur on the aircraft? Is it purely down to panning and luck?

Also, I’ve set a custom C1 for jets with shutter speeds above 800, iso 200 and TV mode...

A fellow photographer advise to also is Av mode for props and set shutter to 1/250-1/320 and auto ISO (100-400)...

Looking for some clarity before being back in the scene!

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Royal male]

If you are wanting a greater disc effect you need to be way lower on the shutter speed . Each aircraft differs. As you say panning and luck but also practise and technique also. I tend to have the drive set to highest speed and take a few shots to let the camera and my arms settle. If you shoot side on with props you are not as critical for prop blur.

If you have a local airfield with light aircraft pop along and practise.