Your spotting equipment.

Bill-ay · 02-19-2008, 09:44 PM

Just wondering what people use for spotting equipment, i.e. binoculors, cameras, radio, etc.
My junk...
Cameras:
Panasonic DMC-FZ18
Canon EOS Rebel Ti

Two pairs of binos.

No radio (but some good xm radio tunes

).

A Tupolev · 02-19-2008, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill-ay

Just wondering what people use for spotting equipment, i.e. binoculors, cameras, radio, etc.
My junk...
Cameras:
Panasonic DMC-FZ18
Canon EOS Rebel Ti

Two pairs of binos.

No radio (but some good xm radio tunes

).

A calibrated eyeball for aircraft!

Santos · 02-20-2008, 05:49 AM

Hey Bill, I am planning to buy the same Panasonic Lumix you have. What´s your thoughts about it?

I gave up buying Canon because they have batteries insted of Lythium batteries.

D-AIHC · 02-20-2008, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Santos

I gave up buying Canon because they have batteries insted of Lythium batteries.

What Canon model did you have or planning to get?

Santos · 02-20-2008, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D-AIHC

What Canon model did you have or planning to get?

The photo machines I am loking for are the following:

# CAnon S3 or S5
# Nikon D60 or D80
# Panasonic Lumix listed above

I already have a Nikon Coolpix 5.0 MP with 3x optical zoom but I need more optical zoom and that´s wahy I am planning to buy another machine.

D-AIHC · 02-20-2008, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Santos

# CAnon S3 or S5

I'd recommend either one of the above. Yes, they don't use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries but 4 AA batteries...the good thing is you can get replacement batteries just about anywhere. I had the same problem too before I bought my S3 until my friend convinced me and I have no regrets ever since.

C-Rex · 02-20-2008, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Santos

# CAnon S3 or S5
# Nikon D60 or D80

Mr. Santos.

That's a step from Canon to Nikon on your list.

Forget about the S3 or S5.

Go for a semi-prosumer camera. Go 400D.

I'd suggest you go direct to Canon 400D, you can buy it with a 18-200mm kit or 17-85mm IS on the same pack kit.

It's an equal contender to the D60/D80

B-16707 · 02-20-2008, 12:06 PM

w00t for Canon fans.

for spotting a SLR or a fixed lens manual camera like the S series from canon, is a must, point and shoots just wont cut it

B-16707 · 02-20-2008, 12:07 PM

i really wouldnt mind getting a radio too, but i have no idea where to start or what im looking for!

C-Rex · 02-20-2008, 12:11 PM

As for my spotting Equipment.

Camera:
Canon 30D (Another 30D for backup)

Lenses:
Canon 24-105mm f4 L IS USM
Canon 70-200mm f2.8 L IS USM + 1.4 Extender (convert the lens to 90-280mm at f4)

I operated the 500mm F4 IS last saturday. Man that was huge and heavy.

I will be posting the spotting pictures from Saturday/Sunday soon.

B-16707 · 02-20-2008, 12:17 PM

sweet sweet. talking about cameras gets me so amped

C-Rex · 02-20-2008, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B-16707

Got the same equipment as me, Crex (minus the 24-105mm)

sweet sweet

Heads up. I will be setting up a thread for sale of my 1:400 models next week.

I will be cutting 2/3 of my entire collection to get the 300mm. Haha.

I'm going back to my Spotting hobby.

I'm saving up for my 300mm F2.8

I'm hoping to see this in my camera bag.

(Minus the 1D body) ...........for now

D-AIHC · 02-20-2008, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B-16707

i really wouldnt mind getting a radio too, but i have no idea where to start or what im looking for!

Careful with the radio...some paranoid cops may not like it too much. I was stopped and questioned once while spotting with a pair of binoculars and a radio.

B-16707 · 02-20-2008, 12:27 PM

lol who needs a 1D body when you can have the flexibility of a 5D type body (just add a grip). i would NOT want to carry a 1D around ever. the dual memory card slots are nice though....

B-16707 · 02-20-2008, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D-AIHC

Careful with the radio...some paranoid cops may not like it too much. I was stopped and questioned once while spotting with a pair of binoculars and a radio.

dang it. friggin cops these days. got a stick up their __ constantly. yea like my big lens will shoot an RPG out. maybe my binoculars are actually dual barreled laser guns. not even a background check works these days. its sad.

D-AIHC · 02-20-2008, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B-16707

dang it. friggin cops these days. got a stick up their __ constantly

Yeah, no kidding! Best case scenario - they'll tell you to leave, worst case scenario - they'll arrest you for suspicious terrorist activities. Things are not just the same ever since Sep. 11.

C-Rex · 02-20-2008, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D-AIHC

Careful with the radio...some paranoid cops may not like it too much. I was stopped and questioned once while spotting with a pair of binoculars and a radio.

Nobody's being paranoid here. I understand why they don't like it. It's normal.

But so far so good, I never encountered that kind of cop that paranoid. Usually we just get told to buzz off, normalyl we just find another spot.

Quote:

Originally Posted by B-16707

lol who needs a 1D body when you can have the flexibility of a 5D type body (just add a grip). i would NOT want to carry a 1D around ever. the dual memory card slots are nice though....

There's a still big jump between the 1D and the 5D.

5D and the grip doesnt do much for me. But I'd definitely get the mkIII if ever it gets cheaper.

B-16707 · 02-20-2008, 12:52 PM

yea i personally just see the higher 1D models as more of a status symbol. ill take just as great of pictures with my veteran digital rebel as a dude with a 1DmkIII would. just how many bells and whistles you want on your camera is the main deal maker or breaker....i do NOT need to adjust my color tones on the fly haha.

i just want a full frame camera. APS-C is great for certain things. oh canon will take all my money

C-Rex · 02-20-2008, 01:00 PM

Here's the 500mm F4

in my hands.

Kai, you must know why I have such a happy smile here. lol

I don't know why, but we walked too close beneath the approach, so close I could spot the nasal hair of the pilots with this lens. Haha

B-16707 · 02-20-2008, 01:03 PM

oh yea i do know why =). nothing like the feel of a gigantic L lens. now hows about getting that 800mm when it comes out???hahaa
it makes that girls 300mm (?) look whimpy

now i cant help but ask why is the tripod mount on the top!!!???

B-16707 · 02-20-2008, 01:05 PM

oh wait tripod mount is adjustable...duh!!!

C-Rex · 02-20-2008, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B-16707

oh yea i do know why =). nothing like the feel of a gigantic L lens. now hows about getting that 800mm when it comes out???hahaa

now i cant help but ask why is the tripod mount on the top!!!???

If I had the budget for it, and the need for the 600mm or the 800mm, I would get it. But I think I can only afford the 300mm Haha.

As for the mount...

Because the mount is just in the way.. When you're holding it in free hand.!

And if you have it at the bottom, you have nowhere to hold the lens, and supporting it via the mount is just too unstable. Your pictures will be shaky. Also it works as the handle when you're walking or putting it down.

What Im saying is that it's only down when you have a monopod or a tripod for it to mount in on.

B-16707 · 02-20-2008, 01:12 PM

hehe good call. im a big lens n00b since ill never have a need to get one =P

02-19-2008, 09:44 PM	#1
Bill-ay Bill-ay the A320 FO Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Dallas Age: 14 Posts: 2,002	Your spotting equipment. Just wondering what people use for spotting equipment, i.e. binoculors, cameras, radio, etc. My junk... Cameras: Panasonic DMC-FZ18 Canon EOS Rebel Ti Two pairs of binos. No radio (but some good xm radio tunes). __________________ I all widebodied airbuses, except the bulbus A380 View my collection(if you really care, its only HE OG models). http://www.diecastaircraftforum.com/...tion-4996.html LONG LIVE THE DC-10/A300/A310/MD-80!!! http://www.jetphotos.net/showphotos....e=1&display=15

02-20-2008, 05:49 AM	#3
Santos South American collector Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Brazil Age: 36 Posts: 2,634	Re: Your spotting equipment. Hey Bill, I am planning to buy the same Panasonic Lumix you have. What´s your thoughts about it? I gave up buying Canon because they have batteries insted of Lythium batteries. __________________ Wish list in 1:400 scale: 1) BETA DC-8-70F (dedicated to Celso please) 2) PANAIR DO BRASIL DC-8 reg.# PP-PDS 3) VARIGLOG MD-11F & B727-100 / 200F 4) VARIG Caravelle 5) TRANSBRASIL 727-100 6) RIO-SUL 737-500 old colors Thank you Aeroclassics for the VARIG Coronados!

02-20-2008, 12:06 PM	#8
B-16707 i need more space Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 5,737	Re: Your spotting equipment. w00t for Canon fans. for spotting a SLR or a fixed lens manual camera like the S series from canon, is a must, point and shoots just wont cut it __________________ The Completed Customs The Airport

02-20-2008, 12:07 PM	#9
B-16707 i need more space Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 5,737	Re: Your spotting equipment. i really wouldnt mind getting a radio too, but i have no idea where to start or what im looking for! __________________ The Completed Customs The Airport

02-20-2008, 12:11 PM	#10
C-Rex Master Collector Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,275	Re: Your spotting equipment. As for my spotting Equipment. Camera: Canon 30D (Another 30D for backup) Lenses: Canon 24-105mm f4 L IS USM Canon 70-200mm f2.8 L IS USM + 1.4 Extender (convert the lens to 90-280mm at f4) I operated the 500mm F4 IS last saturday. Man that was huge and heavy. I will be posting the spotting pictures from Saturday/Sunday soon. __________________ \| Rex \|

02-20-2008, 12:17 PM	#11
B-16707 i need more space Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 5,737	Re: Your spotting equipment. sweet sweet. talking about cameras gets me so amped __________________ The Completed Customs The Airport

02-20-2008, 12:27 PM	#14
B-16707 i need more space Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 5,737	Re: Your spotting equipment. lol who needs a 1D body when you can have the flexibility of a 5D type body (just add a grip). i would NOT want to carry a 1D around ever. the dual memory card slots are nice though.... __________________ The Completed Customs The Airport

02-20-2008, 12:52 PM	#18
B-16707 i need more space Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 5,737	Re: Your spotting equipment. yea i personally just see the higher 1D models as more of a status symbol. ill take just as great of pictures with my veteran digital rebel as a dude with a 1DmkIII would. just how many bells and whistles you want on your camera is the main deal maker or breaker....i do NOT need to adjust my color tones on the fly haha. i just want a full frame camera. APS-C is great for certain things. oh canon will take all my money __________________ The Completed Customs The Airport

02-20-2008, 01:00 PM	#19
C-Rex Master Collector Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,275	Re: Your spotting equipment. Here's the 500mm F4 in my hands. Kai, you must know why I have such a happy smile here. lol I don't know why, but we walked too close beneath the approach, so close I could spot the nasal hair of the pilots with this lens. Haha __________________ \| Rex \|

02-20-2008, 01:03 PM	#20
B-16707 i need more space Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 5,737	Re: Your spotting equipment. oh yea i do know why =). nothing like the feel of a gigantic L lens. now hows about getting that 800mm when it comes out???hahaa it makes that girls 300mm (?) look whimpy now i cant help but ask why is the tripod mount on the top!!!??? __________________ The Completed Customs The Airport

02-20-2008, 01:05 PM	#21
B-16707 i need more space Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 5,737	Re: Your spotting equipment. oh wait tripod mount is adjustable...duh!!! __________________ The Completed Customs The Airport

02-20-2008, 01:12 PM	#23
B-16707 i need more space Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 5,737	Re: Your spotting equipment. hehe good call. im a big lens n00b since ill never have a need to get one =P __________________ The Completed Customs The Airport