My Essential Gear List for Capturing Airshows
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I have had the pleasure of photographing a handful of these events. Before each shoot, I always had a single question — what gear should I bring?
If you are looking to capture a few shots at an airshow, it helps to make sure you have the correct equipment. So here is the essential gear list I always take with me to photograph airshows.
1. Sony A7IV
My primary camera body is the Sony A7IV. Its high resolution and fast autofocus make it perfect for capturing fast-moving aircraft with stunning clarity. It’s also great if you want to capture any video, provided you have an ND filter with you to cut down on the bright light from the sky.
2. Sigma 70-200mm f2.8
This lens is a versatile workhorse, ideal for capturing mid-range shots with great sharpness and bokeh. The Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 is perfect for moments when the action is a bit closer to the ground but can also be a good choice if you happen to be relatively close to the air field. The low, fixed aperture also helps you keep the shutter speed high in the event you have a lot of overcast.
3. Sony 200-600mm f5.6-6.3
For those distant, high-flying stunts, the Sony 200-600mm f5.6-6.3 is my go-to lens. Despite its variable aperture, it offers excellent reach and image quality, allowing me to capture aircraft in crisp detail, even at long distances. Luckily, most of the airshows I have attended have been on sunny days so the higher f-stop numbers do are not an issue.
4. Lexar Type A Card
Fast and reliable storage is crucial for shooting high-speed events. The Lexar Type A card provides the speed and capacity I need to keep shooting without missing a moment. The speed of a type A card really comes in handy to maximize the high shooting rates of cameras like the A7IV, A7R5 and Alpha 1, if you’re lucky enough to have it.
5. Monopod
A monopod is essential for stability, especially when using longer lenses like the 200-600mm. It helps reduce fatigue during long days of shooting and ensures sharper images. While I don’t always use one, it is extremely handy to have if you want to take videos or even slow down the shutter a bit for more stationary shots.
Honorable Mentions
Sigma 24-70mm f2.8: This lens is great for wider shots and capturing the environment around the airshow. The Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 is a fantastic all-purpose lens that complements my primary gear. It isn’t my first choice but I’m always glad I have it, especially if I get an opportunity to go “behind-the-scenes”.
Sony A7RV: I don’t own this camera but do get to borrow it from time-to-time when shooting airshows. The Sony A7RV is an amazing photography-first camera and I will typically mount my primary shooting lens on it, giving me a dual shooting setup.
Having the right gear can make all the difference when photographing airshows. These essential items have proven reliable and effective in capturing the thrilling moments of aerial performances. Make sure to check them out and prepare for your next airshow photography adventure!
