National Press Photographers Association

I am going to be doing a photo story on hot air ballooning and I only have room in the basket for one body and on lens. I am going to be using a D700 body but cannot decide on the lens and if to bring a strobe. Should I take a 28-120 or something wider?


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Paul James Bergstrom
www.epicphotoz.com

I like to shoot pretty wide when I shoot hot air balloons, especially if you'll be in the basket, trying to capture someone else who's also in the basket. I've used an 11-18mm on a D200 and it works pretty well. On the other hand, if you're going to shoot anything on the ground from the air, you might need some zoom. You might try to figure out how to get one more lens in the basket. Maybe you could put it on your belt or something?

I agree with Ashley. Go wide in basket. Low angles shooting up can be pretty interesting. Have fun.


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Photographer
iPress News

Oh, and by the way. I always carry a strobe with me. NO exceptions.


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Photographer
iPress News

The most amazing image I ever made from a hot air balloon was with a 180mm, in 1991, of downtown. The light was just right. People sang praises of that photo for weeks after that. Maybe a 24-120mm would suit you? I know it's a cheap consumer lens, but if there's enough light for f/8, that might work. -R


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http://richardbarron.net/

Richard,

Just wanted you to know I read your blogs entries on your website and thoroughly enjoyed them.

Barry


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Photographer
iPress News

That's, Barry!


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http://richardbarron.net/