I am just about to begin with planespotting!
I will have my first ever spotting session on Monday at EDDF, the traffic level should give me enough practise.
But before I go there, I wanted to check if anyone has recommendations or tips for planespotting in general.
Please note that I am a beginner photographer
Canon 250D
Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 SP Di VC USD
Canon 18-55MM f/4-5.6 IS STM
Sigma 50MM F/1.4 EX DG HSM
Thanks in advance!
PRO tip number one.
The whole plane inside the picture frame. Unless you wanna get fancy with the wing shots.
I suggest reading this, it’ll help a lot!
Don’t shoot backlit and watch your distance - Frankfurt is long distance airport and since you only have 300mm (probably only 200mm usable) you’ll have to choose your spots wisely.
Yeah I‘ll try to do some closeups, maybe the 777 maingear if I have the possibility. And yes I‘ll read through, thanks!
Yeah I have made a whole plan on where I will be at which time
Is it true that if you shoot at full focal lenght the picture quality gets a bit worse?
Depends on the lens but in your case, yes. I’ve never used it but judging from the price I would except it to be good between 70 and 135 mm, acceptable between 135 and 200 mm, and mediocre above 200 mm. I’m not saying you should only keep to within 135 or 200 mm, it’s just something to keep note of.
Also not sure how warm Frankfurt is right now but if you need higher focal lengths that may mean a spot is too far and you’ll induce a lot of heat haze.
okay will do, thanks!
Will also read through your guide, shall help aswell
Don’t hesitate to PM me if you want any clarifications.
Yeah, that’ll be plenty. I generally only go through half of a battery in 7 hours.
Phew alright😂 I was worried for a sec
You lucky people who have special places just to planespot…
If available, use spotting guides. They will easily help you with that slot to pick to avoid backlit photos, get good angles, including nearby spots for sustenance. Simply match your time, and sometimes season to a spotting point and you’ll be on your way.
I think normally especially the 18 viewpoint should be good (at least from midday onwards), as you shouldn’t have heat haze issues being directly at the runway, nor distance issues.
The runway is still closed in the moment as far as I am aware, so have an eye on that.
Otherwise less heat haze on departures/landings from Zeppelinheim I assume, depends on your zoom how good of a spot this is. Never been personally spotting in FRA though.
I can also recommend the spotter guide below, but please keep in mind that the visitor’s terrace at Terminal 2 might still be closed, at least it was 2 month ago, and still is according to the Fraport website.
Have fun, stay hydrated and looking forward to seeing your pictures in #real-world-aviation:spotting!
Since no one has shared this:
This helps a lot!
That must have cost a lot!!
The heat haze😭
Dang these are good
