I'm looking to improve my aviation shots during dawn and dusk at airports like LAX and JFK, where lighting can be a challenge. I've been using a Canon R5 with a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, which works great during the day, but I'm struggling with lower light conditions. I'm considering investing in a prime lens like the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L for its larger aperture. Has anyone had experience with this lens for aviation photography, or is there another lens you would recommend for low light situations? Also, any tips on camera settings for these conditions would be greatly appreciated. I'm particularly interested in maintaining sharpness and reducing noise without sacrificing too much ISO. Looking forward to hearing your advice and experiences!
Best Lenses for Capturing Aircraft at Low Light
The Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L is a fantastic lens with its wide aperture, providing excellent low-light performance. However, it might not offer the versatility you're used to with the 70-200mm zoom, especially at bustling airports like LAX or JFK where framing options are crucial. Another option could be the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L, which balances low-light capability with a slightly more versatile focal length.
For settings, try using a wider aperture combined with a shutter speed of around 1/200 to 1/500 sec, depending on the aircraft's speed and your focal length. Keeping ISO as low as possible is key, but don't hesitate to use higher ISO settings-the R5 handles noise quite well. Consider using noise reduction software in post-processing to further enhance image quality.
For settings, try using a wider aperture combined with a shutter speed of around 1/200 to 1/500 sec, depending on the aircraft's speed and your focal length. Keeping ISO as low as possible is key, but don't hesitate to use higher ISO settings-the R5 handles noise quite well. Consider using noise reduction software in post-processing to further enhance image quality.