Suggestions for hot air balloon festival

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Sep 2, 2013
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Going to a hot air balloon festival next weekend and looking for suggestions on what lens to bring. I believe the event does not permit backpacks, so will likely only be able to bring 1. Would you go wide-angle (like a 17-40), all-around (24-105), or tele (70-300)? Or possibly a prime like 85? Appreciate any advice and shooting tips anyone can provide.
 
Oh nice! I've always wanted to take pictures up in a balloon!

Only one lens?? well... Just my thoughts: UWA, telephoto and maybe a tilt shift? Depends on the scenery.. You could get some interesting shots of the landscape below.. Making them look miniature? I would take those kind of shots with the TS. Wide general purpose for maybe inside the balloon.. Occupants/self photos. Tele for other balloons and their occupants. And for things far below? If I was forced to take one lens, UWA. Have fun! Oh and wear a strap like a blackrapid. Lol
 
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If you are lucky enough to actually go in one of the balloons then I'd recommend the widest lens you have. Are you shooting FF or crop? the 17-40 is a minimum on FF, my favourite ballooning lens is the 15mm fisheye on FF.

Here is an image I took in central Florida, it was with the 15mm and I de-fished it Lightrrom.

If you are shooting from the ground I'd do the 24-105.
 

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how close can you get to the balloons? If very, the widest lens you have. Do you have a second body? Or perhaps wear a vest to an extra lens?
 
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privatebydesign said:
If you are lucky enough to actually go in one of the balloons then I'd recommend the widest lens you have. Are you shooting FF or crop? the 17-40 is a minimum on FF, my favourite ballooning lens is the 15mm fisheye on FF.

Here is an image I took in central Florida, it was with the 15mm and I de-fished it Lightrrom.

If you are shooting from the ground I'd do the 24-105.

Great shot! I have a 6D, so will probably take the 17-40 based on your advice. Am hoping to get up in the air, but that's not locked down as of yet. Should be able to go back to car and switch out to 24-105 for when I'm enjoying the festival on the ground.
 
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cellomaster27 said:
Oh nice! I've always wanted to take pictures up in a balloon!

Only one lens?? well... Just my thoughts: UWA, telephoto and maybe a tilt shift? Depends on the scenery.. You could get some interesting shots of the landscape below.. Making them look miniature? I would take those kind of shots with the TS. Wide general purpose for maybe inside the balloon.. Occupants/self photos. Tele for other balloons and their occupants. And for things far below? If I was forced to take one lens, UWA. Have fun! Oh and wear a strap like a blackrapid. Lol

Thanks for the advice, especially about the blackrapid strap. I just got a RS-4 (Classic) in the past week, but have not had an opportunity to use it yet. Definitely sounds like this will be a perfect, first-use situation!

Also like the tip from RGF to wear a vest. I don't have a vest or any holsters yet, but will look into that this coming week. Would be nice to have a 17-40 on the camera and a 24-105 or something else on vest/holster. Could also carry a T3i or M as 2nd body.
 
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