These are some inflight shots, in some form of formation. That would lead one to conclude that there are solo shots, and maybe some shots from on the ground on the way. Both thoughts would be correct. I'm running out of time to post those. Next two weekends are booked, with one being the Selfridge open house. Then ToM '22. Already checking out the long range weather forecasts.
A lot of what I'm looking for is the camera/lens combos. Currently I think the best combo is the D500 and 70-200 f/2.8. On a sunny day. And at ToM, the show line comes close enough to use a 300 mm lens.
The nice thing about ToM is I have three days of access. And access means I can bring whatever I need or want to use. Lots of time to mix and match. Experiment. And this year I have the 80-400 to add into the mix.
And a few shots from ToM '21, Blue Angel performances.
The first shots are with the D500/70-200 f/2.8 combo. There was very little cropping on this shot, as well as the rest. For me, this was pretty clear. That f/2.8 allowed a really fast speed.
Blue Angels - Diamond 4
NIKON D500 Ver.1.30/NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8
300 mm, 1/3200 sec, f/3.5, ISO 110 (Auto)
EV 0, MANUAL Mode, Size DX
Same camera combo and speed for this next shot. This is a common echelon pass, and is close and clear enough to see the pilot at work.
Blue Angels - Echelon Pass
NIKON D500 Ver.1.30/NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8
300 mm, 1/3200 sec, f/3.5, ISO 100
EV 0, MANUAL Mode, Size DX
Moving on to the D850/200-500 combo shots. For some of these, I was using a mono-pod. Trying to work it. This year, maybe more time with the Mpod.
This is a photo of the ever common Fortus Maneuver. This is really truly unique to the Blue Angels, as the tail-hook is dropped. On both aircraft.
Blue Angels - Fortus Maneuver
NIKON D850 Ver.1.20/NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6
500 mm, 1/2500 sec, f/5.6, ISO 200 (Auto)
EV 0, Aperture Priority, Size FX
I had to look for the formal name for this maneuver. This is called a Double Farvel. Google it. The stuff you learn when you go to an airshow.
Blue Angels - Double Farvel
NIKON D850 Ver.1.20/NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6
410 mm, 1/2500 sec, f/5.6, ISO 200 (Auto)
EV 0, Aperture Priority, Size FX
This next shot has a bit of chaos. Chaos in a world of perfected coordinated movement. That is worth a photo every time.
Blue Angels - Head On Breakout Pt2
NIKON D850 Ver.1.20/NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6
410 mm, 1/2500 sec, f/5.6, ISO 200 (Auto)
EV 0, Aperture Priority, Size FX
Looking forward to the '22 show.
beautiful shots - saw the Angels decades ago and it's still surprising what they do
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