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05-18-2014, 06:36 PM   #1
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Best lens focal length(s) for Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Festival?

What are the best focal length lenses for this event? My current collection is modest - DA 18-55 II, DA 17-70, DA 40, and DA 55-300.

05-18-2014, 06:49 PM   #2
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Never been there, but I'd take the 17-70 and the 55-300. You should be fine with that.
05-18-2014, 06:50 PM   #3
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QuoteOriginally posted by GlennG Quote
What are the best focal length lenses for this event? My current collection is modest - DA 18-55 II, DA 17-70, DA 40, and DA 55-300.
17-70 + 55-300 sounds like a good combo.

Adam
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05-18-2014, 07:17 PM   #4
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Shot it last year, used my fisheye much more than I thought it would (around 30% of my shots). Used my 15 a fair bit, and wished I had a wider rectilinear lens. On the ground, wide is your best friend. Long is great for in-flight, You'll need that 300. A tripod is a must for the balloon glow.

I'd say that this event is a great reason to add something solid in the wide end of your kit. Maybe get a Sigma 10-20 used, sell it when you get back, or get the new Rokinon 10mm.

05-18-2014, 07:30 PM - 1 Like   #5
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To expand on whats been said, all excellent advice.


Get there early they lay these things out on the ground and fill them with air from a fan, ask if you can poke your lens in the throat as its filling for a stunning shot from inside a filling balloon, you need 17mm


They will have a field full of inflated and partially inflated balloons, for a gorgeous image of a sea of gaily coloured objects you need between 20mm to 35mm


As they become airborne you will see balloons at various distances, as they begin to lift off you will need between 30mm to 50mm


As they move away you will get opportunities for double and triple balloon shots at various distances you will need between 100mm to 300mm


Look for gusting winds creating a disaster as they fill and begin to lift, blowing one balloon into another, the 17-70 will give you the flexibility to capture that.


Huge flames as they burn close up will demand 35mm


If you can find one at dusk the burn will illuminate the whole balloon as if floats in mid air you will need extreme length of 300mm
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