Eastbourne Airshow Lens hire advise.

[onyx39]

Off to the Eastbourne Airshow in a couple of weeks, and after upgrading my Canon body from a 300d to a 450d, I realize that my main limitation is my "glass"
Will be shooting from Beachy Head, and am looking to hire either a) the Canon 100-400 4.5 - 5.6 L IS lens, or the 300mm f4 IS l lens.
Now I realise the difference will be trading light for length, but both will be massively better than the old Tamron 45-56 lens I am currently using.

Any thoughts as to what I am better off hiring?

[RobDickinson]

100-400 is made for airshows.

[Simpo Two]

There should be no shortage of light so go for the zoom. Display aeroplanes get bigger and smaller quickly - with a prime they'd be too small one moment and then splurging out of the viewfinder 5 secs later.

[onyx39]

100-400 booked... My first lens has been hired... Cannot wait to get my hands on it!

[LongQ]

onyx39 said:

100-400 booked... My first lens has been hired... Cannot wait to get my hands on it!

If you also booked a premium spot at the end of the pier you may want to review your options?

[onyx39]

LongQ said:

onyx39 said:

100-400 booked... My first lens has been hired... Cannot wait to get my hands on it!

If you also booked a premium spot at the end of the pier you may want to review your options?

Nah, will be set my usual spot by Beachy Head.

[onyx39]

its just arrived... it's a beast! My arms are going to be killing me!

[LongQ]

onyx39 said:

its just arrived... it's a beast! My arms are going to be killing me!

You'll be fit enough to use it in a couple of days ...

Actually, seriously, it's not so much about weight as learning (intuitively if possible) about how it feels and where it balances and so on. Small compensations in the way your body "understands" what it need to do can make a big difference.

I would suggest sticking it on the camera, load yourself up as you will be on the day with any other kit in bags, backpacks or whatever and do some simulated practice. After a few minutes you should get some indication of how you might want to adjust your stance, how long you feel able to hold the thing to your eye and so on. They all help the brain to work out what to do with this new challenge.

[RobDickinson]

right hand heel of palm under body, left hand under middle of lens with the lens resting in your palm, both elbows firmly locked into chest. this should easily support the weight and keep it stable.