The owner of my company asked me to help out his friend who was having PC problems. The gentleman came to our offices and I fixed some OS level problems he was having with Windows. We started talking about this and that and it turns out that he's a retired NYPD Detective & Pilot. He flew Mayor Kotch around NYC for years and also worked for American Airlines 2X retired.

It also turns out that he owns his own helicopter and does tours of NYC and other area landmarks.

It ALSO TURNS OUT that he's been looking for someone to go up with him and take some aerial photos of NYC and events as they occur (marathons, etc.).

I happen to not have a fear of heights and I have a camera! Who would have guessed!

Turns out this is one of the nicest guys I have ever met. His chopper is undergoing refurbishing right now but should be back up in a few weeks, he offered me free flights and we are going to talk about a side business selling the photos, etc.

Now, what do you think would be a good lens on a 20d for aerial shots?

 

Awesome! But I'd be for sure in a helicopter.

 

That sounds great to me. Choppers are loud and vibrate like crazy, so photography will be a challenge.

Though in general I think he's a douche, Ken Rockwell does have a page on aerial photography:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/aerial.htm

 

Awesome, thanks for the link!

 

Sounds like a sweet opportunity

 

You lucky bastard!!!

 

Wow that's friggin awesome! no fear of heights FTW! eclipse your sooo lucky

this lens should do the trick

 

WTF is that?

The FAA would stop me for fear of it being a bazooka.

 

Lucky bastard.


If the doors/windows are going to be open for photos, maybe use a lanyard and carabiner to keep the camera from doing a gravity confirmation test.

 

new Sigma APO 200-500 f/2.8 lens, you would be able to get nice tight close ups

just found out it weighs 35lbs lol.

 

I'd assume that given the building heights and likely rules, your minimum altitudes are going to be moderately high. I'm thinking you'll want a little more focal length than less. Either of the IS versions of the 70-200 might be a decent choice for your 20D.

 

I found I used my 17-55 a lot on my helicopter trip, but I did switch to the 70-200 for a short while. I think the 100-400 would be a cool lens for this gig because I found that when I did want to get a detail shot, the 200 was a tad short.

 

So. Effing. Jealous.


Can't wait to see some pics!!!

 

What's wrong with this one?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...mm_f_5_6L.html

 

I wonder how many $99,000 lenses B&H sells annually, or canon for that matter.

 

that is awesome - I hope you will entertain us with some sample shots!

 

i see you get their emails as well.
the vibrations will be felt the most with a longer lens.
the best bet is to bring a wide and a long lens and see what you get best results with.
good luck and I'm looking forward to seeing pics.

 

Enjoy it for us Ernie, and get us some pics!

 

2-degree angle of view...

take a lot of shots man...don't want to chance missing the perfect shot...

 

nice! post some pics of the first flight.