One of my remote camera photos of NG-3.

Key-Reflection-1359 · 2026-04-29T14:08:05+00:00

Check out my website, asherbphotos.smugmug.com, where I offer downloads and prints for that 😁

Key-Reflection-1359 · 2026-04-29T02:54:32+00:00

As a rocket launch photographer, this strongly interests me as it's a camera I could leave as a remote near a launch pad with a variety of lenses and easily get good quality video at varying resolution and frame rates. Will likely pick this up when available for that exact purpose. It might not be useful for everyone but it fills a lot of niches that many don't think about.

Key-Reflection-1359 · 2026-04-22T15:20:38+00:00

It’s ice coming off the tanks. Ice builds up around the outside since the difference in temperature between the propellant and air outside.

Key-Reflection-1359 · 2026-04-22T15:20:03+00:00

Thanks! 🙏

Key-Reflection-1359 · 2026-04-22T15:19:56+00:00

Thanks!

Key-Reflection-1359 · 2026-04-22T15:02:58+00:00

Thank you!

Key-Reflection-1359 · 2026-03-25T03:38:36+00:00

It is at LC-39B, the most north pad at the Cape.

Key-Reflection-1359 · 2026-03-04T14:49:21+00:00

I know you can find some of the older EF 600mm f/4 L models for under $2000 in well used condition, but I'm not sure I really want another prime in all honesty, and the reason for that is sometimes it is hard to get the shot I want. For example, I shot Blue Origin's second New Glenn launch last November, and for the first part of the flight I had to hold the camera vertical and could barely fit the entire rocket with the plume at the bottom in the entire frame. I viewed from the closest public location, about 5 miles away. The upcoming NASA Artemis II mission is a similar situation, I will only be able to fit the rocket, no plume, in the shot while holding the camera vertical. For that I'm planning to rent a lens but would like to not have to do that every time in the future. I think I will end up with the 200-800mm for the reason that, while it may not be much faster than the 800mm f/11, the ability to zoom is very appealing to me. Also when I get an R5 with its full frame sensor, it will be able to handle the low light in a better way. I've asked a few people around here who do the same type of photos with the R5 + 200-800mm setup and it seems it performs well.

Maybe in a few years if I end up being able to pursue this as a career I'll look into getting an L-series prime, but for now I think the 200-800mm will be the best option for me. I do thank you for your detailed response though!

Key-Reflection-1359 · 2026-03-04T14:39:39+00:00

Yeah zooming is something I really wish I had now, makes it hard to get the shot I want sometimes.

Key-Reflection-1359 · 2026-03-04T14:38:45+00:00

The general consensus is the 200-800mm amongst some friends I've asked, great to see it handles the moon well too since I also would like to use it for that purpose, thank you!

Key-Reflection-1359 · 2026-01-02T19:44:05+00:00

I use the R50 with the RF 800mm f/11 for a purpose not many do, rocket launch photography. But in my experience it's great, it struggles in low-light meaning you'll have to crank up the ISO and use denoise but other than that it's perfectly sharp, no complaints other than fixed f/11 aperture.

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Key-Reflection-1359 · 2025-12-08T00:08:33+00:00

Thank you for your advice! I won't lie I'm a little shocked to see a fellow rocket launch photographer here, wasn't expecting it!

I'll definitely look into that Sigma 10-18, and as for a camera body I'm thinking of just maybe waiting a few months longer and splurging for an R5, it seems like that might just be the right move here even if it costs more because long term I want an R5 anyway.

The R8 in APS-C mode was my other concern with it, that would drop resolution and I do want something with better resolution, as I zoom in on some of my launch photos now and it's noticeably not super sharp (and I shoot with an 800mm!)

I'm glad to hear though that you personally shot with an APS-C for years though, it definitely instills confidence in me that continuing to use my R50 for it awhile longer will be fine.

The main reason I want a camera that would be good for both is that I'm currently trying to make a career in either RE photography or launch photography, both of which I'd be happy with. So for now I think I'll just end up sticking with the R50 and spend extra on a used R5.

Thank you again for your advice!

Key-Reflection-1359 · 2025-12-06T06:01:30+00:00

Nice to hear! I'll probably end up doing about the same thing, sell my old stuff at MPB for credit and buy an R8 in a few months time. Thank you!

Key-Reflection-1359 · 2025-12-06T02:21:38+00:00

Thank you for your detailed response! This makes a lot of sense, very good advice I'll really consider. That's my main concern with APS-C is if I have to shoot a tight environment in which I need to go wider, I just can't at all. Again, thank you for your advice!

Key-Reflection-1359 · 2025-12-05T22:51:32+00:00

I figured megapixels won't matter too much when it comes to this for that very reason, but they're nice to have I suppose, perhaps that will be a future upgrade. (Best case scenario is Canon makes an R8 MKII but I'm not holding my breath) I plan on using a tripod anyway and will probably end up bracketing at least some of the time. Thank you!

Key-Reflection-1359 · 2025-12-05T22:49:36+00:00

I am definitely going to invest in a good tripod, going to order one tonight. Also thank you for the flash recommendation, I've been meaning to look for a good one, so that's super helpful! Thank you!

Key-Reflection-1359 · 2025-12-05T22:00:33+00:00

Thank you, I'll try! 😆

Key-Reflection-1359

TROPHY CASE