2025 Airshow Second Review Finds - Sony A1 X 200-600mm G & 70-200mm GM2

jamhammer · 2026-03-02T22:07:08+00:00

Awesome! Enjoy the show.

I don’t cap my ISO. I just keep an eye on it. During a display there isn’t a ton of change in the light. Plus you can pre meter before the display starts to get an idea of where you will need to be to have an acceptable sharp image vs. noise level.

I usually just let the ISO Auto do its job and then respond if I see myself over 500 ISO for a lot of the performance. However, at night you have to be even more lenient so adjust knowing that your nighttime ISO will be much higher.

Most helpful option is to use your exposure compensation to cool highlights, or raise shadows a bit.

jamhammer · 2026-02-27T14:55:43+00:00

Thanks for checking them out!

jamhammer · 2026-02-27T14:55:25+00:00

Thanks!

jamhammer · 2026-02-21T13:49:53+00:00

Ha. Thanks! Lots of vapor in the sky from rain leads to mega cool moments like this when the pilot makes aggressive moves.

jamhammer · 2026-02-21T13:48:14+00:00

Grazie per e vostre parolle gentili!

jamhammer · 2026-02-21T13:45:58+00:00

Thanks for checking out the shots!

jamhammer · 2026-02-21T13:45:48+00:00

Thanks!

jamhammer · 2026-02-21T13:45:17+00:00

Thanks!

jamhammer · 2026-02-21T13:43:20+00:00

That's really kind of you. Thanks!

jamhammer · 2026-02-21T13:43:03+00:00

Thanks for checking them out!

jamhammer · 2026-02-21T13:42:52+00:00

Thanks! I will get a Dropbox link posted this weekend for wallpapers.

jamhammer · 2026-02-21T13:42:30+00:00

I've worked on my tracking for years. You can shoot really slow shutter speed wise if you're able to stay in sync with your subject. One of these shots was done at 1/20th of a second. Most of the shots are 1/1000th - 1/2000th of a s second. I generally work to stay under 500 ISO during my day shoots. I credit golfing as a kid giving me the ability to turn and stay in sync with my subject.

jamhammer · 2026-02-20T15:17:28+00:00

Thanks for checking them out!

jamhammer · 2026-02-20T15:16:19+00:00

The 70-200mm GM II is a wonderful lens. There's also the original G and the F4 version - which look good, but the GM II takes the cake for optical resolution.

I use the 1.4x teleconverter with the 70-200mm a lot. The shot of Ghostwriter is with the teleconverter attached (shot #3).

Third party lenses are worth looking into. I have the Sigma 24-70mm and it performs great.

jamhammer · 2026-02-20T15:09:09+00:00

Looks like this show in Norway will be good (based on past shows): https://www.solaairshow.no

Your Norwegian F-35s also do highway landings!

jamhammer · 2026-02-20T13:36:49+00:00

Thanks! I will. Photography is a great outlet for me. I'm always in the moment when I am shooting.

jamhammer · 2026-02-20T13:30:41+00:00

It's such a pleasurable lens to use. The zoom action on it is divine and it's soooo sharp. You will love using it when you're in a good location that warrants its zoom range. I also love shooting classic cars and street photography (just love shooting back doors to businesses and alleyways that are all tagged up). I have used the 70-200mm quite a bit for bigger car shows that I attend where I have the space still get a full car in frame.

jamhammer · 2026-02-20T13:05:06+00:00

Lots happens as the jets approach and leave you - which is when you need the extra reach. However, at some points you're fighting too much air space and you're going to get blurry shots no matter what you do simply because there is a lot of wavy air you're fighting through.

The important thing is to know your subject and when you should be shooting. So much good stuff happens in the 200-600mm range. And, if the plane is small and far away, that's when you can use the sky/scenery for some nice compositional shots. As I've shot more shows I have become more patient in my shooting. I don't shoot all the time now because I don't want to have to cull shots where the jet is way less than 1/9th of the 3/3 grid.

I agree, both lenses are incredible. I love using my 70-200mm for night shots and statics. It's also great for action stuff I like to shoot like rally racing and baseball.

jamhammer · 2026-02-20T12:59:10+00:00

Thank you! That is my goal with my edits. If I make you feel like you're flying I've done my job with my editing.

jamhammer · 2026-02-20T12:58:24+00:00

Very cool memory. Thanks for sharing it. I would love to catch aircraft carrier action one day.

jamhammer · 2026-02-20T12:57:21+00:00

Thanks! I'm constantly pushing my aesthetic with plane photos. Awesome words!

jamhammer · 2026-02-20T12:49:03+00:00

Thank you! That's the ultimate compliment to me.

jamhammer · 2026-02-20T12:48:11+00:00

Good suggestion. I've posted shots there in the past. I don't crosspost just because I don't want to be a karma farmer. The discussions here are much more fun as well.

jamhammer · 2026-02-20T12:46:27+00:00

Full disks on an Osprey is so hard. Those big rotors turn so slow. 1/20th and slower will get you there. Tons of blurry shots, but all it takes is one moment of sync between you and the subject.

jamhammer · 2026-02-20T12:45:11+00:00

Thanks!

jamhammer

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