Best Cameras for Aircraft Photography

Perhaps the biggest aspect for any aviation enthusiast is photographing the aircraft they see. In fact, a lot of inspiration can be gained by looking at photographs from other enthusiasts on sites such as Airliners.net and in magazines which can drive you to get out and pursue the hobby more!

In terms of equipment, there’s a lot on offer, from the most basic cameras to ultra expensive SLRs and lenses.

In this post I want to give you ideas of some of the recommended cameras and lenses out there so that you can get the best of your aircraft photography. These recommendations have been suggested by some of the top photographers out there.

For the Trip Reporter
A great compact to take on your spotting trips is the Canon Powershot SX280 HS. This is perfect for the photographer who wants to take shots whilst out and about, aboard aircraft, and at the gate, documenting their travels.
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Best SLR Body
The Nikon D7100 is a current favourite. It has great ISO and auto focus settings, which are important when you’re following something that’s moving fast and in variable light. It has a healthy 24.1 megapixels, and a decent size screen on the back. Read More…

For Canon lovers, try the 70D. It has slightly fewer megapixels than its Nikon counterpart, but its results are fantastic. Read More…

Best Nikon Lens
One of the highest recommended lenses for Nikon cameras is the 70-200 F2.8 VR. It’s a little pricier, but the quality of glass and image stabilisation is amongst the best available. Read More….

Good Nikon Lens
The Nikkor 70-300mm VR is a mid-price lens which gets great reviews from aviation photographers. It is perfect for those who want good results without paying top money for the best glass. Read More…

Best Canon Lens
The best lens for Canon cameras is the 70-200L IS, which offers superb sharpness and great results. The L range offer the best mechanics, build quality, casing and coating. Read More…

Good Canon Lens
For something less expensive, try the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L USM lens which offers the same specs but is for the consumer rather than the professional. Read More…

These suggestions are amongst the best equipment you can buy, but there are lots of options out there and everyone has their own preference. Any modern digital SLR and lens will be capable of producing good results if you know how to use it, and most importantly practice your hobby. I’d be interested to know which cameras and lenses you’d recommend. Leave a comment below!