Shuttle STS-118 lift-off shots 9-8-07

[SengaB]

Heres a few shots from todays shuttle lauch STS-118.
The weather was downright crappy today. A Thick deep haze layer ruined any potential the shots had. Visibility was poor the light wasnt strong enough either. I will have to try again next time.
My shots from 38m miles away a few weeks ago (Home) from the Atlantis departed are better than these :)

http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/shuttleendevor06.jpg
http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/shuttleendevor05.jpg
http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/shuttleendevor03.jpg
http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/shuttleendevor04.jpg
http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/boosters.jpg
Jettisoning booster rockets in the last shot.
Senga

[JZ1]

Senga, excellent shots. I particularly like the first one, with those birds oblivious to the massive flame and thunder. Did the birds stay calm throughout this, or they got startled and fly away later?

[PhilDernerJr]

Very good pics, Senga. Especially considering the weather and the fact that you're taking pics of something the size of a DC-9 at 38 miles.

[AirtrafficController]

Excellent shots Super Senga, you must of used a powerful lens for those pics.

[Derf]

Excellent shots Super Senga, you must of used a powerful lens for those pics.

Holy crap, what the hell lens were you using for the SRB separation?

[moose135]

Holy crap, what the hell lens were you using for the SRB separation?

I think he "borrowed" something from NASA :D

Great shots, Senga! I love the first one with the birds in the foreground.

[SengaB]

Thanks guys,
That top one would have been amazing if it just had good visibility. I think the birds add a lot to the shot also.

I think I added a little confusion. Those lift off shots weer taken 8.5 miles away. The shots where its flying past me are more like 20-30 miles at least.
They were taken with the Canon 100-400MM IS.

The 38 miles number I gave was the lift off I shot from SFB on June 8th.
http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/shuttle01.jpg
http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/shuttle02.jpg
The lift off was 38 miles away but these shots were much farther than that.

For me by far this was the best shot of the day :)
http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/stealthmitzu.jpg
Senga

[nikon50bigma]

Excellent shots Super Senga, you must of used a powerful lens for those pics.

Holy crap, what the hell lens were you using for the SRB separation?


So thats where the Hubble went.
Great shots!

[cancidas]

nice job dude. had it been clear, that bird shot would have been awesome! you've got to try it if you're there for the next one.

[wunaladreamin]

Awesome shots. I love the first one, so dramatic.

[SengaB]

Thanks guys,
I am looking forward to next time!
I wont be able to top my 747/shuttle arrivals shots frmlast month though.

Senga