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

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

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?

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.

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

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Originally Posted by AirtrafficController

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

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

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Originally Posted by Derf

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

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I think he "borrowed" something from NASA :D

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

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Derf

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AirtrafficController

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

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

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So thats where the Hubble went.
Great shots!

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.

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

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

Senga