LHR and CDG Photography Questions

[Matt Molnar]

a.) Are there spotting areas at Heathrow and De Gaulle?

b.) If yes, are they close enough for a short lens (25-90)?

[JZ1]

LHR has observation deck on top of terminal 2. I went there with my 75-300mm. I think just adequate; don't think 25-90 mm is good enough.

Don't know about CDG

[LGA777]

Re: LHR Terminal 2 was scheduled to be demolished as soon as the new T5 opened (which was a few days ago) so as soon as the airline movement is complete between terminals, then you can count that out if it's not already closed. There are areas around the approach ends of several runways where the short lense should be adequote for landing shots, especially with such a large percentage of the traffic being wide-bodies.

Personally both AMS and MAN are much better to shoot at then either LHR or CDG, and LGW has a decent deck that is still open and decent, though a bigger lense would be better for their.

Cheers

LGA777

[petertenthije]

LHR The terrace at T2 was closed ages ago. You can get easily into the final approach assuming planes are coming from the east. Get off at tube-station Hatton Cross, and follow the planes. It is easy to find a spot of your satisfaction. If the north runway is used for ladings the walk might be large. If the south runway is used it is just a short walk. Cross the main road and walk away from the station towards the right. You will find a grass field there.

Spotting when the planes come in from the west is also doable. Getting there used to be a hassle, but I assume that with the opening of T5 this has been made a lot easier. Have not tried that myself yet.

CDG You can easily get by with your lense at the mounds next to the taxiway. You will need to get written permissin from the local autorities. This can be done in advance and is little more then a formality. Making photos with infrastructure (control towers, terminals etc) is not allowed. You can write you request to the following person:

M. le Sous-Préfet chargé des aéroports de Paris Charles de Gaulle et de Paris le Bourget
Préfecture de la Seine-Saint-Denis
1 Esplanade Jean Moulin
93007 Bobigny Cedex
[email protected]

Here you can find some details on the spots at CDG: http://www.kerozen.org/. Particularly spot 11 will be interesting for you. It is walking distance from one of the train stations.

Personally both AMS and MAN are much better to shoot at then either LHR or CDG, and LGW has a decent deck that is still open and decent, though a bigger lense would be better for their.

Indeed, but both places need some for of transport or a willingness to walk. In particular if you insist on having the sun at your back. The spots at CDG and LHR are both easily within walking distance from a train/tube station except perhaps for LHR-west.

[Matt Molnar]

Thanks for the tips! I'm not sure I'll get to spot both airports but I'm going to try to get to at least one. I'd love to bring my big lens but it doesn't seem practical as I'll be moving around quite a bit, doing 4 cities in 8 days. :)

[stuart schechter]

I was at CDG for 3 days and never got permission, nor was I bothered. The spot 11 is great, but get up in the morning to catch those.

You'll end up with this.

[lijk604]

I was at CDG for 3 days and never got permission, nor was I bothered. The spot 11 is great, but get up in the morning to catch those.

You'll end up with this.

Looks like it's an afternoon spot with that backlighting.

[Matt Molnar]

With LHR now getting A380 service I think I'll probably try harder to spot there.

[Three Forty]

For CDG, sorry in french :

http://www.spottingzone.com/forum/viewt ... ?f=4&t=208

http://www.spottingzone.com/forum/viewt ... f=4&t=3480

;)

[stuart schechter]

That shot that I took was in the afternoon...

[mirrodie]

Matt, are you open to off airport areas?

There is a spot near LHR, accessible from the airport-the Tube to Hatton Cross station. Its a huge field where spotters and photographers are literally lined up.

If yes I can direct you further.

[Matt Molnar]

Thanks Mario. I think petertenthije alluded to that spot in reply #3. :) That is probably where I'll go if the weather is cooperating.

[KC]

Goodmorning, goodafternoon,

There is a spot near LHR, accessible from the airport-the Tube to Hatton Cross station. Its a huge field where spotters and photographers are literally lined up.

That place to spotters is known as Myrthle Avenue. It is superb for arrivals on 27L with westerly-winds and especially before 3 pm. Keep in mind as you visit Heathrow, you choose for weeks when landings starts on 27L in the morning. If landings starts on 27R in the morning, you need to stand at a busy roundabout-crossraod where lorries and busses drive around and where you have quit some lightpoles (?) which can obstruct views.
There is also a small industrial area but the workers there do not like to many spotters there during workingdays. In weekends and especially on Sundays, you mostly don't get bothered.
Everyday there is a change of runways at 3.00pm.

To what concerns CDG : there are better places but as you don't have a car you need to rely on locals to find the better spots or else your visit stays limited to the mentioned spot.
Other very nice spot is near French Météo-offices :


Greetz, Karl

[KC]

Goodafternoon, goodmorning,
Picture seems not to be visible.
2nd try :

Greetz, Karl