Photography | Lufthansa Flyer

SIGMA Releases Substantial Firmware Update For Their 150-600mm S For Nikon

by Lufthansa Flyer | Sep 20, 2015 | Featured, Photography, Travel | 0 comments

A bit off topic but based on the popularity of my Sigma lens post, I suspect this may apply to a few of you!

As I was prepping my gear for my Safari trip next week, I connected my 150-600 S to its USB cradle to customize focus settings for my D4S and realized that a firmware update was released a few days ago.

Sigma Optimization Pro software

In their release notes, Sigma stated that there is a substantial improvement to autofocus when the camera is using its Continuous Servo (AF-C) mode. This update should improve upon an already fast focusing lens when using it for ‘in-motion’ photography.

To download the upgrade, simply connect your USB Dock to your lens and computer and run the Sigma Optimization Pro software which will walk you through the firmware update. It took 3 minutes to complete.

I did not see any info regarding firmware updates for other camera mounts.

Munich Plane Spotting June 2015: Part I

by Lufthansa Flyer | Jun 28, 2015 | Airports, Featured, Lufthansa, Munich, Photography, Plane Spotting | 0 comments

Last week I spent several days in Europe to attend the Austrian Grand Prix as well as to make stops in Munich and Frankfurt for a bit of plane spotting and LH Business.

Frankfurt was a disappointment due primarily to the lack of progress on their Observation Deck renovation. I only had a few hours free in FRA so I couldn’t go to my favorite spotting site along the North-South runway.

Munich however was fantastic. Weather cooperated nicely and with large white and grey clouds to act as a backdrop, it provided for a solid spotting session. And thanks to Munich, I was able to capture about 26 LH aircraft that were missing from my ‘spotted list’. I am now only 6 LH aircraft away from personally spotting the entire mainline fleet. I suspect the missing 6 will require a bit of stalking and hunting on my part later this year when I return.

Munich’s Besucherpark offers a great view of their runways, and with winds out of the west, creates the opportunity to catch departing flights as they take off. The large viewing hill (more like a pyramid) puts you above the airport and gives a great prespective. Admission is only €1 and is open 24 hours…..a pretty good value!

So for part 1, here are 12 images that I though turned out rather well and include a diverse range of liveries. Part II will focus a bit more on the LH fleet.

Enjoy!

Air Canada’s A330 shortly after arrival.

Speedbird’s A320 departs for Heathrow.

Delta’s 767 departs for the States….

Always an interesting scene when an El Al aircraft departs Germany. The armored police escort is provided at both MUC and FRA.

The usually benign LOT ERJ looks good with the IronMan livery.

One of my favorites of the day, the LH A320 in *A livery looks good against a cloudy backdrop.

An LH’s A346 departing MUC with an efficient angle of attack….

Honestly, the first time that I have seen a non-turbo-propped Luxair aircraft.

Oman’s A330 is towed to the gate for passenger boarding.

Qatar’s 787 is towed to her gate.

Tui and one of their beautiful Haribo 737s

An early United 767 departure.

Pictorial: Austrian Formula 1 Grand Prix

by Lufthansa Flyer | Jun 27, 2015 | Destinations, Featured, Photography, Trip Reports | 6 comments

Last week I had the chance to go to the Austrian Grand Prix held at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria. For anyone who loves cars and speed, a Formula 1 weekend provides the perfect opportunity experience both. The sweet smell of methanol comes as an added bonus.

Over the course of 3 days at the track, I was able to take in several F1 practices and qualifying in addition to support races in GP2, GP3 and Porsche Masters classes. Thanks to a friend (Grazie Scott!) who arranged for VIP credentials, I was fortunate to spend most of Saturday in the Paddock area and take in the unbelievable hospitality that F1 teams provide.

The most impressive part of that experience was the ability to visit the Red Bull team garage and watch the mechanics and technicians prepare the Red Bull cars for their race. Due to the nature of their work, photography was understandably not permitted, but the images are etched in my mind. The technology and telemetry involved with an F1 car is impressive, far beyond NASCAR and IndyCar.

The track lends itself to a fantastic F1 fan experience. The layout of the track and elevation changes give visitors several great vantage points from where to watch the race. The hospitality of the locals just adds to the wonderful experience.

The track’s location is easily accessible from nearby Graz where our group of 5 stayed. With only a quick 40 minute drive on the Autobahn, getting to the track each morning and back each evening was easy. The ‘suggested’ 80mph speed limit on their beautiful autobahns just added to the overall experience of the weekend. The only down side was the €8.50 tunnel toll in each direction, so commuting cost €17 euro a day. Small price to pay……

In the photos below you’ll find a shot of each car that entered the race. I found 3 excellent vantage points that gave me a good look at the track which allowed for me to catch some fairly decent perspectives as the cars made their laps. If you’re an F1 fan, a photo of your favorite driver can be found below!