albuquerque, nm baloon fest. - DPChallenge Forums

Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS for Canon

09/28/2005 07:38:01 PM · #1

Anyone going? Anyone been? Any suggestions? I am driving in from OKC on friday night to attend (and take lots of pictures). I was hoping for some advice on where to camp specifically, and any other suggestions you might have for a trip there. I have only driven through in the past. On the trip will just be myself and a fellow photographer. Anyone from that area want to do lunch and talk about gear and where you get photos printed and all other things photo related? I hope to see some of you there.

drake

ElGordo

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

09/28/2005 07:59:00 PM · #2

Most of the aerial activities begin very early in the morning, shortly after sunrise. Traffic to and from the field is poorly handled, so be prepared for a frustrating commute. But despite the logistics, the scene is well worth the effort! Ditto for the evening balloon glow. If you have sufficient time, take the tramway to Sandia Crest and photograph the events from there (long lens required), alternatively drive around to the east side of the mountains and drive up to the crest from Hwy 14, about a 30 mile drive from Albuquerque. There is a $3 fee for parking in the Cibola National Forest, including the crest parking lot.
I never campout in this area, so can't help you there.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0 L USM

09/28/2005 08:23:00 PM · #3

awesome advice. I'll definatly check out sandia crest

soup

Canon EOS-30D

09/28/2005 08:27:25 PM · #4

bring a polarizing filter. learn how to use it before you go...

Message edited by author 2005-09-28 20:28:00.

loseme

Canon EOS-50D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM

09/28/2005 08:53:57 PM · #5

I'll be there. I am dragging the family, on another crazy adverture. I am very excited. I plan on staying at a hotel and riding the bus over. Good advise on the polarizing filter. We are coming from Co.

Message edited by author 2005-09-28 20:54:16.

fulgent

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

09/28/2005 09:08:17 PM · #6

I lived there in Albuquerque when they 1st started the event.

It will be cold as heck on top of Sandia. It's about 11,000 ft if I remember right. But what a view.

Take a fisheye lens. You got to go into the launch area at least once. You'll enjoy the roar of the gas engines filling the balloons, the team work displayed by the crew members. The beauty of these larger than life objects growing in your presents. When there's 40 balloons near you that have just gone up you'll want a fisheye.

Polarizer lenses will be good because of all the blue sky shots (hopefully).

If your going to be there most of the week you can go near the launch site Tuesday or Wednesday when many of the locals are working and traffic isn't as bad.

Also watch the weather. They usually don't take off in winds over about 8 mph for safety reason. So if the weather is marginal you may need to park near by and wait. Then when it's safe they quickly launch. And that small window of opportunity may be it till the next day.

You also might want to get a more memory cards. You could easily shoot 400 shots when they launch over 400 balloons on mass ascension day. That's where all the balloons, including the ones that didn't qualify for the competition go up together.

You'll want to burn to disc or offload to hard drive daily. So that's something else to consider there.

I was thinking of going this year. A lot of changes I have not seen. Not sure I can make it this year though. If it looks like I can work it out I'll get in touch.

ElGordo

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS for Canon

10/01/2005 03:01:42 PM · #7

Temps at Sandia Crest (10,200ft)this time of year are in the mid 60s to low 70s except at night when it drops below freezing.

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

10/08/2005 11:32:10 PM · #8

thanks for the tips folks. helped make it a great trip.

drake

jpochard

Canon EOS-40D

10/08/2005 11:45:49 PM · #9

I hope to see your balloon pics soon!