Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
ƒ/10
400 mm
1/3,200
1000

Update: Just posted our video.

In 15 years of attending the BALLS Research Rocketry Launch with my son, the largest engine size attempted was an “R” motor, and this weekend, we had three of them at the same time out at the away pads. I was able to get especially close as an event photographer. The two 10″-diameter solid propellant rockets went first, but failed right after ignition. I appears that an overpressure popped this R28000 (I will update the details as I learn more) leaving much of the propellant for our dinnertime bonfire burn.

Catching these flinch moments in focus takes a bit of luck and lot of practice. But this one made me gasp.

Our crew launched three rockets this weekend too. I will share those stories later after going through all our photos.

4 responses to “Overpressure popper of the R28000 solid motor. This was BIG”

  1. jurvetson Avatar
    jurvetson

    Next frame and then a rain of rocket debris

    Reply
  2. sbove Avatar
    sbove

    re: "Catching these flinch moments in focus takes a bit of luck and lot of practice" >>

    The new Canon r3 can take 30 full frame/full rez images per second at up to 1/64,000th of a second…AI based Eye Control autofocus takes care of 99.99% of fast moving subject issues. Canon native EF-R adapter allows use of all EF lenses like the 100-400 II

    http://www.canon-europe.com/cameras/eos-r3/

    http://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/detail...

    Reply
  3. jurvetson Avatar
    jurvetson

    @stephenbove whoa! Is there a f/stop or other quality hit with the adapter? (and if not, why did Canon introduce a new mount that does not directly take their legacy of lenses? i.e., they could have built the mount into the base camera)

    Reply
  4. PeterThoeny Avatar
    PeterThoeny

    @Steve Jurvetson: Mirrorless cameras have 16-20mm flange focal distance, compared to 34-48mm for DSLRs. The shorter flange focal distance has several advantages, such as smaller form factor and weight, support for faster lenses, and ability to mount almost any vintage lens with proper flange focal distance using an adapter. Canon and Nikon play catch up to Sony on mirrorless. My prediction for the next 5 years: Almost all prosumer cameras will be mirrorless, and DSLR will play a niche market for studio photography.

    Reply

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