Locke

I have been using the Sigma 17-70 on my XSI for the last ~100 camera jumps. I can't compare it to a kit lens since I just bought the XSI body. Other than the weight, I have had no issues with it. It is a great match for my flying style and have taken some great shots. Take my opinion for what its worth (not much) since I am still learning and have a long way to go in regards to cameras.

Well I did a rookie mistake on a tandem (unpaid practice) with my still camera.... battery on my XT died in freefall! I checked in in the plane and it was fine but it turned out to be a bad bat (trashed it later). When I got to the ground and found out what happened I was pissed (got most of the way through freefall though). I wanted to get a still of the couple that jumped for their anniversary so after the tandem landed and post interview complete for video footage, i stopped recording and snapped some shots with my HC90. Worked out pretty good.

I did think about that, the front is good but I will probably use silicone to seal up the back

Well here it is....haven't jumped it yet and haven't run it by the local video flyers, but I think it turned out pretty good, any comments?

Wondering if anyone has turned a BH FTN into a Pro. Thinking about putting a plate on my FTN that would fit my HC90 and my XT. It wouldn't be side by side, more staggered. Also thinking about putting some braces from the helmet up to the plate for stability and less snag. Anyone done something like this?

I am fairly new to shooting stills but I thought that I would share this two pics. Many other good ones from this dive too. I was the last load of the day I just wanted to try some new stuff on an unpaid tandem. Turned out to be a great dive. Just in case anyone is going to sharp shoot these....which I know will happen on this forum...the tandem dive was done in accordance with the BSRs.

I bought a used FTN and it had the foam cut out for an audible. You can put one in either side, just cut out a space for it.

http://www.skydivingmovies.com/ver2/pafiledb.php?action=file&id=5831&string=atc-2000 Here's what I got out of mine. Basically velcroed/glued it to my oxygen helmet. It was fun till I realized that I wanted to do real video and upgrated to a camera setup. Probably not worth the $100 though

Well from personal experience the military does still use the “PAB” but not very often. The thing most people don’t realize is when the military jumps, its under a round canopy that goes down and not forward. And hitting the ground at 18-20 feet per sec with 100lbs of extra gear is a lot different from landing a square, even if it’s a botched landing. True the PLF is still the best option for crappy landing at lower speeds. If you aren’t swooping at 50 mph it’s always better to prepare for a PLF. Someone already said this but if you are experiencing a lot of hard landing then you should look more at your canopy control then beefing up your gear. I had to do this myself early on. If you want ankle support then the best is the lace up ones you can get from the drug store. High top boots and stiff “PAB” type support do help but then you are adding weight and possible snag points. I think the range of motion is a factor as well. As far as having a raised heel, well again it depends on your landings. I’ve worn shoes that have a lot of tread that would grip the ground just as well as the lip from the heel.

I just started skydiving! I called a couple of DZs and then I called Cathy...and I knew that I wanted to start my @ the Jumping Place. From Ground school through the AFF levels, the vibe was awsume! All the staff are very professinal and welcomed beginers to thier ranks. I learned so much more and got tons of one-on-one time with the instructors than I ever expected. Safety is their #1 concern but after that is jumping out of planes and introducing students to the sport. Thanks Cathy, Tim, Larry, Allen, and all the rest of the staff! I look forward to jumping with them many more times!