Discover the ultimate guide to photographing the 2025 Avalon Airshow. Learn the pros and cons of Gold Pass vs General Admission, best camera gear for airshows, and how to get perfect shots of aircraft in action.
Introduction: Why Avalon Airshow is a Must for Aviation Photographers
The Avalon Airshow 2025 in Melbourne, Australia, offered an incredible opportunity to photograph military and civilian aircraft in action. As a professional photographer, I experienced both the Gold Pass grandstand and General Admission grass area, gaining valuable insights for future airshow photography.
Gold Pass Experience at Avalon Airshow 2025
From the Gold Pass grandstand, I deliberately chose a last row seat—this gave me the freedom to stand up for a clear line of sight without blocking anyone behind.
Advantages:
- Elevated view over the crowd and fences
- Perfect visibility for takeoffs and landings
- No heads or hands in the way
Drawbacks:
- Limited ability to capture low-angle, dramatic runway shots
- Tripods are not allowed in the grandstand
General Admission Experience: The Ground-Level Perspective
On Sunday, I returned with a General Admission Pass. Arriving early secured me a front-row spot on the grass. This gave me a great parallel view of aircraft on the runway, but came with challenges.
Pros:
- Unique ground-level, dramatic compositions
- Use of tripods is possible if you’re not in the front row
Cons:
- Need to arrive early to reserve a good spot
- People standing and leaning forward during performances
- No tripods allowed in the front line
- Exposure to dust and wind (Sunday was very windy)
Recommended Camera Gear for Avalon Airshow Photography
My setup:
- Sony A7R V – excellent subject recognition, including aircraft AI tracking
- Sony 70-200mm GM II + 2x Teleconverter (effective 400mm)
Performance:
- AI AF was fast and mostly accurate, but some images still came out slightly soft
- 400mm is just enough—but only just
My Recommendation:
- Sony 200-600mm G – fantastic range and flexibility
- Sony 400-800mm G – great reach, but limited at close range (starting at 400mm may be restrictive for multi-plane formations)
Photography Tips for Avalon Airshow Visitors
- Gold Pass: Always pick the last row to allow standing while shooting
- General Admission: Arrive early and aim for the front center spot
- Bring a lens of at least 400mm, but 600mm+ is highly recommended
- Use tripods or monopods if you’re in the grass and not on the front line
- Bring gear protection (like rain covers or zip bags) in case of dusty wind
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Avalon Airshow was a thrilling and rewarding experience for aviation photographers. Whether you’re in the grandstand or on the grass, each spot offers its own advantages. With the right lens and planning, you can capture truly epic shots of some of the world’s finest aircraft.
Next time? I’m bringing a 600mm lens and a dust-resistant jacket!
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