Discovery launch...

[scpergj]

I took some pictures of the Discovery launch this evening from my back yard. Our view started at about 15 seconds after launch; we lost sight of her at about 900 miles downrange. This was one of the best that we have ever seen - it rivaled the Independence Day launch a couple of years ago. All of these were taken hand held, with my D80, Nikkor 18-200mm 3.5-4.6 VR lens, all set to auto (I wanted to make sure I got these!)

On to the pictures!

Here is the contrail about 5 minutes after launch:

These were kind of test shots to see how this lens/camera combination would handle that distance...I'd say it did pretty good!

 

[Craig]

cool!

 

[goofmick]

Awesome!!

 

[zackiedawg]

Better than my view for sure! I was all ready to snap it again, but clouds set in just north of me, which takes out my view. I saw the very very end of it just as the boosters were falling off, as 3 tiny dots - not worth trying to photograph.

Yours looks considerably closer too! Nice work.

 

[PolynesianMedic]

Great shots, I was wondering if any of the folks down that way were able to get some nice shots and I see that you were. Thanks for posting.

 

[Scottwdw]

Not bad for just a 200mm lens. Love the VR lenses.

Seen the shuttle launch twice. Both times from WDW. Nice work!

 

[goofy101]

cool

 

[scpergj]

Thanks everyone for your replies.

A bit more information...I live in Middleburg, FL, just south and west of Jacksonville. According to Google Earth, that is approximately 130 miles north/northwest of the Cape. I was able to see Discovery from about 15 seconds after lift-off. I know we have people on this group that live closer, but it's pretty cool to be able to see many launches in person, even from far away!

 

[RedOctober25]

My parents were staying in Sarasota (1/2 hour south of Tampa) and they saw the launch as well (from the other side of the state!). ; Amazing.