The Manhattanhenge occurs semi-annually around the summer and winter solstice and it is the only time that the setting sun is in alignment with the streets of NYC. Meaning, that on a few specific days, when the sun sets over the Jersey palisades, there is an unusual opportunity to film and photograph sunsets in Manhattan.
This is a very blessed occasion, because even with a half dozen IPhone apps, and all the cosmic info available on the net, tracking exactly where the sun will rise and set can be tricky business. Yeah, you can calculate where it will occur, but finding the right place to put down your tripod, so that the shot looks decent is another thing.
Last year I filmed the sun down 13th Street, near the Gansevort Hotel, just as it was setting over the High Line. Stunning! I was using a 300mm lens on my EX3 which with an MTF adaptor, which magnifies the image by a factor of 5.4. So, in essence, it became a 1,600mm lens.
This year I put the same lens on my Sony F3 and recorded into a Nanoflash external recorder. Although the lens was not as extreme, the results were still excellent and the low-light capability of the F3's large sensor allowed me to catch the last bits of golden light, long after the sun had dropped.
One important suggestion when using any type of telephoto lens is to have a solid tripod. The tiniest amount of vibration will show up when using a long lens and having a decent foundation is crucial.
As of late, I have been using the new 509 fluid head and the 536 carbon fiber legs from Manfrotto. This gives me the firm foundation I'm looking for while still remaining an amazingly lightweight package.
Aside from being very easy to balance, it has a light-up bubble which is essential for low-light shooting.
An important feature when you are huffing around Manhattan with a camera over your shoulder.
July 12th is the next time Manhattanhenge will occur so, be ready!
The Crazy Duck Web site
Chuck Featured on Sony's VideOn site
