Frankfurt am Main (EDDF/FRA), Germany
Author: Keishi Nukina
Map
Spot 1: Terminal 2 Observation Deck
How to get there: In Terminal 2 follow signs to 'Besucherterrasse'.
What can be seen: Some stands in front of Terminal 2 and both parallel runways in distance, whilst 25L/R are closer. Beside that, you can also see planes taxiing for departure from 25L and R.
Light: While it is open, you always have sun in front of you, so it's only good on cloudy days.
Lens: It all depends on what you want to shoot, but here, pretty much every lens is usable. While for some aircraft taxiing to jetways right under the terrace you will need only few milimeters, for aircraft on RWY you will need at least 250mm for the inner runway.
Other info: It is open from 10:00 to 17:00 and there is an entrance fee of 2.5EUR. To enter it, you have to go through usual security, so no dangerous goods or liquids allowed. Good place to go, if you have some time to spend inside the terminal, such as when transferring. Otherwise it's better to go next to the runways.
Sample photos:
176mm (35mm eqv.)
Spot 2: Runway 25L/R Approach (A5 Autobahn Spot)
How to get there: You have to leave Terminal 2 in Check-In section D and cross a road with taxi stands. Then walk along the road which is elevated and get down. After few metres, there will be an X-shaped crossing, where you will just go straight. After few minutes, you will cross a road and there, you will see a pedestrian and cycling road on your left. Cross the road you are walking along and continue along the above mentioned cycling road. You will reach the spot in about 25-30 minutes from Terminal 2.
What can be seen: Planes landing on runways 25L and R, planes taxiing on the taxiway inbetween the parallel runways and some of the planes taxiing for departure from RWY18. Along that taxiway, there are also some interesting planes, such South African A346, Qantas 744, China Eastern and Air China A330, being towed to their stands.
Light: Light is good for photography from sunrise untill sunset.
Lens: For 25L, you can shoot pretty much everything with 200mm lens. As for 25R, you may need 400+mm for the smaller planes, but 200mm is still enough for A346 or 747. You may also find useful some wide lens if you want to shoot side on shots of the widebody aircraft being towed past this spot. For the taxiway inbetween the 25L and R, you will need +-200mm for a 777.
Other info: One of the best spots at FRA. If RWY25R and L are in use, then this is the right place to go.
Sample photos:
144mm (35mm eqv.)
320mm (35mm eqv.)
320mm (35mm eqv.)
Spot 3: Runway 7L/R Approach
How to get there: You have to take bus #5541 from Terminal 1, platform 21 to a stop called Tor 31. It takes about 10 minutes and it is the first stop after passing tunnel under RWY18. After getting of the bus, you have to walk back under the tunnel and along the road for about 30 minutes. The bus leaves every 30 minutes.
What can be seen: Planes on approach to RWY7L and R. You can stand inbetween both runways or change your position from one RWY to another according to the position of the sun. You can't see the planes early before they pass in front of you, so stay prepared to shoot and listen carefully.
Light: Light is good from sunrise untill sunset.
Lens: It depends on your position, but a lens with maximum of 200mm should be enough, although you might want a little more for the smallest planes.
Other info: Not bad spot, but it is better to go to the observation platform if 7L/R are in use.
Sample photos: No photos yet.
 
Spot 4: Observation Platform (RWY7L/R approach, RWY18 take-off)
How to get there: You need to get to the Tor 31 stop mentioned above. From there, walk back again, but shortly after you walk under the RWY18 bridge, there will be a small car park with a small road leading into forrest. Follow the road until you see the platform. It should take about 25 minutes.
What can be seen: Approach and landing on RWY7L/R and take-offs from RWY18.
Light: Planes approaching 7L/R are OK all day, but take-offs from RWY18 are lit well only in the afternoon.
Lens: You can get all planes on RWY7R and RWY18 with a 200mm lens. For RWY7L you might need more, but 200mm are still enough for a 747.
Other info: If the wind is correct, I would go to this spot instead of the previous one. Anyway, it's a matter of preference between classic approach shots and more side on ones.
Sample photos: No photos yet.