I travel a lot and try to stop in local military museums. Many of these are inside with mood (meaning minimal) lighting. Without bringing a full lighting set up, does anyone have any tips for shooting the armored vehicles found in these museums?

Thanks!

I would take a monopod (tripod with just one leg). Easy to carry around and lends enough stability to your camera to use low(ish) ISO and no flash.

Assuming a DSLR:

Polarising filter (if your lens works with it) for shooting objects behind glass might be useful

I second a Monopod or in a pinch a light tripod with the legs not spread out (mine can still be extended partially) as a replacement monopod

Shoot either in full manual or in AV mode (you set the appreture size, camera determins timing)

I find an external flash useful and not too heavy for the benefits. I use a Yongnuo YN468 II and sometimes flashing against the cyling with a diffusor on helps

Worst case try a prime lens they allow more light coming through

And ultimately it's all a matter of a long enough exposure

f22 / 30seconds / ISO3200 , EOS1100D with the 18-55 kit on tripod, 3. dez. 13

Depending on the museum, some won't allow tripods (trip hazard, apparently) and some won't allow flash (fades the "authentic" modern paint on their WW2 tanks). One big'un in Virginia doesn't allow either! When this happens, Photoshop is your best friend...

In my experience, using a polarising filter and monopod are the best way forward here.

Be prepared for the "no flash" rule. I've seen more than a few museums who ban them.