Best Lens for Spotting at LAX: 100-400mm or 150-600mm?

Hey fellow spotters, I'm planning a trip to LAX (Los Angeles International Airport - LAX) and I'm torn between two lenses for my Canon R5: the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 or the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM. I've heard that LAX has some great spotting locations, especially at the In-N-Out Burger near the runways.

I'm particularly interested in capturing the wide variety of aircraft that come through, from the domestic A320s to the international A380s and 747s. I'm wondering if the extra reach of the 150-600mm is worth the weight and size, or if the 100-400mm is versatile enough given the proximity of some spotting locations.

Also, any tips on shooting settings or times of day for the best light would be appreciated. I've been using Lightroom for post-processing, but any advice on dealing with heat haze or enhancing sharpness would be awesome.

Looking forward to hearing your experiences and recommendations!

I've spotted at LAX several times, and both lenses have their merits. The Canon RF 100-400mm is lighter and easier for quick adjustments, which is beneficial when you're at a busy spot like the In-N-Out Burger. However, the Sigma 150-600mm's extra reach can be invaluable for capturing arrivals and departures on runways further away, like the 24s and 25s, depending on the time of day and air traffic.

For lighting, morning and late afternoon provide softer light and reduce harsh shadows. As for settings, start with a shutter speed of at least 1/1000s to freeze motion, and adjust ISO as needed. Heat haze can be tricky; shooting early in the day when temperatures are cooler might help. In Lightroom, using the dehaze tool can sometimes enhance clarity on hazy images.

I've done quite a bit of spotting at LAX, and both lenses have their upsides. The Sigma 150-600mm gives you excellent reach, especially for those long-distance shots of aircraft on the runways or taxiways. However, the Canon RF 100-400mm is more portable, which can be a huge advantage when moving between different locations like the In-N-Out Burger and Imperial Hill.

For settings, a shutter speed of at least 1/1000s is ideal to freeze motion, especially for fast-moving aircraft. Early mornings or late afternoons usually provide the best light, reducing harsh midday shadows. For dealing with heat haze, try shooting from a higher vantage point, like the Proud Bird restaurant area, when possible. In Lightroom, clarity and dehaze sliders can help enhance sharpness and contrast.

I've spotted at LAX a few times, and both lenses can work well depending on your priorities. The Canon RF 100-400mm is definitely more portable, which is great if you're moving between locations like Clutter's Park or the iconic In-N-Out spot. However, LAX sees a lot of widebody traffic, so the extra reach of the Sigma 150-600mm can be invaluable for capturing those larger jets like the A380s from a distance.

In terms of settings, early morning and late afternoon provide the best light, reducing harsh shadows. For heat haze, try shooting on cooler days or position yourself where you're not shooting over hot surfaces. In Lightroom, using the Dehaze tool can help counteract some of the atmospheric distortion.

I've spotted at LAX numerous times, and each lens has its place. The Canon RF 100-400mm is fantastic for its lightness and flexibility, especially when moving between locations like Imperial Hill and the In-N-Out Burger. However, the Sigma 150-600mm is unbeatable for long-range shots, especially if you're capturing aircraft on approach or at further distances on the runways. For the best lighting, I recommend early morning or late afternoon for softer light and less harsh shadows. Heat haze can be a challenge, so shooting in cooler parts of the day can help. For sharpness in Lightroom, try the 'Texture' and 'Clarity' sliders for fine details. Have you considered combining both lenses on your trip? That could offer the best of both worlds.

I've spotted at LAX multiple times, and choosing the right lens really depends on your priorities. If you're primarily focusing on the iconic locations like the In-N-Out Burger on Sepulveda Blvd, the Canon RF 100-400mm will likely be sufficient and offers great flexibility due to its lighter weight. However, if you're planning to capture aircraft on the far runways or taxiways, the Sigma 150-600mm's extra reach could be advantageous, albeit at the cost of added weight and bulk.

For the best light, early morning and late afternoon are ideal, providing softer, more flattering lighting and less heat haze. Consider shooting in manual mode with a faster shutter speed to freeze motion, and use a polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance colors. Adjusting clarity and sharpness in Lightroom can help mitigate some effects of heat haze.

I've spent quite a bit of time spotting at LAX, and both lenses are solid choices. Given LAX's diverse traffic, including heavy international jets like the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747, the Sigma 150-600mm can give you that extra reach which is great for runway shots or when you're further from the action, like on Imperial Hill. However, if you're primarily at closer spots like the In-N-Out, the Canon RF 100-400mm might be all you need. As for settings, early morning or late afternoon usually offers the best light. To combat heat haze, try shooting at lower temperatures or higher altitudes, and in Lightroom, use the Dehaze tool sparingly to enhance clarity.

I've been to LAX for spotting several times and can share some insights. The Canon RF 100-400mm is indeed versatile and lighter, making it easier to handle for extended periods, especially if you plan on moving between different spots like Imperial Hill or Clutter's Park. However, if you're interested in getting close-up shots of aircraft on the runways or taxiways, the Sigma 150-600mm's extra reach can be a game-changer.

For shooting settings, early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light, with less harsh shadows and more vibrant colors. Heat haze can be tricky, especially during midday, so try to shoot from elevated positions if possible. In Lightroom, clarity and dehaze adjustments can help enhance sharpness.

I've spotted at LAX several times and find it one of the best airports for diverse aircraft. If your main locations are close to the action, like the In-N-Out Burger, the Canon RF 100-400mm should serve you well. It's lighter and easier to carry, which can be crucial if you're spotting for long periods. However, for more distant shots or capturing those iconic heavies like the Airbus A380 or Boeing 747 from further away, the Sigma 150-600mm would be advantageous. As for shooting tips, morning and late afternoon offer great lighting conditions, minimizing harsh midday shadows. For heat haze, try shooting on cooler days or from elevated positions. In post-processing, using Lightroom's clarity and dehaze sliders can help bring out details.

I've done a lot of spotting at LAX, and I think both lenses have their advantages, but it depends on your shooting style. If you plan to move around and hit multiple spots like Imperial Hill, the flexibility and lighter weight of the 100-400mm could be a major plus. It's versatile enough for close-up shots and wider shots of aircraft on approach. However, if you're looking to catch those long-distance shots, especially of departures from long runways, the extra reach of the 150-600mm could be invaluable.

For shooting settings, consider using a fast shutter speed to capture sharp images of moving aircraft, and aim for early morning or late afternoon for the best light. Heat haze can be tricky; try to shoot when the air is cooler, like early morning.

I've done a fair amount of spotting at LAX, and both lenses can serve you well. The Canon RF 100-400mm is great for its portability and is sufficient for most of the action at locations like the In-N-Out. However, if you're interested in shooting from further back or capturing aircraft on the far runways, the Sigma 150-600mm could be beneficial with its extended reach.

For shooting settings, try a shutter speed of at least 1/1000s to freeze motion, and consider shooting in the early morning or late afternoon for the best light. Heat haze can be a challenge, especially on hot days, so shooting when the temperature is cooler might help mitigate that. In Lightroom, using the Dehaze tool can help bring out details in hazy shots.

I've spotted at LAX multiple times, and both lenses have their merits. The Canon RF 100-400mm is indeed more manageable, especially for moving between locations like the In-N-Out Burger and Imperial Hill. However, the Sigma 150-600mm can be invaluable for catching those distant arrivals and departures, especially when larger aircraft like the A380 or 747 are in view. If you're planning to stay at one spot for an extended time and can handle the weight, the extra reach might be worth it. For settings, aim for early morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh midday light, and keep your shutter speed high to minimize heat haze. Happy spotting!

I've spotted at LAX as well, and I think both lenses have their place depending on what you're aiming to capture. The Canon RF 100-400mm is excellent for its portability and ease of use, especially when you're near the action. However, the Sigma 150-600mm can give you an edge when trying to capture aircraft further away or for detailed shots of aircraft on the far side of the runways.

Consider your shooting style and how much moving around you'll do. For optimal lighting, early morning and late afternoon are typically best, as the sun is lower and shadows are softer. Be aware of heat haze, especially during midday; shooting at higher altitudes can sometimes help mitigate this.

I've been spotting at LAX many times, and I lean towards the Sigma 150-600mm for the extra reach, especially when capturing those distant arrivals and departures from Imperial Hill or Clutter's Park. While it is heavier, the ability to zoom in on aircraft further away can yield some unique shots, particularly for larger jets like the Airbus A380 or Boeing 747. For shooting settings, try starting with a shutter speed of 1/1000 sec or faster to freeze motion and use aperture priority to maintain sharpness. As for heat haze, shooting earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon can mitigate its effects, and a polarizing filter might help with enhancing contrast in post-processing.