Mastering Night Aviation Photography: Best Settings and Gear

Hey everyone, I've been trying to improve my night aviation photography and could use some advice. Recently, I was at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport - LAX) capturing some landing shots after sunset. I'm using a Canon R5 with a 100-400mm lens, and I struggled a bit with noise and motion blur.

I've been shooting at ISO 3200 to keep the shutter speed around 1/200s, but sometimes the results aren't as sharp as I'd like. I'm considering investing in a faster lens, maybe the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8, but I'm not sure if that'll make a big enough difference.

Does anyone have tips on improving sharpness and reducing noise in these low-light conditions? Also, what post-processing techniques in Lightroom or Photoshop have you found effective for enhancing night shots? Looking forward to hearing your experiences and suggestions, especially if you've had success shooting at airports with similar lighting challenges. Thanks!

I've been in a similar situation with night photography at airports. Using a faster lens like the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 can definitely help by allowing you to shoot at lower ISOs, reducing noise. However, it's not just about the lens. Try using a monopod or tripod to stabilize your shots, which can help with sharpness. In terms of settings, consider dropping your shutter speed slightly if the plane's movement allows for it. For post-processing, noise reduction in Lightroom can be effective-start with the Detail panel and adjust the Luminance slider carefully. Also, try sharpening selectively using masks to retain detail while managing noise. Keep experimenting, and you'll find the right balance!

I've found that using a tripod or monopod can be incredibly helpful for night aviation photography. This can allow you to use slower shutter speeds without introducing motion blur. If you're handheld, consider using image stabilization settings on your lens if available. As for lenses, the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 is a great choice. The wider aperture will definitely help in low-light conditions by allowing more light to reach the sensor, enabling you to lower your ISO and reduce noise. In post-processing, try using noise reduction selectively in Lightroom to maintain details. Also, adjusting the contrast and highlights can help bring out details in the aircraft. Have you tried shooting in RAW? It offers more flexibility in post-processing, which can be crucial in low-light scenarios.