Best Lenses for Spotting at Busy Airports: 100-400mm vs 150-600mm

Hey everyone, I'm planning a trip to LAX and JFK soon and I'm trying to decide which lens to bring for spotting. I've been using a Canon R5 and I'm torn between the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM and the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM for Canon. Both have their pros and cons, but I'm curious about what you all think for shooting at busy airports like LAX and JFK.

The 100-400mm is lighter and easier to handle, but I'm worried it might not have enough reach for distant shots. On the other hand, the 150-600mm gives me more reach but is heavier and might be a bit cumbersome for a long day of spotting. How do you guys balance reach and portability, especially when dealing with constantly moving subjects and varying light conditions?

Also, how do you deal with heat haze when using longer focal lengths, especially in the summer? Any tips or experiences would be greatly appreciated. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and any sample shots you might want to share!

I've faced a similar dilemma while spotting at LAX and JFK, and both lenses have their merits. If you're planning to be close to the action, like at In-N-Out Burger Park at LAX, the 100-400mm might suffice for most shots, providing good maneuverability. However, at JFK, where planes can be quite distant, the extra reach of the 150-600mm could be beneficial.

Regarding heat haze, it's a tricky challenge, especially in summer. Shooting in the early morning or late afternoon can help reduce its effects. Also, try to avoid shooting over large expanses of concrete or tarmac, as these amplify the haze. Given your R5's capabilities, you might also consider cropping tighter from a 100-400mm shot to mitigate haze without sacrificing too much quality.

I've used both lenses at busy airports like LAX and JFK, and each has its strengths. The Canon RF 100-400mm is great for maneuverability, especially in tight spots or when you're moving around a lot. For locations where you're closer to the action, like near runways or taxiways, it should suffice. However, for distant shots, especially at JFK where you might be further from the aircraft, the extra reach of the Sigma 150-600mm can be invaluable.

Regarding heat haze, it's tricky with longer focal lengths. Try shooting early in the morning or late in the afternoon when temperatures are cooler. Also, avoid shooting over hot surfaces like tarmac, and aim for higher angles if possible. Anyone else have tips for minimizing haze?