Best Lenses for Capturing Aircraft at Busy Airports

Hey everyone! I've been doing a lot of plane spotting lately at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport), and I'm finding it challenging to choose the right lens for capturing those stunning aircraft shots. I've been using a Canon R5 and currently switching between a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III and a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II. The 70-200mm is great for closer shots with its wide aperture, but sometimes I wish I had more reach without losing sharpness. The 100-400mm gives me that extra distance, but I feel I might be compromising on speed and low-light capability.

For those of you who frequently spot at busy airports like LAX, JFK, or ORD, which lens do you prefer? Do you have any tips on managing the balance between reach and image quality? Also, has anyone tried the Sigma 150-600mm for aviation photography? I'd love to hear your experiences and any recommendations you might have. Looking forward to your thoughts!

I've been spotting at LAX for years, and I can relate to your dilemma. The Canon EF 100-400mm is indeed excellent for those long reach shots, especially for aircraft on the far runways or taxiways. However, if you're looking for a bit more flexibility, the Sigma 150-600mm lenses are quite popular among spotters. They offer great reach and surprisingly good sharpness, though they are a bit heavier and slower regarding aperture. One tip: try positioning yourself at different vantage points around LAX, like the In-N-Out Burger area, where the 70-200mm might suffice due to closer proximity to the action. Have you considered trying a teleconverter with the 70-200mm to extend its reach without investing in another lens?