Best Lens for Capturing Aircraft at LAX - Recommendations?

Hey fellow spotters! I'm planning a trip to LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) soon and I'm looking to upgrade my lens for some serious aircraft photography. Currently, I'm using a Canon R5 and have been considering either the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM or the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary. I'm interested in capturing both take-offs and landings from the iconic In-N-Out Burger spotting location and maybe some night shots from the parking garages.

Does anyone have experience with these lenses, especially in terms of sharpness and autofocus speed for fast-moving aircraft? Also, any tips on camera settings for dealing with LAX's lighting conditions, especially during golden hour, would be greatly appreciated. Looking forward to your insights and any other lens recommendations you might have!

Both lenses you mentioned are excellent choices for spotting at LAX, but here's a bit more on each. The Canon RF 100-500mm offers superb sharpness and a slightly more compact form factor, which is beneficial if you plan on moving around a lot. Its autofocus is fast and reliable, crucial for capturing those high-speed take-offs and landings.

On the other hand, the Sigma 150-600mm provides extra reach, which can be handy for distant shots, especially from the parking garages. It's a bit heavier, but offers a good balance between performance and price.

For LAX, lighting can be tricky, especially during golden hour. I recommend starting with an aperture around f/8 for optimal sharpness and adjusting ISO to maintain a fast shutter speed (1/1000 or faster) for sharp images of moving aircraft. Have fun spotting!

I've had the chance to use both lenses with a Canon R5, and here's my take. The Canon RF 100-500mm is exceptional in terms of sharpness and autofocus speed, which is crucial for capturing fast-moving aircraft. Its lighter weight is a bonus, especially if you plan to move around spots like the In-N-Out Burger location. On the other hand, the Sigma 150-600mm offers extra reach, which can be handy for distant shots, but it is a bit bulkier. For golden hour at LAX, consider using a lower ISO to reduce noise and a faster shutter speed to freeze motion, adjusting your aperture to balance exposure. Have you considered a monopod for stability during extended shoots?

I've used both lenses at LAX, and each has its strengths. The Canon RF 100-500mm is definitely lighter and more compact, which makes it easier to handle, especially for extended periods of spotting. Its autofocus is incredibly fast and accurate, which is perfect for take-offs and landings. The Sigma 150-600mm, on the other hand, gives you a bit more reach, which can be advantageous if you're trying to capture aircraft further down the runway. For night shots, the Canon's slightly wider aperture range can be helpful, although both will perform well with the R5's high ISO capabilities. For golden hour, I'd suggest starting with an aperture around f/8 for sharpness and adjusting your ISO to keep a fast shutter speed. Happy spotting!