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.