Best Lenses for Capturing Aircraft at JFK

Hey fellow spotters! I've been frequenting JFK (JFK) for some aviation photography and wanted to get your thoughts on the best lenses for capturing aircraft there. I'm currently using a Canon EOS R5 and typically shoot from the T5 parking garage, which offers a great view of the runways but can be a bit far from the action.

I've been using a Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens, which works well for most conditions, but I'm wondering if anyone has experience with the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM in this setting. Is the extra reach worth it for takeoffs and landings, or does it struggle with the lower aperture in less-than-perfect light?

Also, any tips on settings for dealing with heat haze from this location would be much appreciated. I'm looking forward to hearing your experiences and any recommendations you might have. Thanks!

I've used the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM at JFK, and while the reach is impressive for close-ups, especially on the runways, the f/11 aperture can be limiting in low light or overcast conditions. You might find it struggles with autofocus speed and accuracy in those scenarios, particularly for fast-moving aircraft. For daytime shooting, however, the extra reach is a definite advantage.

As for heat haze, shooting earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon when the temperatures are cooler can help. Also, try keeping your focus point on the aircraft rather than the runway. You might want to experiment with different shutter speeds and keep the ISO as low as feasible to manage noise.