Best Lenses for Capturing Takeoffs at LAX

Hey fellow spotters! I'm planning a trip to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and I'm super excited about capturing some takeoffs from the iconic In-N-Out Burger spotting location. I'm currently using a Canon EOS R5, but I'm torn between bringing my Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM or renting the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM for the trip.

I've read that the 100-400mm is great for the extra reach, especially for those long runway shots, but the 70-200mm is supposed to be fantastic for low light and has superb image quality. For those of you who have shot at LAX, particularly at the Sepulveda Blvd location, what lens do you recommend? Also, any tips on settings or techniques to deal with heat haze would be much appreciated. Looking forward to your advice and any sample shots you might want to share!

I've shot at LAX from the In-N-Out location several times, and both lenses you're considering have their merits. The Canon EF 100-400mm is a top choice for this spot because the extra reach can be critical for capturing aircraft as they lift off. The flexibility of the zoom range is beneficial since planes can vary in size and distance. However, if you anticipate shooting during low-light conditions, like evening takeoffs, the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 would be superior for its wider aperture, allowing faster shutter speeds.

Regarding heat haze, try shooting early in the morning or later in the afternoon when temperatures are cooler. Also, using a polarizing filter can help reduce glare, improving clarity. If possible, position yourself to minimize the amount of ground in your shots, as heat haze is more intense closer to the surface.

I've shot at the In-N-Out location at LAX a few times, and I'd recommend the Canon EF 100-400mm for its versatility and reach. The extra zoom is invaluable for capturing aircraft as they line up on the runway or during takeoff. While the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L is excellent in low light, the lighting at LAX is generally good, especially during the day, so reach becomes more critical. As for dealing with heat haze, try shooting early in the morning or later in the afternoon when temperatures are cooler. Also, consider using a higher shutter speed to minimize distortion. Have fun and happy spotting!

I've shot at LAX from the In-N-Out Burger spot as well, and I'd lean towards the Canon EF 100-400mm for this location. The extra reach really makes a difference, especially as aircraft line up on Runways 24L and 24R. The 70-200mm might struggle a bit with reach unless you're focused on capturing closer taxiing shots. As for dealing with heat haze, shooting early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the temperatures are cooler can help. Also, try keeping your aperture smaller, around f/8 to f/11, and focus on areas of the aircraft that are less affected by haze, like the tail. Happy spotting!

I've spent a lot of time spotting at LAX, especially around the In-N-Out Burger area. While both lenses are excellent choices, I would go with the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM for this location. The additional reach is invaluable for capturing aircraft both on approach and during takeoff, especially given the distance from the runway.

When it comes to handling heat haze, try to shoot early in the morning or late afternoon when it's less pronounced. Also, using a narrower aperture can help counteract the blur caused by heat waves. As for settings, a fast shutter speed is crucial to freeze the motion of departing aircraft. Have a great spotting session at LAX!