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.