Best Lenses for Capturing Aircraft at Sunset: 70-200mm vs 100-400mm

Hi everyone! I've been trying to improve my aviation photography, especially during the golden hour when the lighting is just perfect. I'm currently using a Canon EOS R5 and have been debating between investing in a Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM or a Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM.

I usually shoot at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport - LAX) around sunset, and I want to capture both wide shots and close-ups of aircraft taking off and landing. The 70-200mm seems great for its speed and image stabilization, but the extra reach of the 100-500mm is tempting for those closer shots.

For those who have experience with either lens, how do they handle low light conditions at sunset? Do you find the reach of the 100-500mm worth the trade-off in aperture, or does the 70-200mm provide enough versatility for this type of photography?

Also, any tips on settings for shooting during sunset would be greatly appreciated! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences.

Both lenses have their merits, but given your focus on sunset photography, the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L might be your best bet. The constant f/2.8 aperture will perform better in low light conditions, allowing you to maintain faster shutter speeds as the light fades. This can be crucial for capturing sharp images of moving aircraft.

However, if you often find yourself wishing for more reach, the 100-500mm can be quite advantageous, especially at a busy airport like LAX where aircraft are constantly in motion at varying distances. Just keep in mind that at the longer end, the maximum aperture is only f/7.1, which can be limiting as the sun sets.

For settings, consider using a higher ISO to compensate for low light, and try shooting in RAW for more flexibility in post-processing. Balancing ISO and aperture will be key to getting the best shots.

Having shot at LAX around sunset myself, I can say both lenses are excellent choices for aviation photography. The Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM is incredibly versatile with its wider aperture, which is essential for low-light conditions like sunset. It will give you faster shutter speeds and better subject isolation with that creamy bokeh effect.

However, the extra reach of the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM can be valuable for capturing those tighter shots during takeoff and landing. If most of your shots are at the longer end, the 100-500mm might be worth considering despite the smaller aperture.

For sunset settings, consider shooting in aperture priority mode with a slightly higher ISO to compensate for the lower light. Both lenses should deliver excellent results, but it depends on whether you prioritize reach or low-light performance.

I've used both lenses at various airports, and each has its strengths. The Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM excels in low-light conditions, making it ideal for capturing aircraft during the golden hour. Its constant f/2.8 aperture allows for faster shutter speeds, reducing motion blur-especially useful if you're capturing fast-moving jets at LAX. On the other hand, the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM gives you more flexibility for distant shots, but its variable aperture can be limiting as the sun sets.

If your primary goal is to capture detailed shots of aircraft on approach, the 100-500mm might be worth it. However, for versatility and low-light performance, the 70-200mm often proves more reliable. You might also consider using a monopod for stability, especially with the 100-500mm at slower shutter speeds.