Best Lenses for Airport Spotting: 100-400mm vs. 150-600mm

Hey fellow spotters, I've been considering upgrading my lens for some time now and I'm torn between getting a Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II or a Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM. I usually spot at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) and sometimes head over to JFK (John F. Kennedy International Airport) when I'm on the East Coast.

I'm curious about your experiences with these lenses, especially in terms of image quality, portability, and focus speed. I know LAX can have some heat haze issues, especially in the afternoon, so any tips on dealing with that would be great too.

Do you think the extra reach of the 150-600mm is worth the weight and size? Or is the versatility and build quality of the 100-400mm a better choice for airport spotting?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and seeing some of your shots with these lenses!

I've used both lenses at LAX, and each has its pros and cons. The Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II is fantastic for its build quality and image stabilization, which is crucial when panning to capture fast-moving aircraft. It's lighter, making it more manageable for extended spotting sessions. The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 offers that extra reach, which is helpful for distant shots, especially at larger airports like LAX or JFK. However, it's bulkier and can be more challenging to handle for long periods.

Regarding heat haze, try to position yourself where the aircraft is closer to you, reducing the amount of air you shoot through, and aim to spot earlier in the day when temperatures are cooler. Ultimately, if portability and versatility are your priorities, the 100-400mm might suit you better. But for maximum reach and those far-off shots, the 150-600mm is hard to beat.

I've had experience with both lenses, and while they each have their strengths, it really depends on your needs. The Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II is excellent for its portability and quick autofocus, which can be a big plus at busy airports like LAX or JFK where flexibility is key. The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 offers greater reach, which can be beneficial for capturing aircraft on distant runways or taxiways.

However, the extra weight and size of the Sigma can be cumbersome if you're moving around a lot. Regarding heat haze, it's more about the time of day and weather conditions. Shooting in early morning or late afternoon can help minimize that issue. Also, consider a tripod or monopod for the Sigma if you go that route.

I've used both lenses extensively, and each has its merits depending on the situation. At LAX, the Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II is my go-to for its superior build quality and faster autofocus, which is great for capturing fast-moving aircraft. The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM offers impressive reach, especially at JFK where you might want to capture arrivals from a distance. However, the Sigma can be a bit cumbersome for long periods of handheld shooting.

Regarding heat haze, it's a tough challenge at any airport. I recommend shooting earlier in the morning or later in the day when temperatures are cooler. Also, try to position yourself with the sun at your back for clearer shots. Have you considered these lenses with a teleconverter for more flexibility?