Hey folks, I'm planning to do some spotting at Zurich Airport (ZRH) soon and could use some advice on lenses. I've got a Canon body and am considering between the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM and the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM. I know ZRH has some great vantage points, but not sure which lens would be more versatile there. Would love to hear from anyone who's shot there before. How's the light usually? Is the extra reach on the Sigma worth it, or does the Canon's sharpness really stand out? Any insights on what might work best for the different spotting locations at ZRH would be awesome!
Best Lenses for Spotting at Zurich Airport (ZRH)?
I'd go with the Canon 100-400mm. At ZRH, you usually have decent light, and the sharpness on that lens is fantastic. The Sigma's extra reach is nice, but unless you're trying to get extreme close-ups, the Canon should cover most spots. Plus, it's lighter, which makes a difference if you're moving around a lot. Have you checked out the observation deck? It offers some great angles where 400mm is more than enough.
I'd lean towards the Sigma 150-600mm if you're looking to capture some of the action on the far side of the runways. That extra reach can be really handy at ZRH, especially for departures. However, if you're more into getting those crisp, detailed shots closer to the viewing areas, the Canon might be your best bet. What's your main goal? More variety with distance or sharper close-ups? Lighting's generally good, but it can shift, so flexibility helps.
I've shot at ZRH a few times, and it really depends on where you plan to be. The viewing deck is awesome, and the 100-400mm usually does the trick there since you're closer to the action. But if you're gonna be near the perimeter fence or further away, the Sigma's reach makes a big difference. Light's generally good, but it can get a bit overcast. Have you checked out the observation deck on Terminal E? That spot's pretty killer for catching planes on approach.