Airshow lens recommendations

[Matto]

Basically need abit of guidance as to which lens to use. I did my first airshow a few months back using my Canon 70-300. Got some reasonable results but could do better. No seeing as I can't afford some of the really expensive lenses available I have consider renting. Only thing is I'm not too sure which to go for. They do a 100-400 f4.5-5.6 L lens but not sure if that will be much better than what I have as the f number is the same. There is also a 300 f2.8 but not sure if I'd miss having the zoom ability. What would people here suggest/use? Should I just practice more with what I have?

Cheers

 

[footman]

I find that the 100-400 zoom is well suited to airshows. I have used my 400 f5.6 which is very sharp but the ability to zoom is lost.
I used the zoom to first locate an aircraft and then zoom in to take the shot, some planes actually fly quite close so I wasn't always at full stretch.

Another important thing is whatever lens you use you should put in lots of practice in panning.

 

[hamster100]

If money is a issue look the 120-400mm IS or 150-500mm Is lens both from Sigma. I have the 120-400mm and I'm very happy with it.

I know a lot of Togs use the Canon 100-400 L lens, maybe as you say hire one to try first?

 

[Oggy]

I have the 150-500 on my Pentax and the 100-400 and 300F4 which I was using on a 1.6 crop body like yours until last weekend. The 150-500 and to a lesser extent the 100-400 are a bit light hungry. Both will produce good images, but the do need to be stopped down a bit at full extension. The 300 produces the best images, but you do have to learn the discipline of fixed focal lengths.

 

[Matto]

Footman...I definitely need to practice panning. TBH I struggled at RIAT with the weather conditions. First time using a long lens plus the wind didn't help matters. Like I say what I have is probably fine for what I want. Just need to hone my techniques and play about with settings.