The 100-400 is by far the most popular Canon aviation lens in my opinion. For a good reason too, not only is it good IQ, it is versatile. For airshows that is very useful, different size planes, vastly changing distances.


However, I wonder, where do you intend to photograph planes with this lens? If you are taking shots only at an operational base then 200mm on a crop body is sufficient in my opinion, but it is not enough for airshows. I have a 200mm f/2.8 II and a 1.4x extender. I do miss the versatility of the zoom but this is a cheap way of getting a fast 2.8 lens (for other uses) and a 280mm f/4.0 lens when I need more reach. A lot of aviation guys use the 70-200mm f/4.0 (highly recommended if you don't need 400mm) and a 1.4x extender for when they need it. But if price is not important then the 100-400 is the better option if versatility is key.


If 400mm is what you need though, and nothing else, then the 400mm 5.6 prime is better than the 100-400 at the long end. The 300mm f/4.0 is a nice lens too.


Looking at your above choices, I will quickly say that IS is not required for aviation shots in the air for moving planes, your shutter speed will be high enough for IS to be irrelevant. Also a fast lens like a 2.8 is not essential either. But, if you intend to use this lens for other things then IS or fast glass may be very important to you for other reasons.


I'd avoid most SIgmas/Tamrons personally because I like a fast autofocus system like Canon's USM for this type of photography.


Shot from the 200mm; http://www.craighollisaviation.fotopic.net/p68057409.html


Craig.