I won't offer all the technical stuff then (thanks circuit basher :-)).
We use a 152 a lot and 172 when available. Both perfectly good aircrfat for air to air and air to ground providing the speed range is right for subject aircraft. The main issue is keeping the lens still when poking it out through the window. Shorter lenses can sit inside the cabin but look through the open window. Rather depends on what the subject is.
Would repeat the advice given here that formation experience is a must for both the lead (usually camera ship) and the subject ship if you are going to be getting within range for a decent air to air. And don't be afraid to abort the sortie if for whatever reason the formation isn't working out.
Learning about positioning for photographs at the same time as learnong to formate is a real killer.