Wildlife photography offers a unique blend of adventure and artistry, capturing moments in nature that few ever get to witness firsthand.
Whether you’re photographing a soaring eagle or a shy deer peering through the forest, wildlife photography often demands specialized gear, particularly lenses. A telephoto lens is a must-have in your kit if you want to get close to the action without disturbing the animals.
These lenses allow you to shoot distant subjects with high detail, making it easier to capture stunning wildlife photos from afar.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 5 best telephoto lenses for wildlife photography, all available for purchase, and help you understand what to look for when choosing the best lens for your photography needs.
Why You Need a Telephoto Lens for Wildlife Photography
Wildlife photography typically involves shooting at long distances, as many animals are skittish and easily scared by the presence of humans. Getting too close can not only frighten the animals, but it can also cause you to miss that perfect shot.
A telephoto lens lets you zoom in on faraway subjects without getting physically close, preserving both the quality of your photos and the comfort of the animals. These lenses also have the ability to bring distant objects into sharp focus, while blurring out the background, giving your photos a striking and professional look.
When choosing a telephoto lens, it’s essential to consider factors like focal length, aperture, weight, and image stabilization.
A longer focal length, such as 300mm or more, lets you capture more distant animals with better detail. A wide aperture is also crucial for low-light situations, such as early mornings or late afternoons when animals are most active.
Lastly, image stabilization can help reduce camera shake, which is important when shooting at long focal lengths.
1. Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Canon’s RF 100-500mm lens is an excellent choice for wildlife photographers who want a versatile, high-performance lens without breaking the bank. The lens offers a wide zoom range, from 100mm to 500mm, which allows you to adapt to different wildlife situations. Whether you’re shooting a bird perched high in a tree or a lion lounging in the grass, this lens has you covered.
The build quality is superb, with a rugged design that can handle tough outdoor conditions. It’s part of Canon’s L-series, meaning it’s part of their premium line of lenses, known for delivering sharp, high-contrast images. The lens also features advanced image stabilization, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light or at longer focal lengths. The autofocus is quick and accurate, ensuring you never miss a shot, even when photographing fast-moving animals.
For those who already own a Canon mirrorless camera, this lens fits seamlessly into their system, providing excellent compatibility with Canon’s RF-mount. While the maximum aperture of f/7.1 might not be the best in low light, it’s still a solid performer for most outdoor wildlife conditions.
See Canon RF 100-500mm on Amazon
2. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR is an exceptional lens that gives you outstanding reach and image quality at a relatively affordable price. With a constant aperture of f/5.6, it offers solid performance in a variety of lighting conditions, though it may not be as fast as some other lenses in low-light environments. Nevertheless, it excels in daytime wildlife photography, making it a favorite among both amateur and professional wildlife photographers.
The lens is built with a vibration reduction (VR) system, which reduces the blur that can occur from handheld shooting at long focal lengths. This feature is especially important when capturing animals in motion or shooting in low light. The optical design includes extra-low dispersion (ED) elements, which help to reduce chromatic aberration and ensure sharp, high-contrast images. The autofocus is quick and reliable, and the zoom range makes it versatile enough for shooting everything from birds to larger mammals.
This lens is a great option for Nikon DSLR users, and while it’s slightly heavier than other options, its performance makes it well worth the extra weight.
See Nikon AF-S NIKKOR on Amazon
3. Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS
If you’re using a Sony mirrorless camera, the FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS is an excellent choice for wildlife photography. This lens offers an extended focal range, which is perfect for getting tight shots of animals in the wild. Whether you’re photographing a herd of elephants in the distance or a rare bird perched high in a tree, this lens allows you to zoom in with incredible detail.
The lens features Sony’s Optical SteadyShot (OSS) image stabilization, which helps reduce camera shake and maintain image sharpness when shooting handheld. The autofocus is fast and precise, even in challenging environments where subjects are moving quickly. The lens is also equipped with a customizable focus hold button, which can be set to different functions depending on your needs.
While the maximum aperture isn’t as wide as some other lenses, the image quality remains impressive, with sharpness throughout the zoom range and minimal distortion. This lens is perfect for Sony users who want a high-quality telephoto lens for wildlife photography that doesn’t compromise on performance or portability.
See Sony FE 200-600mm on Amazon
4. Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports
Sigma’s 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports lens is a great choice for wildlife photographers who need both reach and flexibility in their shots. As part of Sigma’s Sports series, this lens is designed to perform in challenging conditions, with a sturdy and weather-sealed construction that can withstand the elements. The 150-600mm focal range provides excellent reach, allowing you to photograph wildlife at a distance while still getting sharp, detailed images.
The lens features Sigma’s Optical Stabilization (OS), which helps to reduce camera shake, making it easier to shoot at longer focal lengths without a tripod. The autofocus is quick and precise, even when capturing fast-moving subjects. This lens also has a fast focus motor (Hyper Sonic Motor or HSM), making it ideal for shooting action shots, such as a bird in flight or an animal on the move.
While it’s a bit on the heavier side, the performance of the Sigma 150-600mm makes it an outstanding option for wildlife photographers who prioritize reach, image quality, and durability.
See Sigma 150-600mm on Amazon
5. Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD
The Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD is an affordable and lightweight telephoto lens that offers great value for wildlife photographers. With a zoom range of 100mm to 400mm, it provides a solid focal length for capturing a variety of wildlife subjects. The lens features Tamron’s Vibration Compensation (VC) system, which helps stabilize your images and prevent blur from camera shake.
This lens is also equipped with an Ultrasonic Silent Drive (USD) autofocus motor, which allows for quick and quiet focusing. This is particularly useful for wildlife photography, as animals can be easily startled by loud noises. The lens is relatively compact and lightweight compared to other telephoto lenses in this range, making it a good choice for photographers who want something portable without sacrificing performance.
While the f/6.3 aperture may limit your ability to shoot in low light, the image quality, autofocus performance, and price point make it an excellent option for budget-conscious wildlife photographers.
See Tamron 100-400mm on Amazon
How To Choose The Best One?
Choosing the best telephoto lens for wildlife photography comes down to your specific needs and budget.
Each of the lenses mentioned above offers a unique set of features designed to help you capture stunning wildlife images. Whether you’re looking for a versatile lens with a broad zoom range, or a long-reaching lens for distant subjects, there’s a telephoto lens out there for every photographer.
For Canon users, the RF 100-500mm provides a great balance of performance and versatility. Nikon users will find the 200-500mm lens to be a reliable and affordable choice for their wildlife photography needs. Sony mirrorless photographers will love the extended reach of the FE 200-600mm, while Sigma’s 150-600mm offers incredible zoom power for action shots.
Finally, for those looking for a budget-friendly option, the Tamron 100-400mm delivers great value without compromising on quality.
No matter which lens you choose, investing in a good telephoto lens will help you bring your wildlife photography to the next level, allowing you to capture breathtaking shots of nature’s most elusive creatures.