Telephoto lenses explained
Telephoto lenses are great at making distant objects fill your frame, but they can be equally useful for capturing closer subjects. With long focal lengths comes a shorter depth of field and creamier background bokeh blur, which is just the ticket for isolating a nearby object of interest.
Telephoto zooms can be picked up at relatively low prices and often have a decent zoom range like 70-300mm. However, you’ll need to up your budget to get something with a wide aperture that stays constant throughout the lens’s focal range – this gives you much more flexibility when you’re shooting in low light and generally means better image quality too.
Fast, near-silent autofocus systems are worth paying for because they make the lens smoother to use, while fancy glass elements reduce aberrations like distortion and color fringing, and weather sealing protects your lens in bad weather. Optical image stabilisation is practically a must-have when using telephoto lenses, and you do without it at your peril.
The maximum focal length of the lenses in this roundup is 300mm, and this is fine for most sports and some wildlife photography. If you need more magnification than this, though, you’re into super-telephoto photography, which you’ll find in a separate guide.
APS-C versus full frame
DSLR sensors come in two sizes. Most use APS-C size sensors roughly half the size of the full frame cameras by professionals, and this has an impact on the effective focal length and magnification of the lens.
So if you’ve got a 70-300mm telephoto, that effectively becomes a 105-450mm lens on an APS-C format DSLR. That’s rule number 1.
Rule number 2 is that some lenses are designed solely for APS-C cameras. You can’t use them on a full-frame model (well you can with Nikon DSLRs, but only in an APS-C ‘crop’ mode which defeats the object).
With some lens types, like wide-angle zooms, you have to get a lens made for your camera’s sensor size, but with telephotos it’s a lot simpler. Almost all of those we recommend are designed for full frame cameras so they’ll work on APS-C models too. This is ideal because it means you can keep your lens if you upgrade to a bigger camera later. There are a couple of lenses designed only for APS-C cameras, but we’ll flag these up clearly.
Best telephoto lens for Canon DSLRs
Canon lens names start with ‘EF’, ‘EF-S’ and ‘EF-M’, and this tells you which camera models they’re designed for. EF lenses are designed for full frame Canon DSLRs, but they also work perfectly well on smaller APS-C Canons too. All but one of the lenses in our list are full frame, so they’ll work on any Canon DSLR.
‘EF-S’ lenses, however, are designed solely for the smaller APS-C DSLRs in the Canon range from the EOS 7D Mark II downwards – they can’t be used on full-frame Canon D-SLRs. Only one of the lenses in our list is an EF-S lens, and that’s the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM. It’s a good value lens for an APS-C Canon DSLR, but it’s no use later on if you upgrade to a full frame model.
‘EF-M’ lenses are designed solely for Canon’s EOS M mirrorless cameras. You can’t use them on any of the Canon DSLRs, so we don’t include them in this list.
1. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Image quality, tough build and versatility make this top choice
Type: Zoom | Sensor size: full frame | Focal length: 70-200mm | Maximum aperture: f/2.8 | Image stabiliser: 4 stops | Weather seals: Yes | Minimum focus distance: 1.2m | Filter size: 77mm | Dimensions: 88.8 x 199mm | Weight: 1,490g
It’s easy to see why our winner is a firm favourite amongst pro shooters. The design features top-grade fluorite glass and five UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) elements, a virtually circular eight-blade diaphragm, and a dual-mode Image Stabilizer giving a four-stop advantage. An ultrasonic ring-type autofocus system provides super-fast focussing, even under dull lighting conditions. Everything’s wrapped up in a tough, weather-sealed magnesium alloy shell sporting control rings and switches which all operate flawlessly. Image quality is razor-sharp throughout the zoom range, even at f/2.8, while distortions, vignetting and colour fringing are all very well controlled.
2. Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD for Canon
A ‘Super Performance’ Tamron lens that lives up to its name
Type: Zoom | Sensor size: full frame | Focal length: 70-200mm | Maximum aperture: f/2.8 | Image stabiliser: 4 stops | Weather seals: Yes | Minimum focus distance: 1.3m | Filter size: 77mm | Dimensions: 86 x 197mm | Weight: 1,470g
Can’t quite stretch to our winner? Tamron’s direct rival is very nearly as good, yet noticeably easier on your pocket. Four LD (Low Dispersion) and one XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) elements maximise image quality, as do multi-layer coatings and a nine-blade diaphragm. The magnesium alloy construction feels robust and is fully weather sealed. Extra attractions include a focus limiter switch and impressively fast, near-silent USD autofocus. There’s also Tamron’s high-performing four-stop Vibration Correction system, which helps ensure terrific sharpness throughout the zoom range, even at maximum aperture. Overall, a really excellent lens at a competitive price.
3. Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM
Proof you can have premium quality and performance on a budget
Type: Zoom | Sensor size: full frame | Focal length: 70-200mm | Maximum aperture: f/4 | Image stabiliser: No | Weather seals: No | Minimum focus distance: 1.2m | Filter size: 67mm | Dimensions: 76 x 172mm | Weight: 705g
This lens comes in two flavours, and we’ve gone for the non-stabilised version which also lacks weather sealing, but costs around half the price of its sibling. This makes it exceptionally good value considering this is still an L-series (Luxury) lens with premium quality optics. The constant f/4 maximum aperture may be a stop smaller than our top two choices, but it helps keep weight down to just 705g. Impressive, given the reassuringly rugged build quality. The ring-type USM autofocus system is very fast and whisper quiet, whilst image quality is just as impressive thanks to spectacular sharpness and contrast, along with minimal distortion and fringing.
4. Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD for Canon
Serious tech and very good optics make this great value
Type: Zoom | Sensor size: full frame | Focal length: 70-300mm | Maximum aperture: f/4-5.6 | Image stabiliser: 4 stops | Weather seals: No | Minimum focus distance: 1.5m | Filter size: 62mm | Dimensions: 82 x 143mm | Weight: 765g
If you’d rather have a bit more reach than a constant aperture, this ‘Super Performance’ Tamron really stands out from the budget crowd with its high-end feature set. There’s an impressive ring-type autofocus motor which is fast and whisper quiet, as well as an advanced four-stop VC (Vibration Compensation) system that’s a match for Canon’s latest IS offerings. At 765g, it’s quite chunky and weighty for this class of lens, but feels solid and handling is refined. Image quality doesn’t disappoint either, as sharpness and contrast are very good throughout the zoom range. Colour fringing is also well controlled, even into the corners of images.
5. Sigma APO 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM for Canon
Our third 70-200mm f/2.8 is a real tempter for the money
Type: Zoom | Sensor size: full frame | Focal length: 70-200mm | Maximum aperture: f/2.8 | Image stabiliser: 4 stops | Weather seals: No | Minimum focus distance: 1.4m | Filter size: 77mm | Dimensions: 86 x 198mm | Weight: 1,430g
Like the second place Tamron SP 70-200mm, this is another lens that’s gunning for the winning Canon optic, but ultimately it loses out to Tamron’s superior build quality and weather sealing. Optical performance is almost as strong though, with five Low Dispersion elements and Sigma’s Super Multi-Layer Coating to reduce ghosting and flare. It makes for respectable centre sharpness throughout most of the zoom range, but the Tamron lens edges ahead on corner sharpness and handles fringing and distortion marginally better. However, this Sigma still offers outstanding value thanks to its fast, super-smooth autofocus system and four-stop, dual-mode image stabiliser.
6. Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
Cheap and light but still a capable performer
Type: Zoom | Sensor size: APS-C | Focal length: 55-250mm | Maximum aperture: f/4-5.6 | Image stabiliser: 3.5 stops | Weather seals: No | Minimum focus distance: 0.85m | Filter size: 58mm | Dimensions: 70 x 111mm | Weight: 375g
Most people buy their first telephoto lens to compliment an 18-55mm kit optic, and with its 55mm minimum focal length, this is an ideal second lens for an APS-C Canon. It won’t be a burden either, tipping the scales at a featherweight 375g, despite packing a 3.5-stop image stabiliser and a modern ‘STM’ (Stepping Motor) autofocus system with full-time manual override. Autofocusing is silent and works very well for both stills and video shooting, with the latter benefitting from smooth focus transitions. Image quality is good throughout the entire zoom range, improved by a new optical layout with more elements than the preceding version of this lens.
7. Sigma APO 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro for Canon
The best buy if you’re on a shoestring budget
Type: Zoom | Sensor size: full frame | Focal length: 70-300mm | Maximum aperture: f/4-5.6 | Image stabiliser: No | Weather seals: No | Minimum focus distance: 0.95m | Filter size: 58mm | Dimensions: 77 x 122mm | Weight: 550g
It’s not just distant objects that this Sigma can get you closer to, as it’s also designed for close-up work, with a 95cm minimum focus distance and a 0.5x magnification factor in Macro mode. Other attractions include three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) lens elements to minimise chromatic aberrations, however you don’t get optical stabilisation and the internal autofocus motor is fairly basic. There’s little to complain about with image quality though, as sharpness is high, whilst distortion and fringing are low. The only noticeable issue is a lack of contrast in images taken under dull lighting, but the rock-bottom price easily compensates.
8. Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM S for Canon
Sublime image and build quality, but it’ll give you a workout!
Type: Zoom | Sensor size: full frame | Focal length: 120-300mm | Maximum aperture: f/2.8 | Image stabiliser: 4 stops | Weather seals: Yes | Minimum focus distance: 1.5m-2.5m | Filter size: 105mm | Dimensions: 121 x 291mm | Weight: 3,390g
It may be last on our list, but that’s not because this big beast falls short on image quality. Sharpness is excellent throughout the entire zoom range, even at f/2.8, and impressively for a zoom kens, distortions and fringing are absolutely minimal. Inside is Sigma’s dual-mode image stabiliser for static and panning shooting. The lens is even compatible with an optional USB dock which lets you customise focus range limiting, autofocus speed and stabilisation attributes. Bulletproof build and weather seals further help justify the serious price, but they do contribute to the lens’ massive 3.39kg bulk, and this can make prolonged handheld shooting a pain.
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Best telephoto lens for Nikon DSLRs
Like Canon lenses, those designed for Nikons fall into two groups – most are designed for full frame Nikons and will also work on the smaller format APS-C models in the range, from the D7200 down. But a few are designed solely for the smaller format, and these have ‘DX’ in the name.
You can use these DX lenses on a full frame Nikon, but the camera has to switch to a ‘DX crop’ mode that uses a smaller, APS-C size area of the sensor. This means you lose a lot of the sensor’s native resolution, so that a Nikon D810 has 36 million pixels in its regular full frame mode, but this shrinks to just over 15 megapixels in DX crop mode. So although you can use smaller DX lenses on a full frame Nikon, it’s a makeshift solution.
1. Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II
It’ll tick all the boxes on your wish list, and more
Type: Zoom | Sensor size: full frame | Focal length: 70-200mm | Maximum aperture: f/2.8 | Image stabiliser: 4 stops | Weather seals: Yes | Minimum focus distance: 1.4m | Filter size: 77mm | Dimensions: 87 x 209mm | Weight: 1,540g
This lens is enormously popular, and with good reason. AF performance is first class and there’s a sophisticated VR system which works a treat and features both normal and active modes, plus automatic panning detection. The quality continues on the outside, with a tough, weather-sealed magnesium barrel and wonderfully refined handling. But it’s the lens’ image quality that ensures it comes out on top. Sharpness and contrast are excellent throughout the zoom range and at differing apertures, whilst the rounded nine-blade diaphragm maintains pleasant bokeh. Even the price is competitive for such a quality optic, making it a winner in every respect.
2. Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD for Nikon
A ‘Super Performance’ Tamron lens that certainly delivers
Type: Zoom | Sensor size: full frame | Focal length: 70-200mm | Maximum aperture: f/2.8 | Image stabiliser: 4 stops | Weather seals: Yes | Minimum focus distance: 1.3m | Filter size: 77mm | Dimensions: 86 x 197mm | Weight: 1470g
Can’t quite stretch to our winner? Tamron’s direct rival is very nearly as good, yet noticeably easier on your pocket. Four LD (Low Dispersion) and one XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) elements maximise image quality, as do multi-layer coatings and a nine-blade diaphragm. The magnesium alloy construction feels robust and is fully weather sealed. Extra attractions include a focus limiter switch and impressively fast, near-silent USD autofocus. There’s also Tamron’s high-performing four-stop Vibration Correction system, which helps ensure terrific sharpness throughout the zoom range, even at maximum aperture. Overall, a really excellent lens at a competitive price.
3. Sigma APO 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM for Nikon
Our third 70-200mm f/2.8 option is a real tempter for the money
Type: Zoom | Sensor size: full frame | Focal length: 70-200mm | Maximum aperture: f/2.8 | Image stabiliser: 4 stops | Weather seals: No | Minimum focus distance: 1.4m | Filter size: 77mm | Dimensions: 86 x 198mm | Weight: 1430g
Like the second place Tamron SP 70-200mm, this is another lens that’s gunning for the winning Nikon optic, but ultimately it loses out to Tamron’s superior build quality and weather sealing. Optical performance is almost as strong though, with five Low Dispersion elements and Sigma’s Super Multi-Layer Coating to reduce ghosting and flare. It makes for respectable centre sharpness throughout most of the zoom range, but the Tamron lens edges ahead on corner sharpness and handles fringing and distortion marginally better. However, this Sigma still offers outstanding value thanks to its fast, super-smooth autofocus system and four-stop, dual-mode image stabiliser.
4. Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/4G ED VR
A lightweight lens with a lot to offer if you don’t need f/2.8
Type: Zoom | Sensor size: full frame | Focal length: 70-200mm | Maximum aperture: f/4 | Image stabiliser: 4 stops | Weather seals: Lens mount gasket | Minimum focus distance: 1m | Filter size: 67mm | Dimensions: 78 x 179mm | Weight: 850g
This lens may be an f-stop slower than our top trio, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It means it’s more compact and lightweight, improving comfort for long periods of handheld shooting. You won’t need to worry much about camera shake, either, thanks to a particularly well implemented VR (Vibration Reduction) system that also features automatic panning detection. The lens isn’t weather-sealed, but it does at least get a rubber ring on the mounting plate. Three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements and one HRI (High Refractive Index) element, along with Nano-Crystal coatings, help deliver very good sharpness and contrast within negligible ghosting and flare.
5. Nikon AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR
The budget lens that gives Nikon’s pro optics a run for their money
Type: Zoom | Sensor size: full frame | Focal length: 70-300mm | Maximum aperture: f4.5-5.6 | Image stabiliser: 4 stops | Weather seals: Lens mount gasket | Minimum focus distance: 1.5m | Filter size: 67mm | Dimensions: 80 x 144mm | Weight: 745g
Okay, so it’s still not exactly cheap, but this lens does offer top quality build and plenty of high-tech finery for a relatively modest outlay. The ring-type ultrasonic autofocus system is super-fast, practically silent and comes complete with full-time manual override. You also get an impressive four-stop VR system with an Active setting designed for use when shooting from a vibrating platform like a car or helicopter. Focusing is fully internal, so the front element neither moves nor rotates during focusing. It all topped off with pin-sharp image quality and excellent contrast courtesy of two ED elements which also keep colour fringing to a minimum.
6. Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD for Nikon
Serious tech and very good optics make this great value
Type: Zoom | Sensor size: full frame | Focal length: 70-300mm | Maximum aperture: f/4-5.6 | Image stabiliser: 4 stops | Weather seals: No | Minimum focus distance: 1.5m | Filter size: 62mm | Dimensions: 82 x 143mm | Weight: 765g
Nikon’s 70-300mm optic packs unbeatable punch for the money, but this Tamron alternative is almost as good thanks to its high-end feature set, quality optics and solid build. There’s an impressive ring-type autofocus motor which is fast and whisper quiet, as well as an advanced four-stop VC (Vibration Compensation) system that’s a match for Canon’s latest IS offerings. At 765g, it’s quite chunky and weighty for this class of lens, but feels solid with refined handling. Image quality doesn’t disappoint either, as sharpness and contrast are very good throughout the zoom range. Colour fringing is also well controlled, even into the corners of images.
7. Nikon AF-S DX 55-300MM f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
A cost-effective and capable option for DX-format Nikons
Type: Zoom | Sensor size: APS-C | Focal length: 55-300mm | Maximum aperture: f/4.5-5.6 | Image stabiliser: 4 stops | Weather seals: No | Minimum focus distance: 1.4m | Filter size: 58mm | Dimensions: 77 x 123mm | Weight: 530g
Despite being the cheapest Nikon lens in our shortlist, it still sports Nikon’s latest-generation Vibration Reduction system which gives a four-stop advantage in avoiding camera shake. There is some evidence of cost-cutting though, like the conventional autofocus motor that lacks the full-time manual override facility of ring-type ultrasonic systems. Even so, handling feels assured and, despite this being a budget lens, it still feels reassuringly robust. Image equality is another pleasant surprise, with very good sharpness throughout the zoom range and low levels of colour fringing. Our only slight criticism is the fairly large zoom range does seem to push distortions up a bit.
8. Sigma APO 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro for Nikon
The best buy for those on a shoestring budget
Type: Zoom | Sensor size: full frame | Focal length: 70-300mm | Maximum aperture: f/4-5.6 | Image stabiliser: No | Weather seals: No | Minimum focus distance: 0.95m | Filter size: 58mm | Dimensions: 77 x 122mm | Weight: 550g
It’s not just distant objects that this Sigma can get you closer to, as it’s also designed for close-up work, with a 95cm minimum focus distance and a 0.5x magnification factor in Macro mode. Other attractions include three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) lens elements to minimise chromatic aberrations, however you don’t get optical stabilisation and the internal autofocus motor is fairly basic. There’s little to complain about with image quality though, as sharpness is high, whilst distortion and fringing are low. The only noticeable issue is a lack of contrast in images taken under dull lighting, but the rock-bottom price easily compensates.
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