Best telephoto prime lenses: Top Picks

Our catalogue lists 577 telephoto prime lenses. Fixed-focal-length lenses of 135mm and longer.

How these were picked. Lenses are ranked using only data in our catalogue: those with editorial notes first, then those with a photo and a buying link, newer release years where known, and faster maximum apertures as a tie-breaker. This is a data-based shortlist, not a hands-on test ranking.

1. 

   1.Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM

   135mm · f/1.8 · Canon RF

   The RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM is a telephoto prime for Canon RF full-frame cameras with image stabilization, suited to portrait and event work.

   Specs Buy on Amazon
2. 

   2.Nikon Nikkor 400mm F4.5 VR S

   400mm · f/4.5 · Nikon Z

   Nikon's compact Z-mount 400mm f/4.5 with VR and a 95mm filter thread, introduced in 2022. At about 1.25kg it is far lighter than the 400mm f/2.8.

   Specs Buy on Amazon
3. 

   3.Canon RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM

   800mm · f/5.6 · Canon RF

   A 2022 super-telephoto prime with stabilization and an f/5.6 maximum aperture. It weighs about 3.1kg and is aimed at wildlife and sports.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM
4. 

   4.Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM

   1200mm · f/8.0 · Canon RF

   A 2022 super-telephoto prime with an f/8 maximum aperture and image stabilization, at about 3.3kg. It is a specialist lens for sports and wildlife at extreme distances.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with RF 400mm F2.8 L IS USM
5. 

   5.Canon RF 400mm F2.8 L IS USM

   400mm · f/2.8 · Canon RF

   Canon's super-telephoto prime with stabilization and f/2.8 maximum aperture, at about 2.9kg, introduced in 2021. It is lighter than the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III and aimed at pro sports and wildlife.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with RF 600mm F11 IS STM
6. 

   6.Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM

   600mm · f/11.0 · Canon RF

   A very compact super-telephoto for Canon RF cameras with a fixed f/11 aperture and diffractive optics. It collapses for transport.

   Specs Buy on Amazon
7. 

   7.Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS

   400mm · f/2.8 · Sony E

   A 400mm f/2.8 G Master super-telephoto for full-frame E-mount, weighing about 2,895 g. It has Optical SteadyShot and supports Sony's teleconverters.

   Specs Buy on Amazon
8. 

   8.Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR

   400mm · f/2.8 · Nikon F

   Nikon's flagship 400mm f/2.8 with fluorite elements and an electromagnetic aperture, introduced in 2014. It weighs about 3.8kg, lighter than previous Nikon 400mm lenses.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED
9. 

   9.Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED

   300mm · f/4.0 · Nikon F

   An AF-S version of the 300mm f/4 with internal focusing and a 77mm filter thread. It has no VR and weighs about 1.44kg.

   Specs Buy on Amazon
10. 

    10.Canon EF 135mm F2L USM

    135mm · f/2.0 · Canon EF

    A fast 135mm telephoto prime, long known for sharpness and strong subject isolation. A favorite among Canon portrait and event photographers.

    Specs Buy on Amazon
11. 

    11.Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM

    800mm · f/11.0 · Canon RF

    The RF 800mm F11 IS STM is a compact 800mm telephoto for Canon RF cameras with a fixed f/11 aperture and image stabilization.

    Specs
12. 

    12.Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM

    135mm · f/1.8 · Sony E

    Telephoto portrait prime for full-frame E-mount with an f/1.8 aperture. It delivers strong subject separation from a longer working distance.

    Specs