Best telephoto prime lenses for Canon EF: Top Picks

Our catalogue lists 69 telephoto prime lenses for Canon EF. 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 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 Compare with EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM
2. 

   2.Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM

   400mm · f/2.8 · Canon EF

   The third generation of Canon's 400mm f/2.8 supertelephoto, redesigned to be much lighter than the II. Image stabilization and fluorite elements.

   Specs Compare with EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM
3. 

   3.Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM

   400mm · f/4.0 · Canon EF

   The 2014 revision of the diffractive-optics 400mm f/4 with improved flare control. At about 2.1kg it is slightly heavier than the first version.

   Specs Compare with EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM
4. 

   4.Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM

   600mm · f/4.0 · Canon EF

   A professional 600mm f/4 supertelephoto with image stabilization and fluorite elements, used for sports and wildlife at long range.

   Specs Compare with EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM
5. 

   5.Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM

   500mm · f/500.0 · Canon EF

   The EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM is a professional 500mm f/4 telephoto with image stabilization and a lightweight magnesium body. Used in wildlife and sports photography.

   Specs Compare with EF 400mm F2.8L IS II USM
6. 

   6.Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS II USM

   400mm · f/2.8 · Canon EF

   A professional 400mm f/2.8 telephoto with image stabilization and fluorite elements, aimed at sports and wildlife on full-frame EF bodies.

   Specs Compare with EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM
7. 

   7.Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM

   300mm · f/300.0 · Canon EF

   The EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM is a professional 300mm f/2.8 supertelephoto with image stabilization and fluorite elements. For sports and wildlife on full-frame Canon EF bodies.

   Specs Compare with EF 200mm f/2L IS USM
8. 

   8.Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM

   200mm · f/2.0 · Canon EF

   Canon's 2008 stabilized 200mm f/2 prime, built like a super-telephoto with a rear drop-in filter slot. It weighs about 2.5kg.

   Specs Compare with EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM
9. 

   9.Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM

   400mm · f/2.8 · Canon EF

   The 1999 first stabilized version of Canon's 400mm f/2.8, a staple for pro sports and wildlife shooters. Later II and III models reduced the weight.

   Specs Compare with EF 500mm f/4L IS USM
10. 

    10.Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM

    500mm · f/4.0 · Canon EF

    The 1999 first stabilized 500mm f/4L, for pro wildlife and sports work. The II version replaced it in 2011.

    Specs Compare with EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM
11. 

    11.Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM

    300mm · f/300.0 · Canon EF

    The 1999 first version of Canon's stabilized 300mm f/2.8 super-telephoto. It was succeeded by the II in 2010.

    Specs Compare with EF 300mm f/4L IS USM
12. 

    12.Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM

    300mm · f/300.0 · Canon EF

    A compact 300mm telephoto with image stabilization and an f/4 aperture. A long-standing wildlife and sports lens that takes extenders.

    Specs