Best telephoto zoom lenses: Top Picks

Our catalogue lists 585 telephoto zoom lenses. Zooms starting at 50mm or longer and reaching 200mm or more, for sports, wildlife and portraits.

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 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z

   70-200mm · f/2.8 · Canon RF

   Revision of the RF 70-200mm f/2.8 with video-oriented features and image stabilization, introduced in 2024. At about 1.1kg it is lighter than the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III.

   Specs Buy on Amazon
2. 

   2.Sony FE 70-200mm F4 Macro G OSS II

   70-200mm · f/4.0 · Sony E

   A 70-200mm f/4 telephoto zoom for full-frame E-mount that focuses as close as 0.5x magnification. It keeps an internal zoom and Optical SteadyShot.

   Specs Buy on Amazon
3. 

   3.Canon RF-S 55-210 mm F5-7.1 IS STM

   55-210mm · f/5.0 · Canon RF

   A compact telephoto zoom for Canon APS-C RF cameras with stabilization and a stepping motor, a light companion to the 18-45mm kit lens.

   Specs Buy on Amazon
4. 

   4.Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II

   70-200mm · f/2.8 · Sony E

   The second-generation f/2.8 G Master telephoto zoom, redesigned to be much lighter than the original. It has an internal zoom and built-in Optical SteadyShot.

   Specs Buy on Amazon
5. 

   5.Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM

   70-200mm · f/4.0 · Canon RF

   A very compact f/4 telephoto zoom for Canon RF full-frame cameras with image stabilization. Small enough for hiking and travel.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM
6. 

   6.Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM

   100-400mm · f/5.6 · Canon RF

   A telephoto zoom for Canon RF full-frame cameras with image stabilization and a light build for its range.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
7. 

   7.Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

   100-500mm · f/4.5 · Canon RF

   A long telephoto zoom for Canon RF full-frame cameras with stabilization and weather sealing. Popular for wildlife and sports.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM
8. 

   8.Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM

   70-200mm · f/2.8 · Canon RF

   The RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM is a compact telephoto zoom for Canon RF full-frame cameras with a constant f/2.8 aperture. Its internal-zoom design keeps the length fixed and shorter than the EF equivalents.

   Specs Buy on Amazon
9. 

   9.Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS

   70-350mm · f/4.5 · Sony E

   A stabilized APS-C telephoto zoom for E-mount, covering 70-350mm. It weighs about 625 g and takes 67mm filters.

   Specs Buy on Amazon
10. 

    10.Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM

    70-200mm · f/2.8 · Canon EF

    The third version of Canon's pro 70-200mm f/2.8 telephoto zoom, with image stabilization and a weather-sealed L build for sports, weddings and events.

    Specs Buy on Amazon
11. 

    11.Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS

    70-300mm · f/4.5 · Sony E

    A telephoto zoom for full-frame E-mount covering 70-300mm with Optical SteadyShot and a dust and moisture resistant design.

    Specs Buy on Amazon
12. 

    12.Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR

    200-500mm · f/5.6 · Nikon F

    A large telephoto zoom for Nikon F-mount DSLRs with a constant f/5.6 aperture and vibration reduction, popular for wildlife.

    Specs Buy on Amazon