Best telephoto zoom lenses for Canon EF: Top Picks

Our catalogue lists 89 telephoto zoom lenses for Canon EF. 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 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 Compare with EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
2. 

   2.Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

   100-400mm · f/100.0 · Canon EF

   The EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM is a telephoto zoom with a twist-to-zoom design, improved optics and image stabilization. It replaced the push-pull original and suits wildlife and sports.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM
3. 

   3.Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM

   70-300mm · f/70.0 · Canon EF

   A white-barrel L-series telephoto zoom with stabilization and weather sealing. Compact for its range and well regarded for image quality.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III
4. 

   4.Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III

   75-300mm · f/4.0 · Canon EF

   An entry-level telephoto zoom with no stabilization and a basic micro motor instead of USM. Covers full frame.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sport
5. 

   5.Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sport

   60-600mm · f/4.5 · Canon EF

   A long telephoto zoom from Sigma's Sport line, with Optical Stabilizer and a dust- and splash-proof structure. It covers 60-600mm.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
6. 

   6.Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM

   70-200mm · f/70.0 · Canon EF

   The second-generation 70-200mm f/2.8L zoom from Canon, widely used by professionals. A stabilized, weather-sealed telephoto for full-frame EF bodies.

   Specs Compare with EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM
7. 

   7.Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM

   70-200mm · f/70.0 · Canon EF

   A compact, light telephoto zoom with a constant f/4 aperture and stabilization. Popular with travel, landscape and wildlife photographers who watch their weight.

   Specs Compare with EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
8. 

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

   70-200mm · f/70.0 · Canon EF

   The first stabilized f/2.8 version of Canon's 70-200mm L telephoto zoom, from 2006. It still delivers professional results on full-frame EF cameras.

   Specs Compare with EF 70-200mm f/4L USM
9. 

   9.Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM

   70-200mm · f/70.0 · Canon EF

   The non-stabilized f/4 telephoto L zoom, one of the lightest 70-200mm L lenses Canon has made. Works on full-frame EF bodies.

   Specs Compare with EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
10. 

    10.Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM

    100-400mm · f/100.0 · Canon EF

    The first-generation 100-400mm L zoom with a push-pull zoom design and image stabilization. Used for wildlife and sports before the II replaced it.

    Specs Compare with EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM
11. 

    11.Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM

    70-200mm · f/70.0 · Canon EF

    The original non-stabilized 70-200mm f/2.8L from Canon (2001), known for sharp optics and a lighter body than the IS versions. Works on full-frame EF bodies.

    Specs Compare with 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD
12. 

    12.Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD

    100-400mm · f/4.5 · Canon EF

    A telephoto zoom for full-frame DSLRs covering 100-400mm with VC and a USD motor. It is lighter than most 150-600mm lenses.

    Specs