Best telephoto zoom lenses for Nikon F: Top Picks
Our catalogue lists 115 telephoto zoom lenses for Nikon F. 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.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.
-
2.Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
55-300mm · f/4.5 · Nikon F
A 2010 DX telephoto zoom with a 58mm filter thread and VR. It reaches 450mm equivalent.
-
3.Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II
70-200mm · f/2.8 · Nikon F
The second-generation 70-200mm f/2.8 pro telephoto for Nikon FX cameras, with vibration reduction and a silent-wave motor.
-
4.Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II
55-200mm · f/4.0 · Nikon F
A compact DX telephoto zoom, the VR II update of the 55-200mm. It weighs about 300g.
-
5.Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR
70-300mm · f/4.5 · Nikon F
A lightweight telephoto zoom for Nikon FX cameras with vibration reduction and a silent-wave motor.
-
6.Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD
70-200mm · f/2.8 · Nikon F
Tamron's first-generation f/2.8 telephoto zoom with Vibration Compensation and a USD focus motor, later replaced by the G2. It weighs about 1,500 g and focuses as close as 1.3 m.
-
7.Tamron AF 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di LD Macro
70-300mm · f/4.0 · Nikon F
A popular telephoto zoom for Nikon DSLRs with a 62mm filter thread and a macro mode. It has no stabilization.
-
8.Tamron SP 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD
70-300mm · f/4.0 · Nikon F
A stabilized full-frame telephoto zoom from Tamron with a USD focus motor and a 62mm filter thread. It focuses as close as 1.5 m.
-
9.Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD
150-600mm · f/5.0 · Nikon F
Tamron's first 150-600mm telephoto zoom, popular with bird and wildlife photographers. It has Vibration Compensation, a USD motor, a 95mm filter thread and a minimum focus distance of 2.7 m.
-
10.Nikon AF-S Nikkor 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR
120-300mm · f/2.8 · Nikon F
A 2020 telephoto zoom with a constant f/2.8 aperture, fluorite and SR elements and VR. It weighs about 3.25kg and takes 112mm filters.
-
11.Nikon AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm F4.5-5.6E ED VR
70-300mm · f/4.5 · Nikon F
A full-frame telephoto zoom from 2017 with a stepping motor, VR and ED glass. It is a lighter alternative to the 70-300G VR.
-
12.Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR
70-200mm · f/2.8 · Nikon F
A pro telephoto zoom for Nikon FX cameras with fluorite elements, vibration reduction and a lighter build than earlier versions.