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10 Best Canon Lenses For Sports 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Canon RF70-200mm F2.8 L is USM Lens, Telephoto Zoom Lens, Compatible with EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras, White

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,483
Focal Length
Aperture
Autofocus Speed and Accuracy

Most important from
499 reviews

Focal Length
This lens is incredibly versatile, allowing for sharp images across the entire focal range from 70mm to 200mm, even when shooting wide open at f/2.8.
Aperture
This lens is incredibly versatile, allowing for sharp images across the entire focal range from 70mm to 200mm, even when shooting wide open at f/2.8.
Autofocus Speed and Accuracy
Tack sharp focus and fast performance in low light make it perfect for sports and portrait photography.
Weight and Portability
The design is more compact compared to its predecessor, making it easier to carry without compromising performance.

The Canon RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM lens is a strong contender for sports photography, given its versatile focal length range of 70-200mm. This range ensures you can capture both close-ups and distant shots with ease. The bright f/2.8 aperture is excellent for low-light conditions and achieving a shallow depth of field, crucial for isolating subjects in action shots. Its autofocus system is high-speed, smooth, and quiet, thanks to the dual Nano USM, making it great for capturing fast-moving subjects without missing critical moments.

Additionally, the optical image stabilization with up to 5 stops of shake correction is a significant advantage for shooting handheld, reducing the likelihood of blurry images. The minimum focusing distance of 2.3 feet adds to its versatility, allowing close-up shots when needed. The lens is built to withstand challenging conditions with its robust build quality and weather sealing, making it reliable for outdoor sports events.

However, while the lens is described as compact and lightweight, it still weighs 2.64 pounds, which might be a bit heavy for prolonged handheld use. Portability is enhanced by its relatively compact dimensions, but users should consider if the weight might be an issue during extended shoots. Moreover, being compatible only with Canon's RF mount limits its use to Canon's mirrorless camera series, which might be a drawback for those with other camera systems. Despite these minor cons, the Canon RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM lens is an outstanding choice for sports photographers looking for a high-performing telephoto zoom lens with excellent image quality and reliable performance.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,483
Focal Length
Aperture
Autofocus Speed and Accuracy

Most important from
499 reviews

Focal Length
This lens is incredibly versatile, allowing for sharp images across the entire focal range from 70mm to 200mm, even when shooting wide open at f/2.8.
Aperture
This lens is incredibly versatile, allowing for sharp images across the entire focal range from 70mm to 200mm, even when shooting wide open at f/2.8.
Autofocus Speed and Accuracy
Tack sharp focus and fast performance in low light make it perfect for sports and portrait photography.
Weight and Portability
The design is more compact compared to its predecessor, making it easier to carry without compromising performance.
#2

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras, White - 3044C002

Rating
9.8
Focal Length
Aperture
Autofocus Speed and Accuracy

Most important from
533 reviews

Focal Length
The versatile 70-200mm zoom range beautifully captures everything from distant landscapes to intimate portraits.
Aperture
The wide f/2.8 aperture provides lovely bokeh, ideal for isolating subjects and creating stunning images.
Autofocus Speed and Accuracy
The laser-sharp focus offers remarkable clarity and detail, making this lens stand out.
Image Stabilization
Image Stabilization ensures crisp shots even at long focal lengths without the need for a tripod.
Build Quality and Weather Sealing
Solid construction gives confidence that the lens will endure demanding photography adventures.
Weight and Portability
The newer version is somewhat lighter and much sharper, with tack-sharp images and excellent color and detail.

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens is a standout choice for sports photography, thanks to its versatile 70-200mm focal length and constant f/2.8 maximum aperture, which ensures excellent performance in various lighting conditions. The lens features Canon’s Air Sphere Coating to reduce ghosting and flare, enhancing image clarity. Additionally, the Optical Image Stabilization provides up to 3.5 stops of shake correction, which is particularly beneficial for capturing fast-moving sports action with precision.

The autofocus system, driven by a Ring Ultrasonic Motor, is both fast and accurate, essential for tracking moving subjects in sports events. Furthermore, the lens allows for full-time manual focus, providing photographers with more control over their shots. The build quality is robust, with a design that is highly resistant to dust and water, making it durable for use in harsh environments. Fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements help reduce smears and fingerprints, maintaining image quality.

At 3.18 pounds, the lens is relatively heavy, which may affect portability and ease of use during extended shooting sessions. Despite this, its comprehensive feature set and high image quality make it an excellent lens for sports photographers who need reliability and performance in demanding conditions.

Rating
9.8
Focal Length
Aperture
Autofocus Speed and Accuracy

Most important from
533 reviews

Focal Length
The versatile 70-200mm zoom range beautifully captures everything from distant landscapes to intimate portraits.
Aperture
The wide f/2.8 aperture provides lovely bokeh, ideal for isolating subjects and creating stunning images.
Autofocus Speed and Accuracy
The laser-sharp focus offers remarkable clarity and detail, making this lens stand out.
Image Stabilization
Image Stabilization ensures crisp shots even at long focal lengths without the need for a tripod.
Build Quality and Weather Sealing
Solid construction gives confidence that the lens will endure demanding photography adventures.
Weight and Portability
The newer version is somewhat lighter and much sharper, with tack-sharp images and excellent color and detail.

Buying Guide for the Best Canon Lenses For Sports

Choosing the right Canon lens for sports photography can significantly impact the quality of your photos. Sports photography often involves capturing fast-moving subjects, sometimes from a distance, and in various lighting conditions. Therefore, it's essential to understand the key specifications that will help you select the best lens for your needs. Here are the main specs to consider and how to navigate them to find the perfect fit for your sports photography endeavors.
Focal LengthFocal length determines how much of the scene will be captured and how close you can get to your subject. For sports photography, longer focal lengths (telephoto lenses) are often preferred because they allow you to capture distant action. Lenses with focal lengths of 70-200mm are versatile and suitable for various sports, while 300mm or more is ideal for field sports like soccer or football. Choose a focal length based on the type of sports you are photographing and how close you can get to the action.
ApertureAperture refers to the lens's ability to gather light, which is crucial for capturing fast-moving subjects in varying lighting conditions. A wider aperture (lower f-number, such as f/2.8 or f/4) allows more light to enter the lens, enabling faster shutter speeds to freeze action and create a shallow depth of field to isolate subjects. For sports photography, lenses with a wide maximum aperture are beneficial, especially in low-light conditions like indoor sports or evening games.
Autofocus Speed and AccuracyAutofocus speed and accuracy are critical for sports photography because you need to quickly and precisely focus on fast-moving subjects. Look for lenses with advanced autofocus systems, such as Canon's USM (Ultrasonic Motor) or STM (Stepping Motor) technology, which provide fast and silent focusing. Lenses with good tracking capabilities and multiple focus points will help you maintain focus on your subject as they move across the frame.
Image StabilizationImage stabilization helps reduce camera shake, which is especially useful when shooting at long focal lengths or in low-light conditions. Canon's IS (Image Stabilization) technology can be a significant advantage in sports photography, allowing you to use slower shutter speeds without introducing blur. This feature is particularly helpful if you are shooting handheld or in situations where a tripod is not practical.
Build Quality and Weather SealingSports photography often takes place in various environments, sometimes under harsh conditions. A lens with robust build quality and weather sealing can withstand dust, moisture, and rough handling. Look for lenses with durable construction and weather-resistant features to ensure they can handle the demands of outdoor sports events.
Weight and PortabilityThe weight and portability of a lens can affect your comfort and mobility, especially during long sports events. While telephoto lenses tend to be heavier, it's essential to find a balance between performance and ease of use. Consider how long you will be shooting and whether you will be moving around frequently. A lighter lens can be more manageable, but ensure it still meets your performance needs.

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