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10 Best Canon Telephoto Lens 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Canon RF800mm F5.6 L is USM White

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,342
Weight and Size
Autofocus Speed and Accuracy

Most important from
2 reviews

Weight and Size
Unbelievably light and a real pleasure to work with.
Autofocus Speed and Accuracy
Fast, sharp, and perfect for capturing small wildlife like warblers or other tiny birds.

The Canon RF800mm F5.6 L IS USM telephoto lens is designed for those who need powerful zoom capabilities, making it an excellent choice for wildlife and sports photographers. With an impressive 800mm focal length, it allows you to capture distant subjects with stunning detail. The fixed aperture of F5.6 ensures consistent, high-quality images even in lower light conditions. One of its standout features is the optical image stabilization, which provides up to 4.5 stops of shake correction, ensuring sharp images even without a tripod. Additionally, it offers three IS operation modes to suit different shooting scenarios.

Autofocus speed and accuracy are top-notch, thanks to Canon's USM technology, making it easy to track and capture fast-moving subjects. The lens also boasts superior build quality with weather sealing, allowing you to use it in various outdoor conditions without worry. Despite its robust construction, it is relatively light at 6.9 lbs, though still somewhat heavy for handheld use over extended periods. The minimum focus distance of 8.53 ft. is quite reasonable for such a long lens, making it versatile for different shooting situations.

Its compatibility with the Canon RF mount system ensures seamless integration with EOS R series cameras. However, its size and weight may be a drawback for some, as it measures 6.4 x 6.4 x 17 inches and weighs 16 pounds, making it less portable. Additionally, it comes with a premium price tag, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. In conclusion, the Canon RF800mm F5.6 L IS USM lens offers exceptional image quality and performance for those serious about their telephoto photography, especially in challenging conditions.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,342
Weight and Size
Autofocus Speed and Accuracy

Most important from
2 reviews

Weight and Size
Unbelievably light and a real pleasure to work with.
Autofocus Speed and Accuracy
Fast, sharp, and perfect for capturing small wildlife like warblers or other tiny birds.
#2

Canon EF 600mm f/4L is III USM Lens Black

Rating
10.0
Focal Length
Autofocus Speed and Accuracy
Weight and Size

Most important from
2 reviews

Focal Length
The lens delivers exceptional image quality and powerful reach, enabling photographers to capture distant wildlife without disturbing the subject.
Autofocus Speed and Accuracy
Autofocus is impressively fast and maintains sharp focus, making it easier to track moving subjects with confidence.
Weight and Size
Despite its large size, the lens can be comfortably handled freehand with the support of its padded strap and tripod mount foot.
Build Quality and Weather Sealing
The lens represents a masterpiece in telephoto prime optics, combining top-tier glass and meticulous craftsmanship.

The Canon EF 600mm f/4L III USM is a high-end telephoto lens designed for serious photographers, especially those into wildlife or sports photography where long reach is essential. Its 600mm focal length offers powerful zoom to capture distant subjects with great detail. The wide f/4 aperture allows plenty of light in, which helps in low-light situations and creates a nice background blur. This lens is part of Canon's professional L-series, known for excellent image quality and durability.

It includes special coatings to reduce reflections and flare, ensuring clearer and sharper photos even in challenging lighting. The lens is dust- and water-resistant with extra protection, so it can handle tough outdoor conditions. Autofocus is fast and accurate, thanks to the USM (Ultrasonic Motor) technology, making it easier to track moving subjects. One trade-off is its size and weight—super telephoto lenses tend to be heavy and large, which might require a tripod and could be tiring to carry for long periods.

It only fits Canon EF mount cameras, so users should confirm their camera supports this mount before purchasing. This lens suits advanced users who need professional-grade optics and a robust build for demanding outdoor photography.

Rating
10.0
Focal Length
Autofocus Speed and Accuracy
Weight and Size

Most important from
2 reviews

Focal Length
The lens delivers exceptional image quality and powerful reach, enabling photographers to capture distant wildlife without disturbing the subject.
Autofocus Speed and Accuracy
Autofocus is impressively fast and maintains sharp focus, making it easier to track moving subjects with confidence.
Weight and Size
Despite its large size, the lens can be comfortably handled freehand with the support of its padded strap and tripod mount foot.
Build Quality and Weather Sealing
The lens represents a masterpiece in telephoto prime optics, combining top-tier glass and meticulous craftsmanship.
#3

Canon RF100-300mm F2.8 L is USM, RF Lens, Mirrorless, Telephoto Zoom, Optical Image Stabilization, Professional, High-end Video, Still Images White

Rating
9.9
Focal Length
Compatibility

Most important from
2 reviews

Focal Length
This lens offers the flexibility to frame shots easily for airshows, sports, and birds in flight.
Compatibility
Even with teleconverters, it maintains exceptional performance, working well with 1.4x and acceptably with 2x extenders.

The Canon RF100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM telephoto zoom lens is designed for professional photographers and videographers who require high performance and versatility. One of its standout features is the constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range, which allows for excellent control over depth of field and superior low-light performance. This makes it ideal for sports, wildlife, and event photography where lighting conditions can vary significantly.

The lens incorporates advanced optical elements, including one fluorite lens and four UD elements, which work together to produce sharp, high-quality images with minimal aberrations and distortions. The Super Spectra Coating (SSC) further enhances image quality by reducing ghosting and flare. The built-in optical image stabilization provides up to 5.5 stops of shake correction, which can be extended to 6.0 stops when used with compatible EOS R series cameras, ensuring steady shots even in challenging conditions. The autofocus system is fast and reliable, making it suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects.

Build quality is robust, featuring weather sealing that protects against dust and moisture, allowing for use in various environments. However, this lens is quite heavy, weighing 5.7 pounds, which may be cumbersome for handheld shooting over extended periods. Additionally, its large size may not be convenient for all users. Despite these drawbacks, the lens offers exceptional performance and is an excellent choice for professionals who need a high-quality, versatile telephoto zoom lens for their Canon mirrorless cameras.

Rating
9.9
Focal Length
Compatibility

Most important from
2 reviews

Focal Length
This lens offers the flexibility to frame shots easily for airshows, sports, and birds in flight.
Compatibility
Even with teleconverters, it maintains exceptional performance, working well with 1.4x and acceptably with 2x extenders.

Buying Guide for the Best Canon Telephoto Lens

Choosing the right Canon telephoto lens can significantly enhance your photography, especially when capturing distant subjects like wildlife, sports, or even portraits. Telephoto lenses allow you to zoom in on your subject while maintaining a good distance, providing a unique perspective and often a beautiful background blur. To make an informed decision, it's essential to understand the key specifications and how they align with your photography needs.
Focal LengthThe focal length of a telephoto lens determines how much you can zoom in on your subject. It is usually measured in millimeters (mm). Shorter telephoto lenses (70-200mm) are versatile and great for portraits and events, while longer telephoto lenses (300mm and above) are ideal for wildlife and sports photography. Choose a focal length based on the distance you typically shoot from and the type of subjects you want to capture.
ApertureThe aperture of a lens, indicated by an f-number (e.g., f/2.8, f/4), controls the amount of light entering the lens and affects the depth of field. A lower f-number means a larger aperture, which allows more light and creates a shallower depth of field, resulting in a blurred background. This is particularly useful in low-light conditions and for isolating subjects. If you often shoot in varying light conditions or want more control over depth of field, opt for a lens with a wider maximum aperture (e.g., f/2.8).
Image StabilizationImage stabilization (IS) helps reduce camera shake, especially important when using long telephoto lenses where even small movements can cause blur. This feature is crucial for handheld shooting or in low-light situations. Lenses with built-in IS are beneficial if you frequently shoot without a tripod or in challenging conditions. Consider how often you shoot in such scenarios to determine if this feature is necessary for you.
Autofocus Speed and AccuracyAutofocus (AF) speed and accuracy are vital for capturing sharp images of moving subjects, such as in sports or wildlife photography. Lenses with advanced AF systems can quickly and accurately lock onto subjects, ensuring you don't miss critical moments. If you often photograph fast-moving subjects, prioritize lenses known for their fast and reliable autofocus performance.
Build Quality and Weather SealingThe build quality of a lens affects its durability and performance in various conditions. Weather-sealed lenses are designed to withstand dust, moisture, and harsh weather, making them ideal for outdoor and adventure photography. If you frequently shoot in challenging environments, investing in a robust, weather-sealed lens can ensure longevity and reliability.
Weight and SizeTelephoto lenses can be quite heavy and bulky, which can impact your comfort and mobility, especially during long shooting sessions. Consider the weight and size of the lens in relation to your shooting style and how often you travel with your gear. If you need a more portable setup, look for lenses that offer a good balance between performance and portability.
CompatibilityEnsure the telephoto lens you choose is compatible with your Canon camera body. Check the lens mount type (e.g., EF, EF-S, RF) and whether it supports full-frame or APS-C sensors. Compatibility is crucial for optimal performance and to avoid any issues with mounting or functionality.

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