10 Best Canon Telephoto Lens 2025 in the United States

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.

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.

The Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens is a top-tier telephoto lens that excels in several key areas. Its impressive 400mm focal length and fast f/2.8 aperture make it ideal for capturing distant subjects with excellent clarity and beautiful background blur. The lens features image stabilization, which significantly reduces camera shake, ensuring sharp images even in handheld shooting situations. Autofocus speed and accuracy are commendable, thanks to the USM motor, making it highly suitable for fast-moving subjects like wildlife and sports photography.

The build quality is robust, with weather sealing to protect against dust and water, allowing for reliable use in harsh conditions. Additionally, super spectra and air sphere coatings minimize ghosting and flare, maintaining high image quality in various lighting environments. The lens is relatively lighter than its predecessors, improving portability during extended shooting sessions. However, it does remain quite heavy and bulky compared to smaller lenses, which might be a drawback for some users.

Compatibility is excellent with Canon EF mount cameras, ensuring seamless integration into existing setups. This lens is best suited for professional photographers or serious enthusiasts who require top-notch performance and durability in a telephoto lens.