Best overall		Sony a7 IV		SEE IT	The a7 IV offers a well-rounded set of features making it a versatile tool for more than just astrophotography.
Best mirrorless		Nikon Z8		SEE IT	With pristine image quality and night-specific features, the Z8 will elevate your astrophotography.
Best budget		Canon EOS RP		SEE IT	It’s more affordable price and compact body make this camera more approachable.

Photographing the night sky has become more popular among hobbyists and professionals alike, and having a quality camera for astrophotography will give you the best chance of success. It is a fairly technical genre that requires patience, skill, and lots of practice. But with the right gear, you’ll be in a better place to get dramatic photos at night. Astrophotography includes images of sweeping landscapes with stars above as well as specific celestial objects. No matter what you want to document, the best cameras for astrophotography are ones that allow the capture of detail-rich photos of the night sky while balancing noise and resolution.

• Best overall: Sony a7 IV
• Best mirrorless: Nikon Z8
• Best for beginners: Fujifilm X-T5
• Best DSLR: Nikon D850
• Best budget: Canon EOS RP

How we chose the best cameras for astrophotography

The primary concern with astrophotography is noise performance across the ISO band. Cameras with larger sensors overwhelmingly dominate this metric, as they tend to have larger individual pixels, which increases their efficiency at gathering light and dispersing thermals. This is why all but our beginner camera contain full-frame sensors.

We were also interested in finding cameras with a high dynamic range per ISO setting. With astrophotography, one is constantly pushing the ISO while trying to maintain detail in highlights and shadows. So, having a high dynamic range at higher ISOs is paramount. Additionally, most will want to use their cameras for more than just astrophotography, so we focused on cameras that would offer versatility in a range of genres and situations.

The best cameras for astrophotography: Reviews & Recommendations

Astrophotography may be a challenging genre, but it is extremely rewarding when you get it right. Get ready to capture epic night skies with these impressive cameras for astrophotography. 

Best overall: Sony a7 IV

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Specs

• Resolution: 33 megapixels
• Sensor size: Full-frame
• Lens mount: Sony E
• Image stabilization: Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
• Memory card slots: Slot 1: CFexpress Type A / SD (UHS-II), Slot 2: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
• Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Dimensions: 5.2 x 3.8 x 3.1 inches

Pros

• Incredible low-light performance
• Advanced features for video and stills
• High dynamic range
• Dual card slots

Cons

• Rear screen is lower resolution than competitors

The a7 IV is a versatile performer that can do it all, which is why it earned our top spot. Its 33-megapixel sensor offers a nice amount of detail without producing excessively large files. It offers impressive dynamic range, which makes it possible to bring back a lot more highlight and shadow detail. That’s a plus when documenting the night sky, especially if the moon is in your shots. When paired with a lens for astrophotography, such as the Sigma 14mm f/1.4, this camera will produce some stunning images.

This camera will exceed expectations in taking both stills and video when paired with a fast lens. Its high ISO performance means you can even capture usable video of the night sky. The a7 IV is also very lightweight, meaning it will work just as well atop even the smallest star trackers or timelapse rotators. Couple that with its “Bright Monitoring” feature, which enhances the exposure in live view, and you’ll never again struggle to find compositions on a tracker or tripod. 

To read more about the Sony a7 IV, check out our full review. If you like the a7 line but want to save a little money, the Sony a7 III, though a generation old, is still a fantastic camera for astrophotography. In fact, it was the most used camera in the Astronomy Photographer of the Year contest. 

Best mirrorless: Nikon Z8

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Specs

• Resolution: 45.7 megapixels
• Sensor size: Full-frame
• Lens mount: Nikon Z
• Image stabilization: Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
• Memory card slots: Slot 1: CFexpress Type B / XQD, Slot 2: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
• Weight: 2 pounds
• Dimensions: 5.7 x 4.7 x 3.3 inches

Pros

• Impressive noise performance
• Excellent low-light performance
• High-resolution sensor results in detailed photos
• Top mount OLED screen

Cons

• Expensive
• Battery life could be better

If you are serious about photography in general and astrophotography specifically, the Nikon Z8 is a fantastic choice. It offers the impressive performance of the Nikon Z9 in a smaller, cheaper body. It is still a pricey camera, so it is best suited for pros or serious enthusiasts. The 45.7-megapixel sensor results in highly detailed images. Your starry landscapes will hold up to even large-scale printing. And images look great even up to ISO 6400, especially with some noise reduction. 

The Z8 also offers excellent dynamic range, giving you more flexibility when editing. It even offers a setting specific to astrophotography. The Starlight View setting lowers the autofocus detection range to -9EV, which is lower than most. There is also a night vision mode that automatically dims the screen and changes the electronic viewfinder to red pixels only. 

Beyond astrophotography, this camera provides advanced autofocus abilities to keep your shots in focus. It is capable of burst shooting of 20 fps full-res raw, or up to 120 fps with the quality lowered to 11-megapixel jpg files. It offers 8K video recording with multiple high-end 4K formats as well. And the body is comfortable to hold with lots of customization options.

To learn more about the Nikon Z8, check out our full review.

Best for beginners: Fujifilm X-T5

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Specs

• Resolution: 40.2 megapixels
• Sensor size: APS-C
• Lens mount: Fujifilm X
• Image stabilization: Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
• Memory card slots: Dual slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
• Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Dimensions: 5.1 x 3.6 x 2.5 inches

Pros

• 40-megapixel sensor results in excellent detail
• Attractive Fujifilm color science with built-in film simulations
• Lots of tactile controls
• Compact compared to full-frame

Cons

• No lit-up top screen for seeing settings

Fujifilm’s X-T5 is a great all-around camera, but it excels at still photos. It is an excellent choice for someone wanting to get started with astrophotography. The camera body is very lightweight and compact, making it easy to pack in if you hike to your astrophotography destinations. It’s also a durable body, capable of handling temperatures as low as 14°F for those winter night shoots.

Unfortunately, there is no top screen, meaning you have to use the viewfinder or rear screen to check settings, a downside when shooting low or trying to conserve battery. But the old-school physical controls help with that and make it easy to adjust settings without specifying a mode. In addition, the vari-angle screen makes it easier to compose your images when shooting at low angles. Though the camera is an APS-C sensor, it still puts out quality images at a reasonable price for beginners.

The ISO range of the XT-4 goes up to 12,800 and can extend to 51,200, giving lots of flexibility for astrophotography. The noise levels are impressive, allowing you to take advantage of some of those higher ISOs without losing the stars to noise. We found the files held up well until roughly ISO 4,000, but the high-resolution sensor gives you more data to work with when utilizing noise reduction software.

As is typical with Fujifilm cameras, the colors are excellent right out of the camera. Plus, it comes with a long list of attractive film simulations built-in, so you don’t need to spend time editing in order to get polished-looking photos. That’s an ideal option for many beginners. Should you want to edit your images, you’ll get plenty of dynamic range, especially for an APS-C, giving you lots of room to play around.

To learn more about the Fujifilm X-T5, check out our full review.

Best DSLR: Nikon D850

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Specs

• Resolution: 45.7 megapixels
• Sensor size: Full-frame
• Lens mount: Nikon F
• Image stabilization: None
• Memory card slots: Slot 1: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II), Slot 2: CFexpress Type B / XQD
• Weight: 2.01 pounds
• Dimensions: 5.7 x 4.9 x 3.1 inches

Pros

• High resolution
• Exceptional battery life
• Access to F-mount lens range
• Backlit buttons

Cons

• Expensive
• Heavy with a large footprint 

The Nikon D850 might be the last great DSLR in production today, and it’s likely the end of a generation of large, substantially robust cameras. In an era where most modern prosumer cameras feel like toys, the D850 stands out as a tool for the most rugged and extreme adventures. Its 45.7 megapixels and lack of an anti-aliasing filter help it achieve details other cameras only dream about. But its largest advantage over the competition is the F-mount. The ability of the D850 to natively support the hundreds of legacy F-mount lenses might be a boon to those who want to offset the cost of this camera by getting some inexpensive glass.

Although high-resolution cameras tend to suffer in low-light photography, especially in deep-sky astrophotography, the D850 holds its own in high dynamic range, low read noise, and shadow detail at higher ISOs. It also has some pretty nifty features that the competition is lacking. For example, none of the other cameras on this list have backlit buttons. In fact, not many cameras in existence have this feature, which is a big deal if you’re doing a lot of night photography. And then there’s battery life, which will never be an issue when owning the D850. 

The only real downside to this camera is its size and price. Some consumers may not be able to justify the high cost of a camera system that is becoming obsolete.  

Best budget: Canon EOS RP

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Specs

• Resolution: 26.2 megapixels
• Sensor size: Full-frame
• Lens mount: Canon RF
• Image stabilization: Digital, 5-axis (video only)
• Memory card slots: Single slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
• Weight: 1.07 pounds
• Dimensions: 5.2 x 3.3 x 2.8 inches

Pros

• Affordable
• Good noise characteristics
• Built-in time-lapse tools
• Very compact and lightweight

Cons

• 4K video results in a significant crop
• Dynamic range could be better

The Canon EOS RP is essentially the mirrorless replacement for the popular 6D Mark II. In fact, it uses the same sensor. That’s a plus for astrophotography since the 6D Mark II has long been one of the top choices for the genre. It provides good noise handling at higher ISOs, so your stars won’t be totally washed out in noise. And it results in high-quality jpg files with a good amount of detail and excellent colors, so you don’t have to fuss with raw files if you don’t want to. 

The EOS RP also features built-in time-lapse tools, so you can take time-lapse videos of the stars. Although you’ll mostly use manual focus when capturing the night sky, the camera offers excellent autofocus performance. It is also a tiny camera, especially for one that uses a full-frame camera. It will be much easier to hike into backcountry locations for darker skies. 

There are still limited options for third-party, affordable lenses for Canon mirrorless cameras, which is one of the main downsides to the RP. If you already have some Canon EF lenses, you can always use an adapter and save some money on new glass. 

What to consider before buying a camera for astrophotography

If your main goal is to take still photos at night, there are a lot of features on modern cameras that will be irrelevant to your pursuit. Marketing will hype up features related to autofocus, extreme ISO ranges, video capabilities, and in-body image stabilization (IBIS), but in practice, these features are inconsequential to astrophotography, so take them with a grain of salt. That said, if you want one camera that can handle everything, those may be features that are essential for you.

Mirrorless vs DSLR

Mirrorless cameras aren’t inherently better than DSLRs for astrophotography. However, most camera and lens manufacturers have begun to phase out releases or even production of DSLR gear, and the camera format is becoming rather outdated. As a result, it is likely a wiser investment to go with a mirrorless system. Luckily, mirrorless cameras are typically more compact and lightweight. That makes them easier to work with if you need to travel to a dark sky location.

The downside is that there are fewer lens options available for mirrorless cameras at this point, specifically for Nikon and Canon. But companies are churning out new releases on a regular basis, and third-party lens makers have begun releasing options as well, so this will become a moot point in the near future.

Megapixels & sensor size

Generally speaking, cameras with larger sensors outperform those with smaller sensors in low light. But that’s only half of the story. The reason larger sensors generally perform better in low light is because of the ratio of pixels to sensor size, which can be measured by the individual pixel size. Larger sensors have more surface area to place individual pixels, and the larger the individual pixel size, the more efficient it will be at collecting light and dispersing thermals. So, the key to low light performance is having a balance between megapixel count and sensor size. 

Budget

Cameras that perform well for astrophotography can range from $500 to $5000. The main differences between cameras in this broad spectrum are photographer aid features, such as live view zooming, enhanced exposure, backlit buttons, etc. Yes, quality does get better the more money you throw down, but only incrementally. If your main focus is astrophotography, an increase in price doesn’t necessarily mean an increase in quality. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best cameras for astrophotography

• Best overall: Sony a7 IV
• Best mirrorless: Nikon Z8
• Best for beginners: Fujifilm X-T5
• Best DSLR: Nikon D850
• Best budget: Canon EOS RP

Astrophotography is still a niche pursuit. Picking the right camera for this genre is a delicate balance of selecting individual features and low-light performance versus price. Don’t automatically assume that the newest camera is the best choice for astrophotography. The newest features on the latest camera models don’t always improve their functionality and usability as it pertains to astrophotography, and you could end up paying more for features that won’t apply to this genre. The choices above reflect these concerns. After all, the camera is only one part of the equation; if you’re economical with your decision, you should have savings to apply to better-quality glass.

Why trust us

PopPhoto has a long history of delivering the opinions of some of the sharpest and most prolific camera dorks the world has to offer. Since 1937, we’ve been reviewing cameras, providing wisdom from well-known photographers, and generally just nerding out about all that goes into making great pictures. Our current crop of writers and editors have decades of professional photography and camera writing experience among them. Collectively, we’ve probably shot with just about every camera and lens combo you can imagine—as well as some obscure stuff you may not even know about. Remember the Casio Tryx folding camera? PopPhoto does.

We also get that buying a camera is a big decision, which is why we’re dedicated to helping folks choose the right one (or, in our case “ones”) for their needs. Case in point: Handing over top dollar for an expensive rig may leave you unsatisfied if it doesn’t fit your preferred shooting style. Sure, a $6,000 sports-oriented DSLR can capture landscapes, but do you really need to do it at 30 frames-per-second? No, you don’t.

The post The best cameras for astrophotography in 2023, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Best overall		Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS		SEE IT	This classic zoom range offers a lot of versatility in a single lens.
Best for wildlife		Canon RF 100-500 f/4.5-7.1L IS		SEE IT	You can keep your distance while getting epic photos of wildlife with this lens.
Best budget		Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS		SEE IT	This lens has a lot to offer for its sub $1,000 price.

Telephoto lenses for Canon cameras take up a huge market segment, with lenses ranging from 70mm up to and beyond 800mm. That’s a lot of variety to choose from! The best options allow for maximum magnification of the intended subject while keeping it sharp, free of distortion, and easy to keep in the frame. The resultant images help to bring the viewer as close as possible to the subject. That’s a lot to ask of a lens, especially when the intended subjects are typically far away, very small, or both. Choosing the right telephoto lens depends greatly on your intended use. This is why there are hundreds of options to choose from, from the very niche super-telephoto primes to the more universal all-in-one superzooms. Here are some of the best telephoto lenses for Canon cameras, no matter your needs.

• Best overall: Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS
• Best premium: Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM
• Best for wildlife: Canon RF 100-500 f/4.5-7.1L IS
• Best for portraits: Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM
• Best value: Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS
• Best third party: Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports
• Best budget: Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS

How we picked the best telephoto lenses for Canon

There were a lot of factors that went into determining the best telephoto lenses for Canon cameras. Although budget was the primary concern, perhaps equally important was lens mount type. Concerning Canon specifically, they have introduced a large spectrum of telephoto RF lenses across all budgets, and it’s no coincidence that those lenses are featured prominently here. 

The RF mount has allowed Canon to dramatically increase the performance and features of their telephoto lens lineup while at the same time reducing their weight and size. In addition, the RF mount has enabled Canon to introduce some truly unique lenses, which would not have been possible before due to the limitations of the EF mount.

The best telephoto lenses for Canon: Reviews & Recommendations

Whether you are looking to capture dramatic shots of wildlife, document sporting events, or create beautiful portraits, these telephoto lenses will help you nail the shot.

Best overall: Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS

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Specs

• Lens mount: Canon RF
• Aperture range: f/2.8 – f/32
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Filter size: 77mm
• Minimum focus distance: 2.3 feet
• Weight: 2.35 pounds
• Dimensions: 3.54 x 5.75 – 8.03 inches

Pros

• Tiny and light
• Extremely good optics
• Accurate, fast, and quiet autofocus
• Configurable control ring

Cons

• Expensive 
• Not compatible with teleconverters

No photographer’s trinity of lenses would be complete without a 70-200mm. If you take the previous EF mount versions into account, what could Canon possibly offer as an improvement to this professional zoom? For a start, nearly 30% reduction in weight and size, with no loss in image quality. To put it bluntly, it is an amazing feat of optical engineering. It is the smallest 70-200 f/2.8 lens on the market today. Only the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is lighter by a paltry 25 grams or about five credit cards. 

Speaking of credit cards, you might need to leverage them against the cost of this lens because this new kid on the block doesn’t come cheap. That 30% reduction in weight and size will cost you 30% more than the last EF 70-200 that Canon released. For some of you, the ultimate deal-breaker for this lens might be that it is not capable of accepting teleconverters of any sort. The rear element is so close to the back of the lens that any teleconverter simply does not have enough room to fit, which seriously reduces its flexibility in the field. 

Putting teleconverter efficacy aside, that’s about the only bad news to report with this lens. Sure, the new design no longer has internal zooming, making people worried about dust and moisture intrusion. But Canon did this before and had great success with the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS. So dust and moisture intrusion should be the least of your worries. Overall this is the best telephoto lens for Canon and a fantastic achievement; anyone with the budget will have no complaints about quality over the previous generations. 

Best premium: Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM

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Specs

• Lens mount: Canon RF
• Aperture range: f2.8 – f/22
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Filter size: 112mm
• Minimum focus distance: 5.9 feet
• Weight: 5.7 pounds
• Dimensions: 5 x 12.7 inches

Pros

• 5.5 stops of stabilization with three modes
• Extremely fast focusing
• Superb image quality
• Compatible with teleconverters

Cons

• Very pricey

For professionals who want one of the absolute best telephoto lenses for Canon cameras, it’s hard to beat the relatively new Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 lens. It’s more versatile than a 300mm prime, but offers absolutely stunning image quality. It offers truly impressive sharpness across the entire image, allowing for highly-detailed images. The fast and constant f/2.8 aperture makes it ideal for low-light situations. And the lens is capable of beautifully blurred backgrounds to keep the focus on your subject.

The lens feels very well-built, handles nicely, and offers extensive weatherproofing to stand up to extreme environments. Focus and zoom are both fully internal, so the lens won’t change length at all when you change your focal length or focus. That adds to its performance in adverse weather and also means the balance of the lens won’t change at all. The zoom and focus rings feature different texturized finishes, so you’ll be able to tell the difference without looking at the lens. And there’s a customizable control ring, which you can use for things like aperture, shutter speed, or ISO.

Canon designed this lens for sports and events, and as a result, focusing on this lens is extremely fast. But there are a few controls to make it even faster should you need that. A Focus Preset option, which allows you to program a focusing distance and instantly focus to that point. And the focus limiter switch with two settings (5.9 feet to infinity or from 19.7 feet to infinity) keeps the lens from searching for focus in unnecessary places. And it offers 5.5 stops of stabilization with three different modes or up to six when paired with a camera with IBIS.

Best for wildlife: Canon RF 100-500 f/4.5-7.1L IS

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Specs

• Lens mount: Canon RF
• Aperture range: f/4.5-7.1 to f/32-54
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Filter size: 77mm
• Minimum focus distance: 2.95 feet
• Weight: 3 pounds
• Dimensions: 3.7 x 8.2 – 11.7 inches

Pros

• Lightweight
• Increased range
• Excellent image quality
• Configurable control ring

Cons

• Expensive
• Slower maximum aperture 

When thinking of professional hand-holdable superzooms, it’s hard not to consider the 100-400mm range. Canon has made two of these iterations before, and both have been excellent and versatile lenses for the EF mount. This new RF “L” version somehow manages to pack an extra 100mm of focal length while at the same time reducing its weight when compared to the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II. Just about everything in this lens is better than its predecessor. Autofocus is more snappy, thanks to the new dual Nano-USM, and image stabilization has increased to five total stops. And the added control ring allows adjustments of an assortment of exposure settings on the fly.

The slower f/7.1 maximum aperture might be suspect, but remember that the newer RF mount cameras aren’t constrained by light the same way as their EF predecessors. The new cameras allow for full focus across the frame at smaller apertures, even at f/7.1 and beyond. You can use teleconverters, albeit only over 300mm, when the rear element leaves enough room for them. 

The only real negative of this lens is the price, which is indicative of its recent release and added features. However, canon RF body owners should have a hard time overlooking this lens for handheld wildlife shooting as its handling and performance easily eclipses the experience of using prior models.

Best for portraits: Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM

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Specs

• Lens mount: Canon RF
• Aperture range: f/1.2 – 16
• Image stabilization: No
• Filter size: 82mm
• Minimum focus distance: 2.79 feet
• Weight: 2.63 pounds
• Dimensions: 4.06 x 4.62 inches

Pros

• Stunning sharpness
• Defocus Smoothing coating produces better bokeh
• Robust weather sealing
• Fast autofocus

Cons

• Expensive
• Rather heavy

While any of the lenses included here could certainly be used as portrait lenses, 85mm is the quintessential portrait lens. And this Canon version is a beautiful example of what a quality 85mm should be. It offers superb sharpness for richly detailed images. The Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics element essentially eliminates fringing and chromatic aberrations, resulting in clear, clean images. But where this 85mm really shines is with its bokeh.

Canon created this lens with its Defocus Smoothing coating, which results in softer and smoother bokeh when shooting at wide apertures. And indeed, the bokeh is absolutely stunning. And the transition from in-focus to out-of-focus elements is very smooth. The downside is that the coating requires 1.3 stops more light when shooting wide open than the standard version of this 85mm without the coating. But by f/3.2, both are effectively the same in terms of light transmission.

Beyond image quality, the lens is built with extensive weather sealing to stand up to whatever you throw at it. The ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) results in fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus performance. And it features an internal focusing design. You’ll have access to a customizable control ring, which you can use for settings such as aperture, ISO, or exposure compensation.

Best value: Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS

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Specs

• Lens mount: Canon RF
• Aperture range: f/11
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Filter size: 95mm
• Minimum focus distance: 19.96 feet
• Weight: 2.77 pounds
• Dimensions: 4 x 11.1 – 13.85 inches

Pros

• Impressive image quality
• Small and light
• Insane value
• Excellent autofocus and image stabilization

Cons

• Very slow maximum aperture
• Extreme minimum focus distance

Canon’s RF 800mm f/11 IS is easily one of the more audacious lens offerings from such a prominent manufacturer. Canon is no stranger to making 800mm lenses, but it’s rather strange at this low price point. The RF 800mm is impressively sharp, compact, lightweight, and has the autofocus and image stabilization of lenses above its tier. There is no lens with a better value per millimeter on the market today. It also accepts teleconverters, so you could have a 1600mm, autofocusing f/22 lens for not much more. 

The RF 800mm obviously has its shortcomings, the most glaring being the constant f/11 aperture. This lens needs a lot of light to maximize autofocus performance and minimize motion blur. Other drawbacks aren’t so severe. The minimum focusing distance is on the extreme side at 20ft, but that shouldn’t be an issue for birding and wildlife shooting. This lens is not weather-sealed, but since it requires a lot of light, shooting in poor weather would be unlikely. 

Some people might find the need to extend and lock the barrel before shooting a nuisance, but this also allows it to be extremely portable given its immense reach. All things considered, if you can imagine yourself in an environment with enough light, this lens should be on your radar.

Best third party: Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports

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Specs

• Lens mount: Canon EF
• Aperture range: f/5 – 6.3 to f/22
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Filter size: 105mm
• Minimum focus distance: 8.53 feet
• Weight: 6.29 pounds
• Dimensions: 4.76 x 11.43 – 15.04 inches

Pros

• Huge zoom range
• Rugged build 
• Great value for money
• Superb image quality

Cons

• Very heavy
• Requires an adapter to work on RF cameras

While the RF mount represents the future of Canon’s lenses, third-party development of the RF mount has lagged since its introduction in 2018. So to recommend a third-party lens for Canon, we have to look to the past and the legacy EF mount. Luckily, you can get an adapter to use this EF lens on RF cameras. Sigma introduced the 150-600mm Sport in 2014, and it still represents the pinnacle of third-party telephoto lens design. 

It’s a beast at over six pounds. For a lens that looks and feels hand-holdable, it most certainly is not and would benefit from proper mounting on a gimbal or sidekick. However, what it lacks in handling, it more than makes up for in robust build quality with its superior splash and dustproof construction. Even the lens hood boasts an all-aluminum build with a rubberized coating near the front to prevent damage when sitting on rough surfaces. 

The features packed into this lens are just as incredible as its build quality. For instance, you can operate it as a traditional twist zoom or a push-pull, and you can engage the zoom lock at any focal length. The elements that make up the lens design are veritably resistant to flares, chromatic aberrations, and even water and oil (on the front and rear elements). 

The image quality is extremely consistent throughout the focal range. And the autofocus and image stabilization performance are exceptional, silent, and accurate. You can also customize this lens through Sigma’s USB dock, and they also offer a lens mount conversion service to switch between Canon, Nikon, Sony, Sigma, and Pentax. What’s more, Sigma includes a robust padded case and strap with the purchase.

Best budget: Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS

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Specs

• Lens mount: Canon RF
• Aperture range: f/5.6 – 8 to f/32 – 45
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Filter size: 67mm
• Minimum focus distance: 2.9 feet
• Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Dimensions: 3.1 x 6.5 inches

Pros

• Great value
• Small and light
• Surprising image quality
• Great autofocus and image stabilization

Cons

• Slow maximum aperture
• Lens hood and tripod collar are not included

The biggest problem with telephoto lenses, in general, is the overwhelming price most of them command. In the past, telephoto lenses with at least 400mm of range have either been competent and expensive or sacrificed too much in image quality and performance to be good budget buys. But it seems that Canon is on a roll with the development of interesting lenses that somehow manage to break the quality for price barrier. The new RF 100-400mm is the latest in a slew of wins for Canon’s consumer line. This lens packs enough image quality and performance features that seasoned photographers will appreciate while at the same time significantly lowering what has always been a prohibitively high price point in this focal range.

It lacks some creature comforts reserved for higher tier “L” lenses, but that is to be expected at this lower price bracket. It has a relatively slow f/8 maximum aperture at 400mm, which means you’ll need a bit more light to get the proper performance out of it. But it also has Canon’s new quick and quiet Nano-USM focusing motor and 5.5 stops of image stabilization. 

What it lacks in weather sealing and build quality, it makes up for with its small stature and lightweight design. Some might call the image quality pedestrian when compared to Canon’s RF 100-500mm, but remember that this lens is over four times less expensive. There is no lens available at this price with this range in either EF or RF mounts. This lens isn’t complacent; it convincingly establishes itself in a notoriously tough focal range with a lack of clear competition. This is one of best telephoto lenses for Canon on a budget.

Things to consider before buying the best telephoto lenses for Canon

Telephoto lenses cover such a broad spectrum of photography and can be useful in many disparate scenarios. Factors such as focal length, zoom versus prime, weight, and size are not generally related to price. Whereas maximum aperture, sharpness, build quality, autofocus performance, and extra features most definitely are. Of course, there are trade-offs to having a smaller budget, but that’s where knowing what you’re going to use the lens for comes heavily into play. Understanding your specific use case for a telephoto lens will allow you to acknowledge which trade-offs will be acceptable. If you’re looking for the best telephoto lenses for Canon, consider the following:

Budget

The most important factor in deciding which telephoto lens to buy is your budget. The price of this category of lenses can vary wildly, from $100 to $20,000. So knowing what you have to spend will make a huge difference in the kind of lens you are able to acquire. 

Generally, the most expensive lenses are very niche and at the pinnacle of optical quality and performance. The reverse can usually be said of the least expensive telephoto lenses. But the new RF mount lenses from Canon have shown us that you can have optical quality around the $1000 mark. The thing most lacking from these lower-tier lenses isn’t necessarily image quality, but features, performance, and build quality.

Your specific use case

Not all telephoto lenses are created equal, and this segment of the market has a vast and diverse population of lenses built for specific purposes. So before you sink your money into a lens that has been raved about for its performance, sharpness, price, value, etc., consider what you want to use a particular lens for. 

Are you a birder? Are you spending most of your time stationary on a tripod or walking around? Do you need to shoot in low light? Do you shoot outdoors in inclement weather? Do you need it to fit in a carry-on bag? Are your subjects large, small, close, afar, or all of the above? Answering these questions to help figure out what you want a telephoto lens for will narrow down the correct lens to buy, so be specific.

Weight

Whether you intend on hand-holding or using a tripod, lens weight is a factor that you should not ignore. What good is a 7 lb 600, 800, or 1200mm lens when it stays in its case because it’s too cumbersome to set up? Some telephoto zooms weigh in excess of 6 lbs, so budget does not necessarily correlate with weight. It’s best to know your specific use case first, then determine what your arms can manage, either while shooting handheld or lugging around in a case between shoots.

EF VS RF Mount

Whether we like it or not, the RF mount is the future, and Canon has introduced some unique and innovative lenses for this mount. EF mount lenses do have the advantage in numbers; Canon alone has made 151 unique models since 1987. So why not just use an EF to RF mount adapter? There’s nothing inherently wrong with that logic, but that’s only a stop-gap measure as RF mount lenses have a clear advantage in technology. They can be lighter, smaller, have larger constant apertures and communicate faster, which in turn allows for better autofocus, and superior image stabilization.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best telephoto lenses for Canon

• Best overall: Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS
• Best premium: Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM
• Best for wildlife: Canon RF 100-500 f/4.5-7.1L IS
• Best for portraits: Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM
• Best value: Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS
• Best third party: Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports
• Best budget: Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS

Telephoto lenses cover such a large swath of photographic applications and can be highly niched with prime super telephotos or extremely broad with telephoto zooms. Understanding what you want to shoot and the environment you’ll be shooting in will be the biggest key in determining which are the best telephoto lenses for Canon to invest in.

Why trust us

PopPhoto has a long history of delivering the opinions of some of the sharpest and most prolific camera dorks the world has to offer. Since 1937, we’ve been reviewing cameras, providing wisdom from well-known photographers, and generally just nerding out about all that goes into making great pictures. Our current crop of writers and editors have decades of professional photography and camera writing experience among them. Collectively, we’ve probably shot with just about every camera and lens combo you can imagine—as well as some obscure stuff you may not even know about. Remember the Casio Tryx folding camera? PopPhoto does.

We also get that buying a camera is a big decision, which is why we’re dedicated to helping folks choose the right one (or, in our case “ones”) for their needs. Case in point: Handing over top dollar for an expensive rig may leave you unsatisfied if it doesn’t fit your preferred shooting style. Sure, a $6,000 sports-oriented DSLR can capture landscapes, but do you really need to do it at 30 frames-per-second? No, you don’t.

The post The best telephoto lenses for Canon in 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Best overall		Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Lens		SEE IT	The versatile zoom range, excellent image quality, and fast aperture make it a top choice.
Best for wildlife		Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S		SEE IT	This 400mm lens is quite compact for the focal length and offers superb image quality.
Best budget		Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD		SEE IT	This Tamron lens is very reasonably priced for what you get.

Telephoto lenses for Nikon cameras allow photographers and video shooters to get close-up shots of distant, fast-moving, or dangerous subjects. The unrivaled range and versatility of the telephoto range have made these lenses a staple in photographers’ camera bags and wish lists since the advent of modern photography. Whether your subject is people, wildlife, or sports, a telephoto lens bestows the ability to narrow the field of view, isolate the subject, and allow the photographer to remain at a comfortable distance. The best telephoto lenses for Nikon will set you up for success regardless of your genre.

Best for Nikon mirrorless:

• Best overall: Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Lens
• Best for wildlife: Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S
• Best value: Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
• Best for portraits: Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S
• Best budget: Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD

Best for Nikon DSLRs:

• Best overall: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
• Best for wildlife: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR
• Best value: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II
• Best third-party: Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports
• Best on a budget: Tamron 70-210mm F/4 Di VC

How we picked the best telephoto lenses for Nikon

There were a lot of factors that went into determining the best telephoto lenses for Nikon cameras. None more so than mount type. Nikon has not introduced Z-mount alternatives for many of their telephoto lenses, leading to F-mount lenses being featured exclusively on this list. What Nikon lacks in Z-mount telephotos, they more than makeup for with unique, great-performing, and budget-conscious F-mount lenses. And with the addition of the FTZ adapter, more lenses are available for use with their mirrorless cameras than any other camera manufacturer. Versatility and budget were also heavily considered, as telephoto lenses can be notoriously expensive and limiting. We addressed these factors and provided options with exemplary quality, uniqueness, and performance, all while remaining relatively affordable.

The best telephoto lenses for Nikon mirrorless cameras: Reviews & recommendations

Best overall: Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Lens

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Specs

• Lens mount: Z-mount, full-frame
• Aperture range: f/2.8 – f/22
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Filter size: 77 mm
• Minimum focus distance: 1.64 feet
• Weight: 2.99 pounds
• Dimensions: 3.5 x 8.66 inches

Pros

• Exceptional image quality
• Fast and quiet autofocus
• Compatible with teleconverters
• Excellent handling

Cons

• Tripod foot isn’t Arca compatible
• Pricey

70-200mm is an extremely versatile focal length ideal for a range of applications. It’s a fantastic tool for photographing weddings but also makes a great wildlife photography lens. And the Nikon Z-mount version is an excellent take on this classic focal length range. It features a bright and constant f/2.8 aperture capable of producing gorgeous bokeh.

Nikon built the lens around two AF drive units, resulting in speedy and accurate autofocus throughout the zoom range. And if you need even faster autofocus when working with subjects in the distance, there is a focus limiter switch. Focus is internal, so the lens balance won’t change as you focus. And it offers full-time manual focus override for fine-tuning your focus. It’s also dust- and moisture-resistant for better protection from the elements.

Perhaps most importantly, this lens offers stunning image quality. The combination of elements—including six extra-low dispersion elements, one fluorite element, and one short-wave refractive index element—results in excellent contrast, clarity, and color accuracy. And the lens provides built-in vibration reduction to assist in getting sharp images.

Best for wildlife: Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S

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Specs

• Lens mount: Z-mount, full-frame
• Aperture range: f/4.5 – f/32
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Filter size: 95 mm
• Minimum focus distance: 8.2 feet
• Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Dimensions: 4.1 x 9.2 inches

Pros

• Relatively compact and lightweight
• Excellent sharpness
• 5.5 stops of vibration reduction
• Weather-sealed

Cons

• Tripod foot isn’t Arca compatible
• Expensive

Nikon claims that this 400mm lens is the smallest and lightest it has ever created. And while a super telephoto lens is never described as light, this one is remarkably small compared to similar lenses. For example, the exorbitantly expensive NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8 lens weighs 6.5 pounds and is 15 inches long. This f/4.5 version, on the other hand, is just 2.7 pounds and 9.2 inches long. 

Of course, there are some compromises to get that relatively compact size. For one, the f/4.5 aperture isn’t all that fast. And it can only focus as close as 8.2 feet. But, in terms of image quality, this telephoto prime lens is excellent. It is sharp across the aperture range with essentially no aberrations or fringing. 

Should you want more reach, you can use this 400mm lens with Nikon’s 1.4x or 2x teleconverters. Quality will dip with the 2x converter, but the 1.4x still provides a lot of image quality. In addition, the lens is weather-sealed, so you can photograph wildlife in less-than-pleasant conditions. And it offers 5.5 stops of vibration reduction to help get sharp images even when shooting handheld or in low-light conditions.

Best value: Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

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Specs

• Lens mount: Z-mount, full-frame
• Aperture range: f/4.5 to 5.6 – f/32 to 40
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Filter size: 77 mm
• Minimum focus distance: 2.5 feet
• Weight: 3.2 pounds 
• Dimensions: 3.9 x 8.7 inches

Pros

• Rugged, weather-sealed build
• Versatile focal length range
• Excellent image quality
• Fast autofocus

Cons

• Heavy

This 100-400mm lens was the first long telephoto from Nikon for its Z-mount system. While it’s by no means a cheap lens, it has a lot to offer, most notably the highly versatile focal length range. It’s ideal for sports, wildlife, portraits, landscapes, and even macro. It can focus as close as 2.5 feet—much better than the 400mm above—and provides a magnification of 0.38x. 

This ultra-telephoto zoom also provides superb image quality. It’s incredibly sharp, resulting in highly detailed images. It even handles backlighting well with minimal ghosting and flare and excellent contrast. Plus, as you’d hope for a telephoto lens, the bokeh is beautiful. 

As part of Nikon’s S line, the lens is weather-sealed and can withstand harsh conditions. It provides 5.5 stops of vibration reduction and full-time manual focus override. One unique feature of this lens is the “Inner Balance technology,” which keeps the center of gravity consistent when changing the focal length. That’s ideal when shooting on a gimbal or even just a tripod. 

Best for portraits: Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S

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Specs

• Lens mount: Z-mount, full-frame
• Aperture range: f/1.2 – f/16
• Image stabilization: No
• Filter size: 82 mm
• Minimum focus distance: 33.46 inches
• Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Dimensions: 4 x 5.6 inches

Pros

• Weather-sealed
• Superb image quality
• Beautiful bokeh
• Fast autofocus

Cons

• Quite bulky

Though not as dramatic as the other options included here, an 85mm prime is typically the go-to lens of portrait photographers, so we couldn’t leave it out. And this new release from Nikon is a superb example of an 85mm prime lens. It’s bulky and pricey but has a lot to offer.

The NIKKOR 85mm f/1.2 is extremely sharp, providing a high level of detail, especially when paired with a high-resolution camera like the Nikon Z9. It offers a fast f/1.2 aperture with beautiful bokeh due to the 11-blade diaphragm. There is some cat-eye effect when shooting fully open but stopped down slightly, the bokeh is perfectly round. And the transition to out-of-focus areas is buttery smooth, resulting in outstanding portraits.

Nikon’s newest 85mm lens is also an ideal choice for videographers, thanks to the nearly silent autofocus and minimal focus breathing. It uses two STM motors to focus quickly, which isn’t typical of 85mm lenses. Plus, it’s weather-sealed for protection against the elements and offers a customizable function button. 

Best budget: Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD

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Specs

• Lens mount: Z-mount, full-frame
• Aperture range: f/4.5 to 6.3 – f/22 to 32
• Image stabilization: No
• Filter size: 67 mm
• Minimum focus distance: 31.5 inches
• Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Dimensions: 3 x 5.8 – 8.5 inches

Pros

• Compact and lightweight
• Close focusing abilities
• Affordable
• Versatile range

Cons

• No stabilization

Long telephoto lenses are typically priced out of reach for most people. And they usually weigh a significant amount, making them less than ideal for travel use. But that’s not the case with this Tamron lens. At $700, it’s one of the cheapest telephoto zoom lenses you can buy. And it weighs just 1.2 pounds and is only 5.8 inches long.

Despite the low price, the lens has a lot to offer. It can focus as close as 31.5 inches when zoomed out, lending itself to some detail shots. Its autofocus is quiet and quick in most situations, so you’ll even be able to track moving subjects. And offers a good amount of weather sealing for more confidence when shooting outside. 

The lens also offers excellent sharpness in the center of the frame. Unfortunately, there is some softness on the edges, but you can improve that by stopping down the aperture. There’s also very minimal fringing and aberration, resulting in clean, clear images. Keep in mind that this 70-300mm lens doesn’t offer any image stabilization, which may make shooting handheld at longer focal lengths tricky. But if your camera offers IBIS, you’ll have some help at least.

The best telephoto lenses for Nikon DSLRs:

Best overall: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR

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Specs

• Lens mount: F-mount, full-frame
• Aperture range: f/5.6 – f/32
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Filter size: 95 mm
• Minimum focus distance: 7.22 feet 
• Weight: 5.07 pounds
• Dimensions: 4.25 x 10.53 – 13.5 inches

Pros

• Large zoom range
• Constant f/5.6 aperture
• Impressive sharpness
• Low price

Cons

• Heavy and large
• Not fully weather sealed

Released in 2015, the Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR is still the reigning king of super-telephoto zooms. Nowhere else on the market can you find a lens of comparable quality, versatility, and price. Its longevity in the market and lack of a suitable replacement show just how much confidence Nikon has in this lens. 

It’s optically sharper, lighter, and cheaper than both the Tamron and Sigma 150-600mm, although it does lack the range. And for those who find the reach of the aging Nikon 80-400mm lacking, you’ll be pleased to hear that the 200-500mm surpasses it in image quality on the top end, is quite a bit cheaper, and has an extra 100mm to boot. 

Though this lens doesn’t come without its share of flaws, they have almost nothing to do with image quality or performance. For one, it’s still quite heavy and rather large compared to Nikon’s 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR. The 200-500mm focal range is also not as versatile, but this depends entirely on your subjects and what other lenses you own. The only other negative with this lens is that it’s not fully weather-sealed, but at such an impressive price, it’s worth the plunge. What makes this lens even more exciting is pairing it with a DX body, where the range increases to 300-750mm at f/5.6. Nikon has made a bonafide winner in this lens. If you need a super-telephoto, look no further.

Best for wildlife: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR

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Specs

• Lens mount: F-mount, full-frame
• Aperture range: f/5.6 – f/32
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Filter size: 95 mm
• Minimum focus distance: 9.84 inches
• Weight: 3.21 pounds
• Dimensions: 4.17 x 9.33 inches

Pros

• Lightweight
• Compact
• Impressive optics
• Fully weather-sealed

Cons

• Expensive
• Less versatile

Super-telephoto lenses have always been prohibitively expensive, available to only the elite few who have the budget and back to carry them. These lenses are very much the pinnacle of optical technology, but they are simply out of reach for the average photographer. Nikon has recently started introducing their version of compact super-telephotos using their Phase Fresnel technology, which is their attempt at miniaturizing both the size and expense of these monster lenses. The Nikon 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR is the latest entry using this tech. At nearly a third of the price of the 500mm f/4E FL ED VR Lens, the Phase Fresnel variant finally bridges the gap between superior quality glass and affordability. 

To that end, the 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR has all the performance of its bigger, more expensive brethren at a fraction of the size, weight, and, most importantly, cost. Being able to handhold a 500mm lens for any length of time is impressive, and that’s what makes this lens so incredibly versatile for sports and wildlife photographers. The optics are solid, and when using it on front-lit subjects, you’ll have a hard time differentiating its performance compared to the bigger 500mm f/4E FL ED VR. Focus speed does take a noticeable dip, especially when using teleconverters, but pre-focusing to get in the general area all but cancels this issue.

The build quality and features of this lens are just as impressive as the standard f/4 super-telephotos. And its ability to use teleconverters and the FTZ adapter for the newer Z mirrorless cameras is an excellent addition. Overall, the 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR is an impressive addition to the Nikon family and should be highly considered for avid wildlife and sports photographers looking for big telephoto performance in a small package.

Best value: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II

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Specs

• Lens mount: F-mount, full-frame
• Aperture range: f/4 – f/32 
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Filter size: 42mm
• Minimum focus distance: 6.6 feet
• Weight: 7.41 pounds
• Dimensions: 4.88 x 14.41 inches

Pros

• Wicked sharp
• Constant f/4 aperture
• All internal zoom
• Works well with teleconverters

Cons

• Heavy and large
• Sharpness can be finicky at great distances

Announced in 2010, the Nikon 200-400 f/4G ED VR II is definitely a little long in the tooth. But don’t let its age deceive you. This telephoto lens for Nikon is still an optical masterpiece that can now be had for less than half of its original MSRP when buying used. That puts it in direct competition with Nikon’s 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR, which is why, as of writing this, the 200-400 f/4G ED VR II is such a deal. It’s an insanely sharp, fast, consistent, and well-built lens that has been the optimum choice for years by professional sports and wildlife photographers alike. 

With the addition of a 1.4x teleconverter, this lens can easily perform as well as the larger 500 and 600mm f/4 primes in Nikon’s catalog without noticeable losses in autofocus speed or image quality. Its versatility increases further when paired with an APS-C camera, becoming a 300-600mm f/4 or a 420-840mm f/5.6 with a 1.4x teleconverter. Let that sink in for a moment. 

In a time when legacy F-mount lenses are nearing the end of their lives, relics like the 200-400 f/4G ED VR II are being updated and improved by newer (read more expensive) lenses. But for the casual or hobbyist photographer, this is a huge boon, especially if you are a Nikon mirrorless owner. With the addition of Nikon’s FTZ adapter, any Z-mount camera can accept this lens as if it were a Z-mount itself, further increasing its already astounding versatility. If you’re in the market for a zoom lens with 400mm of reach, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better alternative than this lens. 

Best third-party: Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports

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Specs

• Lens mount: F-mount, full-frame
• Aperture range: f/5 to 6.3 – f/32
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Filter size: 95 mm
• Minimum focus distance: 9.19 feet
• Weight: 4.03 pounds
• Dimensions: 4.13 x 10.24 – 13.3 inches

Pros

• Huge zoom range
• Rugged build 
• Great value for money
• Superb image quality

Cons

• Cumbersome and heavy
• f/6.3 starts around 320mm

Since its introduction in late 2014, the Sigma 150-600mm Sports lens has been the go-to third-party telephoto zoom for avid wildlife photographers across all camera platforms. And for good reasons, as it’s extremely well built, has excellent optical quality, both autofocus and image stabilization are exceptional, and its zoom range is massive. Although it’s nearly double the price of its twin, the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary, the Sports version more than makes up for this increased cost with faster focus, greater color representation, less distortion, and better detail fidelity. It also boasts a completely dust and splash-proof construction, with added repellent coatings to both the front and rear elements.

It is a heavy lens, though, and you might want to think twice about trying to handhold it for any extended period of time. This lens will undoubtedly handle better on a gimbal or sidekick mount, bean bag, or stationary tripod. The Sports version also benefits from its ability to be operated as both a traditional twist zoom or a push-pull, and the zoom lock can be engaged at any focal length. Lest you think that was all, it also can be customized and updated through Sigma’s USB dock, and Sigma also offers a lens mount conversion service to switch between Canon, Nikon, Sony, Sigma, and Pentax. There’s really not much to criticize about this lens. If you have the room in your camera bag, the forearm strength, and the budget, the Sigma 150-600mm Sports lens would be an exceptional addition to anyone’s kit.

Best budget: Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR

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Specs

• Lens mount: F-mount, full-frame
• Aperture range: f/4.5 to 5.6 – f/32 to 40
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Filter size: 67 mm
• Minimum focus distance: 3.94 feet
• Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Dimensions: 3.17 x 5.75 – 7.94 inches

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Four stops of vibration reduction
• Good image quality
• Very fast autofocus

Cons

• No focus distance scale

It wouldn’t be a telephoto lens roundup without at least one 70-300mm, and this offering from Nikon packs a lot of features into an impressively inexpensive package. The main reason for buying an f/4.5 version of a 70-300mm lens is weight savings due to the decreased amount of glass needed. It also comes with price savings due to the same factors. 

The NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E has excellent magnification (0.25x), relatively close minimum focusing distance, appealing bokeh, quiet and fast autofocus, and distortion control. It’s frankly incredible that its nearest competitor, the Nikon 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Lens, is twice the price but nowhere near twice the lens. 

To get to this attractive and very competitive price point, Nikon had to make a few sacrifices in the construction. These affect image quality, though not enough to warrant any disregard. Make no mistake; this lens stands up to its competition. The image quality only begins to suffer when one pushes its limits by over-cropping. Overall, this lens represents an impressive jump in quality and performance from a typical entry-level 55-200mm kit zoom.

Even more telephoto lenses for Nikon worth mentioning

Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S

For those who want the best of the best from a 400mm lens, this NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 beauty will do the trick. Of course, it comes with a high price tag—to put it mildly. But it features a built-in 1.4x teleconverter for an extended reach of 560mm. It also provides a fast f/2.8 aperture, 5.5 stops of vibration reduction, Nikon’s Silky Swift Voice Coil Motor (VCM) for fast autofocus, and exceptional all-around image quality.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S Lens

Released at the end of 2022, the NIKKOR 600mm f/4 is another monster of a telephoto for Nikon Z-mount. Like the 400mm above, it provides a built-in 1.4x teleconverter for a reach of 840mm with the flick of a switch. It’s incredibly sharp, weather-sealed, and offers fast autofocus. Of course, it will also cost as much as a used car, but it is truly an outstanding lens.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S Lens

For ultimate telephoto reach, Nikon’s 800mm lens is a premiere choice. The slower f/6.3 aperture helps keep the cost down somewhat and also keeps the size of the lens more reasonable. In fact, at 5.2 pounds, it’s 50 percent lighter than the F-mount version of this lens. It also offers superb image quality for dramatic wildlife photos.

FAQs

Things to consider before buying a telephoto lenses for Nikon

No other category of lenses comprises such a vast variety of price, weight, size, range, and quality than telephotos. With all there is to consider, the best thing one can do to narrow the field of contenders is first to understand the intended use of the lens. That will put you in a much better position to decide based on the factors below. Whichever model you pick, it will be a great companion to the best Nikon cameras.

Budget

Nothing turns away the average consumer from telephoto lenses more than price. These elite lenses are notoriously expensive, especially those with larger maximum apertures. But with the right compromises, there are gems to be found. Nothing can truly match the optical quality or performance of a super-telephoto prime, but they are also inconveniently large, jaw-droppingly expensive, heavy, and less versatile than, say, a telephoto zoom. Knowing your budget and understanding the subjects you want to shoot are the first steps to finding a telephoto lens that will keep you happy and busy for years.

F-mount versus Z-mount

Nikon’s Z-mount development lagged behind Sony and Canon for years, though that has definitely turned around. Since 2022, Nikon has released a handful of outstanding telephoto options for Z-mount cameras. But its F-mount lenses are still fantastic choices, especially since Nikon has an FTZ adapter that will unite legacy F-mount lenses with the newer Z-mount mirrorless cameras. As a result, there is an impressive 60 years worth of F-mount lenses that are compatible with the new Nikon Z system. The FTZ adapter also allows these older AF-S lenses to benefit from the faster autofocus, silent shooting, low light performance, and in-camera stabilization of the Z camera bodies.

Prime versus zoom

Choosing the right telephoto lenses for Nikon will be heavily influenced by your intended subject. If you want versatility, zooms are incomparable, but they can lack the image quality and performance of primes. Primes, on the other hand, even though they tend to outperform zooms, can be frustratingly difficult to use for the uninitiated. Therefore, before any final purchase, one must consider the subject matter involved and the preferred style of photography. If you want to be mobile and shoot a variety of disparate subjects, a telephoto zoom is your best bet. However, if you plan to stay stationary and let the action come to you, a telephoto prime might be a better option.

Weight

Along with considering your preferred shooting style and intended subject matter, the weight of your kit should not be ignored. Some telephoto lenses can weigh in excess of seven pounds, which can quickly put a damper on your photographic experience if you’re not up to the task of wielding one. Of course, not everyone is looking to handhold a telephoto lens. Tripods with gimbals or monopods will increase the useability of any lens, but you still have to bring it to where the action is. And if you can’t imagine yourself lugging around a small house cat to take sports and wildlife images, it might be best to seriously consider a lighter and more mobile option.

Final thoughts on the best telephoto lenses for Nikon

Best for Nikon mirrorless:

• Best overall: Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Lens
• Best for wildlife: Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S
• Best value: Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
• Best for portraits: Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S
• Best budget: Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD

Best for Nikon DSLRs:

• Best overall: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
• Best for wildlife: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR
• Best value: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II
• Best third-party: Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports
• Best on a budget: Tamron 70-210mm F/4 Di VC

Understanding what you want to shoot and the environment you’ll be shooting in will be the biggest key in determining which telephoto lens to invest in. For most of us, the likely option will be a telephoto zoom, one lens with which to cover a broad range of possibilities, small and light enough to carry nearly anywhere, all while falling within your individual budget constraints.

Why trust us

PopPhoto has a long history of delivering the opinions of some of the sharpest and most prolific camera dorks the world has to offer. Since 1937, we’ve been reviewing cameras, providing wisdom from well-known photographers, and generally just nerding out about all that goes into making great pictures. Our current crop of writers and editors have decades of professional photography and camera writing experience among them. Collectively, we’ve probably shot with just about every camera and lens combo you can imagine—as well as some obscure stuff you may not even know about. Remember the Casio Tryx folding camera? PopPhoto does.

We also get that buying a camera is a big decision, which is why we’re dedicated to helping folks choose the right one (or, in our case “ones”) for their needs. Case in point: Handing over top dollar for an expensive rig may leave you unsatisfied if it doesn’t fit your preferred shooting style. Sure, a $6,000 sports-oriented DSLR can capture landscapes, but do you really need to do it at 30 frames-per-second? No, you don’t.

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Best overall		Breakthrough Photography X4 CPL		SEE IT
Best value		Urth CPL Polarizing Filter Plus+		SEE IT
Best on a budget		Tiffen Circular Polarizers		SEE IT

Polarizing filters are an integral part of photography. It can increase contrast and color saturation simply by reducing the reflections coming from shiny surfaces. As a result, things tend to look more appealing and less washed out with polarizers. 

Polarizers are notoriously essential for landscape photographers. But you shouldn’t ignore them in portraiture, architecture, sports, product, or any other photographic discipline where reflective surfaces will be present. The benefit of a circular polarizer is that you can rotate the front of the filter to dial in the desired amount of filtration, allowing for ultimate creative control over your images. With the best polarizing filters, your photographs will be even better.

• Best overall: Breakthrough Photography X4 CPL
• Best value: Urth CPL Polarizing Filter Plus+
• Best on a budget: Tiffen Circular Polarizers
• Best for mobile: NiSi P1 Prosories Mobile Filter Kit
• Best for drones: Freewell ND/PL Hybrid Filters 

How we picked the best polarizing filters

There were no one key criteria in determining our favorites when compiling this list of the best circular polarizers. Instead, we considered a number of different factors, including build quality, materials, light transmission, extra features, warranty, and price. We investigated the manufacturers’ spec sheets, read consumer reviews, and drew on our combined experience as photographers using polarizing filters. 

The best polarizing filters: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Breakthrough Photography X4 CPL

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Why it made the cut: It is best in class in light transmission, color neutrality, materials, and features, all while maintaining affordability for a premium polarizer.

Key features

• Coatings: 8-layer multi-resistant coating
• Glass type: Schott Superwhite B270
• Ring material: Brass
• Filter factor: 2x (+1 stop)

Pros

• Premium materials
• Fastest CPL on the market
• Weather-sealed
• 25-year guarantee 

Cons

• A little pricey

Breakthrough Photography might not be a household name in filters, but they should be, especially after getting familiar with their polarizer lineup. The X4 circular polarizers might be the best on the market when considering materials, build quality, and performance. 

These X4 polarizers somehow manage to have the lowest filter factor on the market today, losing only one stop of light. And they retain a near-perfect level of color neutrality. If that wasn’t enough, they also are double threaded and super thin, allowing for the use of wide-angle lenses of at least 16mm without vignetting. 

But the good news doesn’t stop there. Breakthrough Photography also added a couple of features never seen on circular polarizers but are welcome additions. First are the series of guide symbols on the filter frame, which allows for quick visual checking of the position of the polarizer for the desired amount. The guides are especially useful when switching between vertical and horizontal compositions. Second is the color-coded frame, which helps identify this filter among the endless sea of black filters in your filter pouch. Yes, you will pay a little more for the X4 series of polarizers, but they are absolutely worth the extra cost.

Best value: Urth CPL Polarizing Filter Plus+

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Why it made the cut: It’s a great all-around performer with a nice compromise between materials, performance, and price. Plus, Urth doesn’t use plastic in its packaging and plants five trees with every item sold.

Key Features

• Coatings: 20-layer nano coating
• Glass Type: Schott Superwhite B270
• Ring Material: Magnalium (aluminum magnesium alloy)
• Filter Factor: 2.4x (+1.3 stop)

Pros

• Premium materials
• Admirable performance
• Lifetime warranty
• Eco-conscious

Cons

• Missing knurling on sides
• Magnalium ring may bind to lenses 

Urth is a relatively new name in the photographic filter world. Formerly known as Gobe, Urth filters started in 2014 as a brand with an eco focus. All of the products it sells come with the added bonus of planting five trees to help offset deforestation and to revitalize the ecosystems in Madagascar, Nepal, Haiti, Mozambique, and Indonesia. 

Urth has priced its Plus+ line of circular polarizers aggressively for premium filters. Urth makes its filters with quality materials, have a lifetime warranty, and come with the positive impact of carbon sequestration and zero plastic waste. They also have a low profile, so you can use them with wide-angle lenses without vignetting. And they are double-threaded to boot, so you can still use your lens cap.

A few nice to-haves are missing from these polarizers, like side knurling on the rotator ring for easy gripping and the lack of brass in the construction. But the low filter factor, use of Schott B270 glass, and multiple layer nanocoatings for added protection are enough to offset its supposed deficiencies. Couple that with the eco-conscious packaging design and company mission, and you have all the makings of incredible value for money. When you consider the use of low-impact and upcycled materials, Urth Plus+ polarizing filters should be on your shortlist the next time you need one.

Best on a budget: Tiffen Circular Polarizers

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Why it made the cut: These are the best polarizers for tight budgets. Tiffen is an established brand with a great warranty and US manufacturing. 

Key Features

• Coatings: None
• Glass Type: Proprietary ColorCore Glass
• Ring Material: Aluminum
• Filter Factor: 2.3x (+1.2 stop) to 2.8x (+1.5 stop)

Pros

• Respectable performance
• Very budget friendly 
• Made in the USA
• 10-year warranty

Cons

• Causes vignetting with wide-angle lenses
• Aluminum ring can bind to lenses

If you need a polarizer but don’t want to spend much on it, look no further than Tiffen’s entry-level circular polarizers. Tiffen is a well-respected manufacturer with over 70 years of experience and has won multiple Academy and Emmy awards for its achievements in filtration. So it should be no surprise that they want your first filter to be a Tiffen. These entry-level polarizers are designed and manufactured in the US and come with an impressive 10-year warranty. And yet they are still some of the least expensive polarizers on the market.

However, there are a few tradeoffs at this price point, most notably the absence of coatings on the glass. The lack of coatings makes them more apt to gather dust, oil, and moisture. Also, aluminum is lightweight and inexpensive but tends to bind to lenses in the cold. Finally, wide-angle shooters will find unwelcome vignetting when using these polarizers below 20mm as they are quite thick. But all of these shortcomings aside, Tiffen is a reputable company that makes excellent filters and, arguably, the best budget polarizers too.

Best for mobile: NiSi P1 Prosories Mobile Filter Kit

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Why it made the cut: It has universal smartphone camera compatibility with quality NISI glass filters.

Key Features

• Coatings: Optical Nano Coating
• Glass Type: Proprietary Optical Glass
• Ring Material: Aluminum
• Filter Factor: 2x (+1 stop) to 2.8x (+1.5 stop)

Pros

• Universal compatibility 
• Affordable  
• Doesn’t require a special case
• Superb filter quality

Cons

• Holder and clip can be finicky to mount properly
• Might not be able to use CPL and GND at the same time

The main problem with finding the right polarizer for mobile phones is the complete lack of a uniform industry standard in front lens construction. Just about every mobile camera array is completely different from phone to phone. These often require the purchase of a unique phone case to attach the filters to, which can be more than double the price. The alternative universal clip-on filters are seriously lacking, both in materials and construction. That’s why the NiSi P1 Mobile Filter kit is the pick of the litter. 

The P1 Mobile kit comes with a universal mobile mounting clip and filter holder to attach the included polarizing and graduated filters. NiSi manufactures its P1 Prosories using the same high-quality optical glass and coatings as the rest of its product line, albeit in a much smaller size. This enables the P1 kit to be incredibly inexpensive when compared to other mobile filter kits. 

The only questionable aspect of this kit is the mobile clip and filter holder assembly. The universal clip-on design means that it’s not excellent at attaching to any specific phone. It’s just average for every phone. Besides that shortcoming, the ability to use the polarizer in combination with the included three-stop graduated neutral density filter on the front or rear-facing cameras is a huge plus. This unique filter kit is the one to check out if you need a circular polarizer for your mobile devices.

Best for drones: Freewell ND/PL Hybrid Filters

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Why it made the cut: They are the only hybrid filters sold individually or as part of a kit and have superb quality and performance at an affordable price.

Key Features

• Coatings: 16-layer Multi Coating
• Glass Type: German Optical Glass
• Ring Material: Aluminum Alloy
• Filter Factor: 4x (+2 stops) to 64x (+6 stop)

Pros

• Can be bought individually
• Affordable
• Hybrid neutral density and polarization
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• Risk of gimbal damage due to user error

Finding a circular polarizing filter for a drone is no easy task, especially when most manufacturers only sell drone filters as part of a kit. Thankfully, Freewell offers individual filters for most of the popular drones on the market. Their hybrid ND/PL hybrid filter line combines a neutral density filter with a circular polarizer. It allows for more cinematic footage by slowing down the shutter speed during daytime shooting. Freewell has also added markings to their ND/PL filters for users to quickly visualize where they should set the circular polarizer for the best polarization effect. 

These filters are guaranteed to be light enough to not interfere with the fragile gimbal assembly. However, you should note that user error can be a factor anytime one comes into contact with the gimbal. That being said, there’s so much to like about these Freewell drone filters. They are affordable and well constructed using a light aluminum alloy, use German optical glass with multi-layered coatings, and come with a lifetime warranty. But the best feature by far is the ability to purchase any of these filters individually or as part of a kit. 

Things to consider before buying the best polarizing filters

A lot of manufacturers intentionally obfuscate the details behind some aspects of their filters. While they likely do this to prevent giving away trade secrets and proprietary recipes and processes, it makes filters harder to recommend because of the lack of transparency in the industry. Although coatings, materials, and filter factor are extremely important to a filter’s usability, some extra added features like knurling, slimness, double threaded rings, color-coded frames, and visual guides are also worth considering.

Coatings

The coatings on polarizing filters are a mix of various chemical compounds sprayed over a polarizer’s front (and sometimes the back). These coatings are designed to improve the polarizer’s overall durability and longevity. Every manufacturer has a proprietary formula and unique name for their specific coatings. Still, generally, they are designed to help repel water, dirt, and oil and also to help protect against scratches. Some polarizers, however, are uncoated, which can drastically reduce the filter’s cost, albeit while reducing its useable lifespan.

Glass type

The glass that makes up the filter itself is important. Any imperfections on the glass will translate to the final image. Many of the top manufacturers are transparent in their use of a German product called Schott B270, which seems to be the industry-leading choice for premium filters. That’s not to say that other types of glass are inferior. For example, Japanese AGC optical glass is also popular in some premium filters. But be wary of manufacturers who either don’t list the specific product or only list optical glass. These filters might not be as good as those whose materials are listed.

Ring material

You may not have ever thought about it, but the materials used in the rim and ring construction of filters actually make a difference, especially if you’re an outdoor photographer. Aluminum is the most common and least expensive metal used in filter construction. But when aluminum screw-on filters get cold, they tend to bind to the front of lenses and other filters, making them extremely difficult to remove unless heat or a breaking force is applied (like with a filter wrench). 

Brass has historically been the best choice for screw-on filters as it does not tend to bind like aluminum. But now, manufacturers are using other, more exotic–if unproven–materials like magnalium, and titanium, which both promise enhanced durability while remaining lightweight.

Filter factor

One of the most overlooked factors in deciding on a polarizer is its filter factor. You will always lose a certain amount of light due to using a polarizing filter. The specific amount is called the “filter factor.” It is most often referred to by a number by which the normal exposure time must be multiplied to compensate for the use of that specific filter. For example, a polarizer with a filter factor of 2x requires twice as much exposure–or 1-stop–to make the same image with a polarizer as without. 

The lower the filter factor, the less light is absorbed by the filter, and thereby less compensation is needed to achieve similar results from not using a filter. Most photographers prefer a polarizer with the lowest filter factor possible, so they don’t have to compromise too much with aperture, shutter speed, or ISO settings. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best polarizing filters

The effect that a polarizing filter has on your image is something that you cannot recreate using software; thus, it’s an accessory that should be a part of every photographer’s kit. Even the most modestly priced circular polarizers will have a noticeable effect on your images. Of course, the more expensive filters do this too, but they are much sharper and more color neutral. Plus, they’ll perform better in adverse weather conditions and will last longer in the end.

The post The best polarizing filters in 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

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