This is a guide covering the best lenses for wildlife photography.
Finding subjects in the wild can be a fun activity. In most cases, you won’t be able to get close to wildlife given how dangerous it is and how fast animals move away from a potential threat.
Capturing photos of wildlife in their habitat isn’t simple without the right lens.
To make it easier for wildlife photography enthusiasts, we’ve come up with some of the best wildlife photography lenses that can be used in different cameras.
Here, you’ll have an easier time picking the best lens for wildlife photography that fits your needs. I’ve listed various brands so there good be a good selection.
In a hurry? Here’s a quick rundown:
- ⭐ Best Overall Lens for Wildlife Photography
- 🦁 Best Canon Lenses for Wildlife Photography
- 🐯 Best Nikon Lenses for Wildlife Photography
- 🦓 Best Sony Lenses for Wildlife Photography
- 🦒 Best Sigma Lenses for Wildlife Photography
- 💸 Best Budget Lenses for Wildlife Photography
How to Choose the Best Lens for Wildlife Photography?
Focal Length: A longer focal length will allow you to capture distant subjects with more detail and compression. Lenses with a focal length of 300mm or more are ideal for wildlife photography, as they allow you to fill the frame with your subject without getting too close and disturbing them.
Aperture: A lens with a wide aperture (low f-stop number) will allow you to shoot in low light conditions and create a shallow depth of field, which can be useful for isolating your subject from the background. Look for a lens with an aperture of f/4 or wider.
Image stabilization: Many wildlife photographers shoot handheld, so image stabilization is a useful feature that can help reduce blur caused by camera shake.
Durability: Wildlife photography often takes place in rugged outdoor environments, so it’s important to choose a lens that is built to withstand the elements.
Table of Contents
12 Best Lenses for Wildlife Photography
1. Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Sports DG OS HSM
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 150–600 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes
- Lens mount: Canon EF, Nikon F (FX), Sigma SA Bayonet
- Maximum aperture: F5–6.3
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Weight: 2860 g (6.31 lb)
- Diameter: 121 mm (4.76″)
- Length: 290 mm (11.42″)
- Sealing: Yes
The best Canon lens for wildlife photography is the Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Sports DG OS HSM.
To be considered the best lens for wildlife photography, you need a good range, superior clarity, and the ability to take sharp images from whatever focal length.
The Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Sports DG OS HSM Lens for Canon is a stand-out that comes that matches these requirements.
Though made by a third-party brand, it’s something that Canon users can enjoy.
With a great range for shooting at a distance, it also offers stability.
It’s easy to use even when you don’t have a tripod with you when you are working. You also won’t have a difficult time focusing on the subject with its hypersonic AF motor.
This allows you to focus accurately on both slow-moving and fast-moving subjects with ease.
Though it’s functional and easy to use, it is heavy.
Also, check out a full list of the best wildlife lenses for Canon.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Easy to focus on moving objects
- Sharp on the entire range
- Great range
- With stabilization feature
My Cons With This Lens:
- Heavy
2. Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 75–300 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Maximum aperture: F4–5.6
- Minimum aperture: F32–45
- Weight: 480 g (1.06 lb)
- Diameter: 71 mm (2.8″)
- Length: 122 mm (4.8″)
- Sealing: No
The best budget Canon lens for wildlife photography is the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III.
For a budget-strapped photographer, you might want to take a closer look at the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens.
It’s a great deal.
You can’t go wrong with this lens whether you’re a serious photographer or someone who happens to be just exploring the world of wildlife photography.
It produces sharp images, vibrant colors, and consistent results throughout. The only thing that you might not like is the fact that it tends to be a bit noisy when it’s focusing.
If you are shooting photos of animals sensitive to sound, some of them might detect the lens and just go.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Good range
- Sharp results
- Vibrant colors
My Cons With This Lens:
- Noisy when focusing
3. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 200–500 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (4.5 stops)
- Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
- Maximum aperture: F5.6
- Minimum aperture: F32
- Weight: 2300 g (5.07 lb)
- Diameter: 108 mm (4.25″)
- Length: 268 mm (10.55″)
- Sealing: No
The best Nikon lens for wildlife photography is the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED.
It comes in handy for those who are looking for stability and a compact design when taking photos in the wild.
The range is also something that will allow users to spot wildlife from afar.
You can also get sharp images regardless if you use the 200mm or the 500mm focal length of the lens. The colors are also accurately making it a favorite even by some pros.
So what’s not to like in this lens? The biggest downside to this lens is that it tends to focus slower than other lenses that we’ve featured.
If you are looking to catch a fast-moving bird, then this might not be able to get the job done.
Also, the lens is only good during the daytime.
Anything past cloudy and the lens might struggle a bit.
You might want to adjust the ISO or opt to use a slower shutter speed that can have an impact on your wildlife photography.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Covers great distance
- Sharp images
- Great colors
My Cons With This Lens:
- Doesn’t do well in low-light
- Doesn’t have a fast AF system
4. Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S VR Nikkor
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 70–300 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (VR II, 4 stops claimed)
- Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
- Maximum aperture: F4.5–5.6
- Minimum aperture: F22–32
- Weight: 745 g (1.64 lb)
- Diameter: 80 mm (3.15″)
- Length: 144 mm (5.65″)
- Sealing: No
The best budget Nikon lens for wildlife photography is the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Nikkor.
Maybe you don’t have the money to really invest in Nikon lenses for your wildlife photography hobby.
It doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to get amazing shots.
Considering the performance, Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Nikkor Zoom Lens gives you the best bang for your buck.
It even has a good range potentially making it the best lens for wildlife photography for some photographers.
It’s a good deal for serious photographers. It has a vibration reduction system that minimizes shakes and helps you minimize mistakes even if you’re not using a tripod in your session.
The lens comes with 2 extra-low dispersion glass elements responsible for giving high contrast high-resolution shots. It even comes with a quiet autofocus system that is also quick in finding subjects.
However, if you are dealing with a fast-moving subject, the lens still struggles to take a decent photo. Just know what to expect from this lens.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Sharp and high contrast
- Good range
- With a vibration reduction feature
- With decent autofocus for non-moving subjects
My Cons With This Lens:
- Having a hard time focusing on moving subjects
5. Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 70–200 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes
- Lens mount: Sony FE
- Maximum aperture: F2.8
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Weight: 1480 g (3.26 lb)
- Diameter: 88 mm (3.46″)
- Length: 200 mm (7.87″)
- Sealing: Yes
The best Sony lens for wildlife photography is the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS.
Sony is relatively new in wildlife photography.
But this doesn’t mean that they don’t have a contender for the best lens for wildlife photography.
If you’re familiar with their system, the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens is arguably the best lens from Sony that can come in handy in shooting wildlife photography and sports photography.
It has a decent range at 70-200mm not to mention a large aperture at F2.8 allowing users to create beautiful bokeh and shoot in low-light conditions.
The colors are also stunning not to mention it also produces exceptionally sharp photos.
It also comes with an optical steady shot image stabilization feature making it easy to use even when you don’t have a tripod or when your hands are a bit shaky. And construction-wise, it is highly robust.
The lens is dust and moisture-resistant allowing you to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about the lens.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Heavy-duty construction
- Great range
- Minimizes shakes
- Wide aperture
My Cons With This Lens:
- n/a
6. Sony Alpha 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: APS-C / DX
- Focal length: 70–350 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (OSS (Optical SteadyShot))
- Lens mount: Sony E
- Maximum aperture: F4.5–6.3
- Minimum aperture: F22–32
- Weight: 625 g (1.38 lb)
- Diameter: 77 mm (3.03″)
- Length: 142 mm (5.59″)
- Sealing: Yes
The best budget Sony lens for wildlife photography is the Sony Alpha 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS.
The Sony Alpha 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS Super-Telephoto APS-C Lens compared to other Sony lenses can be considered a higher investment.
However, the Sony Alpha 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS Super-Telephoto APS-C Lens is worth every penny.
It is arguably the best lens for wildlife photography especially if you are only shooting in the daylight and if you don’t care so much about bokeh.
It has a fast and precise AF that can capture both steady and moving subjects with ease.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Good range
- Sharp results and exceptionally good during daylight
My Cons With This Lens:
- Doesn’t do well in low-light situations
7. Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 200–600 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes
- Lens mount: Sony FE
- Maximum aperture: F5.6–6.3
- Weight: 2115 g (4.66 lb)
- Diameter: 112 mm (4.41″)
- Length: 318 mm (12.52″)
- Sealing: Yes
The Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS Super Telephoto Zoom lens comes in as a great choice for people who are looking to maintain a good distance between themselves and their subject in the wildlife.
It covers a great distance making it a favorite among photographers who love to take photos of birds and elusive animals.
It also has 5 ED glass elements that reduce both flare and ghosting on your shots.
Unfortunately, it still underperforms when used in low-light scenarios.
You will still struggle shooting subjects when you don’t have enough light.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Fast autofocus
- Great range
- Performs well in well-lighted scenarios
My Cons With This Lens:
- Struggles in low-light conditions
8. SIGMA APO 70-200mm F/2.8D EX HSM
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 70–200 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (4 stops claimed. Dual mode, normal and panning)
- Lens mount: Canon EF, Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF3, Sigma SA Bayonet, Sony/Minolta Alpha
- Maximum aperture: F2.8
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Weight: 1430 g (3.15 lb)
- Diameter: 86 mm (3.4″)
- Length: 197 mm (7.76″)
- Sealing: No
The Sigma APO 70-200mm F2.8D EX HSM is a handy tool whenever you are shooting portraits and wildlife photography.
Though the range isn’t exactly as impressive as other lenses, it has a wide aperture that comes in handy if you are particular about creating beautiful bokeh in your shots.
It has a decently fast and quiet HSM autofocus motor that can capture moving subjects without any problem.
However, it is still not as fast as newer lenses out there.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus motor
- Impressive sharpness
- Wide aperture perfect for creating bokeh
My Cons With This Lens:
- The range is not that impressive
9. Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 28–300 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (Three stops claimed)
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Maximum aperture: F3.5–5.6
- Minimum aperture: F22–38
- Weight: 1670 g (3.68 lb)
- Diameter: 92 mm (3.62″)
- Length: 184 mm (7.24″)
- Sealing: Yes
The Canon EF 28-300mm F3.5-5.6L IS USM lens is a sought-after pick for many Canon users. The reason is that it goes beyond wildlife photography.
Imagine not having to switch lenses as it covers your wide-angle lens, portrait lens, and telephoto lens. And for those who love shooting outdoors, it comes in as a good choice for wildlife photography.
By design and performance, you can even argue that it’s the best lens for wildlife photography. It has an image stabilization feature that comes in handy if you are shooting without a tripod or when you have shaky hands.
Plus, the construction is quite robust while being lightweight at the same time.
Sharpness is good but there are better Canon lenses than this one.
Also, the vignetting is quite obvious that you will have to spend some time correcting your shots on your computer.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Robust construction
- Superb image stabilization that minimizes shaky results
- A great range for different situations other than wildlife photography
My Cons With This Lens:
- Vignetting
10. Sony – FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 24–105 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes
- Lens mount: Sony FE
- Maximum aperture: F4
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Weight: 663 g (1.46 lb)
- Diameter: 83 mm (3.27″)
- Length: 113 mm (4.45″)
- Sealing: Yes
Sony FE-24-105mm F4 G OSS Standard Zoom Lens comes in handy for those who want to invest in a highly versatile lens.
It has a fast AF known to locate subjects quickly.
It performs well in shooting landscapes, portraits, and even wildlife.
Since Sony lenses are relatively higher in investment, many prefer to invest in this lens.
It’s the type of lens that will allow you to not switch lenses anymore.
However, though it comes in handy in shooting wildlife, it is not designed specifically for wildlife. Other lenses can do a better job.
It’s not something that can come in handy in low-light situations plus, the distance it can cover isn’t exceptional.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Versatile
- Sharp results
- Fast AF
My Cons With This Lens:
- Distance isn’t enough for most wildlife scenarios
11. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 80-400mm f.4.5-5.6G ED
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 80–400 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (Vibration Reduction up to 4 stops)
- Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
- Maximum aperture: F4.5–5.6
- Minimum aperture: F32–40
- Weight: 1570 g (3.46 lb)
- Diameter: 96 mm (3.76″)
- Length: 203 mm (7.99″)
Some photographers consider the best lens for wildlife photography to have a good range, the ability to produce sharp photos, and minimize shakes when used without a tripod.
If these are things that you are looking for, then you should check the Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 lens.
It has a vibration reduction capability that can compensate for up to 3.5 stops. Plus, its silent wave motor comes in handy in finding the subjects.
But compared with top wildlife photography lenses, the Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 lens falls short in tracking moving subjects.
My Pros With This Lens:
- With vibration reduction
- Produces sharp images
- Allows users to shoot from afar
My Cons With This Lens:
- AF is not fast enough to track fast-moving subjects
12. Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 100–400 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (4 stops)
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Maximum aperture: F4.5–5.6
- Minimum aperture: F32–40
- Weight: 1570 g (3.46 lb)
- Diameter: 94 mm (3.7″)
- Length: 193 mm (7.6″)
- Sealing: Yes
The Canon EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens is considered a top choice by wildlife photographers.
Considering the quality of photos that it can produce, not to mention the range that it covers, it’s a great pick for professionals.
This allows photographers to shoot from a great distance. Plus, you get consistently sharp and vibrant colors throughout the focal length range of this lens.
The L-series is a stand-out lens not only for wildlife photography but also for sports photography.
It has a rotation-type zoom ring allowing the user to focus accurately. It does well not only in AF but also in manual focus mode.
On top of that, the New Air Sphere coating reduces backlit flaring and ghosting on shots.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Great range
- Sharp and vibrant results
- Fast and accurate AF
My Cons With This Lens:
- n/a
FAQ
Is a telephoto lens good for wildlife?
A telephoto lens is typically considered a good choice for wildlife photography because it allows you to zoom in and capture close-up shots of animals and birds from a distance.
What focal length is best for wildlife?
Generally, a longer focal length (300mm or more) is considered ideal for capturing distant wildlife, while a shorter focal length (70-200mm) can be useful for photographing animals that are closer to the camera.
Final Remarks
Wildlife photography requires the right tools to get the job done.
The right lens can play a great role in capturing elusive animals in the wild.
Aside from the range, its ability to hold still and optics will all contribute to the results that you are going to get.
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Nate Torres is a portrait photographer based in Southern California. Outside of photography, Nate specializes in SEO, content marketing, and entrepreneurship. He is also the founder of Imaginated.com, a platform for creator education.
