The Best Canon Telephoto Zoom Lens for 2024
What is the ultimate Canon telephoto zoom lens?
- Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z Lens
- Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens
- Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens
- Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens
- Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM Lens
- Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Lens
As a generalization, the above list is sorted in preference, and usefulness descending sequence.
Do you own a Canon DSLR camera? Our Best Canon Telephoto Zoom DSLR Camera Lens recommendations page has your answer.
About Canon Telephoto Zoom Lenses
For most photographers, a telephoto zoom lens is going to be the second-most important lens in their kit. The telephoto zoom is the lens that is going to be pulled out for portraits, events (including kid performances), sports, wildlife, landscapes, the beach, and many more photography subjects.
In general, approximately 70-200mm is the focal length range ideally covered by a telephoto zoom lens in an all-purpose kit. This range aligns nicely with the focal length range found in most general-purpose zoom lens. Don't worry about a small gap, such as 55-70mm or 70-100mm, between the focal length ranges. This is usually not usually a problem, and an overlap of the ranges is a positive attribute, potentially meaning fewer lens changes. Selecting the right lenses for each use should be a higher priority than the alignment of the focal length ranges.
You likely immediately noticed that not all of the recommended lenses cover the advised range. However, these lenses far exceed the long end suggestion, adding significant utility in that regard.
The following examples were captured with a full-frame camera.
The Best Canon General Purpose Telephoto Zoom Lens - My Recommendations
1. Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z Lens
Incredible Optical Quality, Outstanding Overall Performance, Wide Aperture, Ideal Focal Lengths, Image Stabilization, Professional Grade
This is the sharpest zoom lens we've ever tested. The Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z is an extremely useful, high-end, mid-sized, fixed-size lens that reliably delivers outstanding overall performance, including outstanding image quality, fast and quiet Dual Nano USM AF, and 5.5-stop IS (7.5 stops with Coordinated IBIS). This lens is a perfect choice for weddings, portraits, and photojournalism.
2. Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens
The Entire Package: Impressive image quality and Overall Performance, Wide Aperture, the Right Focal Lengths, Image Stabilization, Pro-Grade Build, Incredibly Compact
The Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens is my go-to general-purpose telephoto zoom lens. This lens is the right choice for a very high percentage of general telephoto photography needs, with landscapes and portraits being ideally covered.
Few want to compromise image quality, and this L-series lens delivers greatness in that regard. Fast and accurate AF? That box is checked. Pro-grade, weather-sealed build quality? Ruggedness is built in. High-performing image stabilzation is there for you when the tripod is not, and the wide aperture enables stopping motion in low light.
3. Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens
Excellent Image Quality, the Right Focal Lengths, Relatively Light Weight, Modest Cost, Moderately Wide Aperture, Image Stabilization, Pro-Grade Build, Incredibly Compact
Reduce the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens's aperture opening by 1/2, and you get the Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens. Advantages of the narrower aperture include reduced size, reduced weight, and reduced cost. When f/2.8 is not needed, this lens is the best option.
4. Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens
Ideal Focal Length Range for Landscape, Wildlife, and Sports Photography, High-Performing Lens with Pro-Grade Build and Image Quality, Image Stabilization
If I'm photographing wildlife or landscape, with few exceptions, the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens is either mounted or in my pack. This lens produces outstanding image quality at every setting. The combination of long focal lengths, long range of focal lengths, relatively compact design, fast and accurate AF, weather-sealed professional build quality, and image stabilization make this lens the perfect companion for many pursuits.
5. Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM Lens
Incredible Focal Length Range, Affordable, Weather Sealing
A significant number of photographers, both amateurs and professionals, are going to find this lens's long range of telephoto focal lengths, reaching an exceptionally and differentiatingly long 800mm, in a relatively compact, handholdably light, weather-sealed body with good image quality, Nano USM AF, high-performing Image Stabilization (5.5 stops of assistance) with auto panning detection, and an affordable price measures up to the ideal choice for pursuing wildlife, sports, and numerous other subject types.
Those unaccustomed to using super telephoto lenses will find the RF 200-800 big and heavy, but it is not so for the focal length and aperture range it provides. Acclimation generally resolves that issue.
6. Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Lens
Compact, Lightweight, Affordable, Great Focal Length Range
Canon's RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Lens is suited for even the lowest budgets. This is a consumer grade lens with a narrow aperture, but it is nicely built, is a joy to carry and use, and delivers very nice image quality.
Visit the Canon Lens Recommendations page for more lens selection advice.
