Best Telephoto Lenses for Canon Cameras | Guide of 2024

There are so many cameras that you will come across to help you click perfectly, and with those cameras, there are so many lenses you can choose from. You can be here for one of two reasons, either you are looking for lenses for your Canon camera, or you are looking for a telephoto lens for a Canon camera.

You have landed on the right page. You will get to know everything you need to know about Canon cameras and different telephoto lenses in this.

It doesn’t matter whether you are new to photography or whether you have been doing it for years. One name we are sure that you have definitely heard of is Canon.

They have held their consumer base since the day they launched their camera, and in addition, they have launched some of their best telephoto lenses and added to their success.

Telephoto lenses are perfect when you are trying to capture a shot of an object without getting close to the object. We can say that it is ideally suitable for wildlife photography. Sports photography, or in some cases, landscapes.

Now all of these types of photography are done with the help of telephoto lenses as it lets you click the picture with a good amount of zoom and gives a depth of view as if you have captured the image with close proximity.

To put it in simple words, telephoto lenses let you click the shots of the object which are far in proximity. I mean, if you want to capture a shot of that majestic lion you see on your safari, you sure do not want to get close to it and still want to get a perfect picture; a telephoto lens is your savior.

Let us take you on the tour of some of the most telephoto lenses that you can get for your Canon.

Note: You can use EF Lenses on any Canon Cameras. However, if you want to use the EF Lens on a Full-frame Mirrorless camera (Which typically has R in the camera name) then you have to use the EF to EOS R adapter. Similarly, if you want to use the EF lens on a Mirrorless APS-C camera (R7, R10 & All cameras that have M in their name) then you have to use the EOS M Mount Adapter. And the RF lenses can only be used on Canon Full-frame Mirrorless Cameras.

Best Telephoto Lenses for Canon

1. Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens for Canon EF

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The first lens that made its way onto our list is a lens by Sigma. This 105mm lens is something that you will adore as long as it will last, and let us tell you; it will last for a lifetime.

Although it is one of the standard lenses, it is also highly recommended to be used as a telephoto lens. I mean, come on, who wouldn’t like the function of two lenses at the price of one? As it is one of the EF lenses, the results that you will see out of it will not be disappointing at all.

We are impressed by the bokeh effect of this lens, and if you even try to capture a portrait with this lens, you will be amazed. As this lens’ focal length is 105mm, it will give you the benefits of working with almost every kind of photo in which you require short and long focal lengths.

Although it will not give the results like how the wide-angle lenses do, you want to capture some amazing shots of the particular subject from a distance, and this is one of the best lenses that you can get.

This lens weighs a little less than 1 kg, but we are affirmative about how easily you can carry it anywhere despite its size and weight. You will get to know the potential of the lens as soon as you hold it in your hands.

You might face some trouble maintaining a lens balance when you want to use a tripod. But remember this, if you are looking for a lens for casual purposes, this lens is definitely not that lens.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a telephoto lens for professional purposes, this is just the lens you should get. Sigma’s almost all the Art lenses have great weatherproofing and long-lasting characteristics.

All-in-all, to sum it up in a simple sentence, this lens is worth the hype that it got, and even though you will have to pay quite an amount to purchase it, this long-lasting lens will give you the worth of it.

2. Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art lens for Canon EF

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Telephoto lenses are known for the depth of field they have, and you can never worry about capturing an image for a scene that is quite far from where you are while capturing that shot.

As many of you might already know, there are so many different choices of cameras and their lenses available in the market, and you need the one which perfectly meets your requirements.

This lens from Sigma might be one of the right choices among many available. Although, if you want a lens that is the best in the market, you should be open to paying a little more than what you pay for normal lenses.

This lens is one of the lenses which is adored by most photographers looking for a perfect telephoto lens. With HSM in this lens, you will get the best possible result with it.

Telephoto lenses from Sigma are known for their longevity and long-lasting performance. The aperture of 1.8 will ensure that you are able to capture the image in almost every situation of the light.

We are very impressed with the performance that we received from this lens attached to our Canon camera. Although you will be spending some good money on it to get the lens, we are sure that each penny you spend on it will be worth it.

You will require a good depth of field for your telephoto lens, and this lens is everything you need. You don’t have to worry about the multipurpose of the lens, and if you are looking for a prime lens that can also be used as a telephoto lens, this is the lens that you can go for without any second thoughts.

3. Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM Lens

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There are so many lenses in the market that choosing one from them might be one of the hardest decisions you have to make. To ensure that it is not as tough a task for you, all of the lenses mentioned in this article can be considered the perfect choice.

The 85mm lens from Canon also gives tough competition to the number of choices you will be met with. With its IS capabilities, compact size, and satisfactory performance, you will get everything you want in this lens.

We were also impressed with its large aperture of f/1.4. On top of all that, you will understand the image stabilization of this lens is great and impressive.

The IS capability of the lens will deliver up to 41 stops to ensure that you are getting the best motion shot whenever you need it. Canon lenses are extremely reliable, and they will last you for quite a long time, even though you are paying quite a good amount of money.

With this GMO Aspherical Lens and with its Air Sphere Coating technology, you will get exceptional results. There is more to this lens than what meets the eye, everything you want your lens to be; after spending this large amount, you will get it in it.

There is high-speed AF to ensure the best possible result while capturing a shot.

Moreover, this lens is dust and water-resistant, meaning whatever condition you are shooting in, you got your lens to have your back. We have also discovered that the aperture of the lens is quite exceptional, especially when you require to shoot for shots that require specific focus.

4. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens

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There are so many lenses that can be listed as the best, but one lens by Canon gives competition to almost every other lens in the market. It is their 70-200mm lens. Quite an impressive and highly praised lens is everything you would want your lens to be.

If you are looking for a telephoto lens for your Canon camera and you want to ensure that the particular lens can be utilized for other types of photography, this lens is definitely the right choice for you.

We are pleased with the way Canon has designed this lens. If you hold this lens in your hands, you will see the build of this lens is ensured to be long-lasting, so you can actually make this lens your best photographing buddy.

The aperture is one of the parts that usually matters when you are looking for a lens that can be used in different kinds of photography. As the focal length of the lens is between 70-200mm, it will give you so many options to let you shoot different types of images.

The aperture length and the zoom of the lens are every photographer’s dream. The ASC in this lens ensures that the stabilization you get is great. There is basically nothing to worry about when you are using this camera.

After studying more about this lens, we also noticed that the lens has a fluorine coating, which means that you will not have to worry about cleaning your camera of fingerprints.

There are so many good things about this lens that the list of the same will go on for a long time. It is highly dust and water-resistant, so it doesn’t matter which area of photography is your expertise.

You can always rely on this lens to help you capture the best shots in any weather and conditions. You will also come across many features like five UD elements, fluorite element, ultrasonic motor, etc. As we said, the list goes on.

5. Sigma 60-600mm f/22-32 fixed Zoom DG OS HSM Camera Lens

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You either end up purchasing a lens that is pretty average and meets your requirement, or you purchase a lens that is best and meets more than what you require. This superzoom lens is a dream lens for almost every photographer who wants to use a telephoto lens.

If you are into capturing shots of dangerous animals in the wild, this lens will be a blessing for you. The focal length of this lens by Sigma can be anything between 60-600mm; isn’t that just mind-blowing?

With its extremely large aperture, you will not have to worry about any lighting conditions at all.

This long-lasting lens is everything you need, and there are 3 FLD glass and 1 SLD glass element, so the image quality you will get out of it will be like no other.

This lens is highly known and adored for its incomparable performance for image quality. After all, it is one of the superzoom lenses in the market, which holds quite a reputation.

The image stabilization of the lens is as impressive as it can be. Although the size of the lens might be one of the concerns, those who want a clear image with the help of a superzoom will absolutely fall in love with it.

The sports series by Sigma is genuinely known for its praiseworthy performance, and this lens is also one of those. You will be amazed to know that this lens has a minimum focus of up to 60cm without you having to set anything in the lens.

The weight of the lens we figured was somewhat above 2.5kg, meaning even though the lens provides you an image that is highly stabilized, you will need to ensure that it sits perfectly well with your camera.

If you are wondering how this super-telephoto zoom lens can be sure to provide you with the highest image quality, let us assure you that the intelligent OS of the lens ensures it.

6. Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens

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There are many EF lenses available, and we are sure that you will be able to get as many lenses as you want, but the main purpose of these lenses is to deliver the result when you are capturing your shot from extremely far away.

We have come to realize that when you spend quite a lot of money to purchase a lens for your Canon, why not get one you can use for different kinds of photography?

This lens from Sigma has a focal length from 100mm to 400mm, which is quite impressive if we look at it. You should be able to click some great shots without having to go near the subject of your photography.

You will get a 4-year warranty on the purchase of this lens, so Sigma basically guarantees that you will get your money’s worth. This telephoto lens is perfect for travel photography, wildlife photography, and zoom photography.

So many photographers prefer this ultra-zoom telephoto lens to get the best shots that they have envisioned.

In addition to its incomparable performance, you will see that the weight of the lens is just a bit over 1 kg, ensuring that the lens you can easily handle and carry it easily.

There are many features of this lens that makes it one of the best among many lenses on the market. The OS-optimized lens will ensure clarity and stability while capturing a shot.

You do not have to worry about capturing shots in different modes as images clicked in Bokeh or even flare turn out to be exceptional. You can use it anywhere you want, and it is weatherproof and dust-proof.

All you have to do is carry your Canon camera and lens anywhere you want and use it without having to worry about anything.

7. Canon RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM Lens

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Among the wide range of different cameras, some lenses are considered the best. When you are looking for a camera that can be used for different purposes and different kinds of photography.

This lens can be a good choice if you are looking for a mirror lens or a telephoto lens. It is a budget-friendly lens that will give you the result of an expensive lens.

This is one of the lenses that are quite dynamic, and you can use it without any fuss. There is also a control switch on the lens, which lets you easily manage the lens without much fuss.

You will definitely be impressed with its 12-pin connection, which will accelerate AF, delivering you the perfect result. The EOS R System of the lens is everything you require for smooth performance.

You will not have to worry about focus, no matter which focal length you are using. There is a digital sensor in the camera that will ensure that the image that you will turn out to be without any deterioration.

Canon has ensured that you get the best hassle-free performance while using this lens.

We are extremely impressed with the aperture that this lens will deliver, and you will be able to dismiss all your worries about light. The aperture is large, and it will still deliver you a perfectly good as well as sharp shot.

It is not just a telephoto lens, and you will even be able to click wide-angle shots with this lens which is perfect if you are into landscape photography or nature photography.

Canon ensured that this lens is a package deal; you get a nice and sturdy lens, good performance, and a long-lasting build, all at a very pocket-friendly price.

8. Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Lens

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Some lenses can be, without question, the best choice when you want to get a lens for one particular type of photography. While you are at that, choosing this lens, you will end up purchasing a superzoom lens as well.

Who wouldn’t like to have the performance of multiple lenses after paying for just one? This RF lens will come at a very pocket-friendly price and will give you a performance that is extremely amazing.

A Super telephoto zoom lens is everything you need for your Canon camera.

The aperture of f5.6-8 is considered to be quite large, and it ensures that there is no issue with capturing a shot in low light. It is compact, lightweight, and perfectly easy to use.

Because you can easily manage the focal length of the lens between 100mm to 400mm, you will be able to utilize it perfectly while capturing a shot from afar. Many wildlife photographers absolutely love this lens as it is highly cost-efficient.

Although, you will have to ensure that you are 2.89 feet closer to where you want to have an automatic focus. Other than that, you will have to ensure that you are using the ring on the lens to help you assist with it.

It is equipped with Canon USM, so the performance that you will get out of this lens is impressive. Even when you are capturing a shot from quite a distance, the bokeh you will get out of it after making the necessary settings in your camera.

If you are looking for a lens that is perfect for wildlife photography, you should not have to look any further; this is the lens for you.

9. Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens

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It was one of the hardest parts of choosing some of the best telephoto lenses among so many choices; this particular lens made its way onto our list because of its dynamic use and performance.

We especially like the range of focal lengths this telephoto lens has, and you can easily get to switch from 70mm to 200mm. Not only is this lens great in performance but we are sure you will definitely like the design and build of the lens.

I mean, you are getting all of this at a very budget-friendly price, and we know that’s what most photographers are looking for.

There are yet many more features you will see and start to love once you start using this lens. Canon is known for providing some of the best easy to use and compact lenses.

The optical image stabilization of the lens is something we hear a lot of praise for. You will not have to worry if you have different cameras you want to use this lens with as it supports a wide range of full-frame mirrorless cameras.

When you are capturing any shots, we know what matters the most is how it captures the light, the large aperture of the lens will not disappoint you at all.

Among many impressive lenses on the market, this telephoto zoom lens is everything you need. The EOS R system of the lens ensures that when you are capturing your shot from quite far away, you are not compromising on the quality of how the image turns out.

Apart from wildlife photography, this lens has been much popular among wedding photographers and portrait photographers. All thanks to its great result in bokeh.

If this lens fits the bill of the type of photography you want to do while using a telephoto lens, you need to look no further.

10. Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Lens

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When you purchase a new lens, you either end up purchasing the one that lasts you for a few years or for a lifetime. Among many different types of lenses, RF lenses are the ones that you buy for a lifetime of use.

They are extremely durable and never fail to provide you with great performance. If you are basically into telephoto lenses and you want to ensure that you are getting crisp and clear pictures even after using a long focal length.

Canon has ensured that even though it is equipped with some of the best features, it does not compromise the way it performs. The images that you click out of this lens are highly stabilized.

We were impressed with how easily you can set it up on your camera without having to invest much time in it. You will find out that this lens is something totally different from what you might have seen. It is something revolutionary released in the fast-paced technological era.

The focus of the lens is exceptional and it does not waste your time when you want to click a shot. On top of it all, you are just paying a price that your wallet is going to love.

The lens has F11 optics that ensure the clarity and sharpness of the image. Believe us, this lens is all about great performance and even better aesthetics. The photographs you will capture out of this will be unreal.

Have you ever seen shots that only focus on the subject and blur out the background without requiring you to put in much effort? This is the lens you can go for without thinking twice.

11. Canon RF600/11 IS STM Lens

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Next on our list is one more lens from Canon, which will definitely win your heart. We are sure you will love this compact and lightweight lens. If you are looking for a lens that you can carry anywhere, your search might lead you to this lens.

Among Canon’s most advanced lenses, this lens tops it all. And guess what? You will get it at a very budget-friendly price. Its dynamic and impressive design ensures great performance.

The focal length of the camera is so great that with 600mm you can capture the clearest shots without having to go near the subject of your photography.

As the lens is an RF mount, you will see how easily you can install it on your camera and use it. With its f/11 aperture, you will always get high image quality no matter what the light condition is, and we all know that is something every photographer wants.

You can basically move the lens forward for 7.5 cm to begin the shoot. As this is a super zoom telephoto lens, we are sure you will absolutely get results even better than what you expected out of it.

When we tested this lens, we were particularly impressed by how amazingly it captured moving objects and how quickly it focused. It is one of the advanced lenses that you can get for your Canon cameras.

Compared to the price that you purchased this lens for, you are getting quite a good result. If you have seen the design of this lens, we are sure that you already know how different this lens is.

All in all, if you are just looking to get a telephoto lens that is a super zoom lens, you can always choose this lens.

12. Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM DS Lens

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And lastly, we have a lens that might just become your favorite. This lens from Canon might just take a piece out of your pocket but you will never have to look back after you purchase this lens, it has everything you ever need for your telephoto lens to be.

85mm macro lens will help you capture some of the breathtaking shots. It is extremely known for its image quality, ease of operation, and durability. If you are also into capturing portrait shots, this lens will become a boon for you.

The DS meaning the defocused smoothing is a coating in the camera lens, which ensures that the blurry background is smooth, and even with that soft background, the image is still crystal clear; it kind of makes the shot realistic.

The aperture of F1.2 could have been better as it impacts how the lens captures light and the shutter speed, but its wide exposure does not let you feel as if you are making any compromises when it comes to the performance of the lens.

The lens is perfect for different types of photographs, and you do not have to worry at all about the lens being type-specific. It is obvious that you can pair it with a compatible Canon camera to get better picture quality and even better performance.

In this highly competitive market, this lens has left its mark on photographers because of its durability and image quality. No matter which camera shot format you are using, you will never have to think twice about the sharpness of the shot that you want to capture.

Conclusion

If you ever started looking for a lens, you would know that there are so many choices you have that you will not be able to choose one. But we know how to make photographers like you happy.

This article consisted of the best telephoto lens for your Canon camera. From superzoom telephoto lenses to basic telephoto lenses, and above all that there were also some premium lenses and affordable lenses.

You can choose any of the lenses mentioned above based on your preferred type of photography, and we are sure you will not regret your decision.

We have tried and tested each of these lenses, taken reviews from different photographers, and based on both these, we have compiled the list.

We all know photography is all about which lens you are using and how you are capturing the shot. Using the right lens will make it perfect.

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