Best Lens for Wildlife | 2024

Once you’ve got the best lens for wildlife, you’ll have arguably the most important piece of kit for capturing stunning images of the natural world. Cameras with fast burst rates and deep buffers can certainly come in handy, but it’s ultimately the glass that makes the picture. A good lens will get you close enough to your wildlife subject to fill the frame with them, and if you’re building up a wildlife photography kit bag, getting this right should be your top priority.

We’ve put together this guide to help users of all the major digital camera systems find the right wildlife lens, so you can jump straight to the section for your particular camera system. If you’re wondering how we’ve chosen our lenses, here are the key criteria to keep in mind when selecting a good wildlife lens.

Focal length - When it comes to wildlife, you may think the longer the focal length the better, as a long lens allows you to get close to a subject. This is true to an extent, but not all wildlife subjects are alike – urban animals like foxes and seagulls will let you get much closer than rural ones like deer or badgers, for instance. A longer lens will add weight to your kit bag, so it’s worth thinking about how much focal length you realistically need.

Fast-focusing - Focusing is a game of two halves, with the camera and lens both playing their role. A good wildlife lens needs a capable focusing mechanism that will lock onto subjects quickly and accurately. 

Zoom or prime? This is an age-old debate, so all we’ll say here is that both zooms and primes can be fantastic for wildlife photographers. Zooms give you the flexibility to tackle lots of different subjects in different situations, while primes give you unparalleled image quality and can often improve your discipline as a photographer by forcing you to think more carefully about positioning and framing. We’ve included both on this list.

Lastly, we’ve left out the ultra-professional wildlife lenses at the top of many manufacturers’ ranges. Canon and Nikon in particular produce some absolutely outstanding optics for the high-end wildlife user, like the Canon EF 600mm f4L IS III Lens or the Nikon 800mm f5.6E FL ED VR Lens. However, we’re going to assume that if you’re in the market for a £10,000-20,000 lens, you already have a good idea of what you’re looking for! So here, we’ve contemplated more broadly affordable lenses.

For more wildlife kit ideas, check out professional wildlife photographer Tom Mason’s ultimate kit bag on our blog. 

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Best Canon Lens for Wildlife

With Canon having been in the game for a long time, there are plenty of wildlife lenses for Canon users to choose from – more than we could exhaustively list here! However, these days, a “Canon user” can be someone invested in any one of three systems – Canon EF-mount DSLRs, the EOS R mirrorless series with RF-mount lenses, or the EOS M series and its dedicated line of EF-M lenses.

There’s a bit of crossover here, as the EF-EOS R Mount Adapter means that EOS R owners can use practically any EF-mount DSLR lens on their mirrorless camera, with full functionality of autofocus, stabilisation and everything else. However, we wanted to make sure users of all stripes were catered for, so we’ve included suggestions for the best Canon lens for wildlife for each system.

Canon’s wildlife lenses are fast, tack-sharp and perfectly engineered – just as you’d expect! But which ones have we picked as the best Canon lenses for wildlife?

Pros:

• Broad zoom range with fantastic optics
• Dual Nano USM autofocus is fast and effective
• 5-stop stabilisation

Cons:

• Maximum aperture drops quite low once you zoom in
  
  

With a zoom range that reaches further than most standard 100-400mm lenses, the Canon RF 100-500mm f4.5-7.1L IS USM is a versatile tool for the serious wildlife photographer. Its sophisticated optical construction delivers brilliant image quality right the way to the tele end of the lens, while having the optical stabilisation system aboard helps you keep control of the lens even when you’re fully zoomed in.

The lens is built to the high standards of Canon’s L series, meaning it won’t be bothered by a little poor weather. We have also found ourselves highly impressed with just how responsive this lens is when it comes to focusing – using dual Nano USM units, the lens provides consistently fast focusing that is also silent. You’ll have to mind that aperture when you zoom in, particularly when light levels get low, but it’s a worthy trade-off to keep this lens at a reasonably light weight. Need more reach? It’s also compatible with Canon’s teleconverters. 

Best Nikon Lens for Wildlife

Looking for a Nikon wildlife lens? There are plenty of excellent options for both the Nikon F-mount DSLRs and the newer mirrorless Z-mount mirrorless system. Nikon makes some of the finest premium telephoto lenses in the business, however, plenty of the tech from those optics has filtered down into its more affordable range for enthusiasts and amateur photographers.

Nikon’s F-mount DSLR range and its Z-mount mirrorless line-up include cameras with both full-frame and APS-C sensors. We’ve picked lenses that will fit both, just remember if you’re using APS-C that the crop factor will give a lens with an effective focal length 1.5x longer than the one stated on the box, e.g. a 100mm lens will act as a 150mm lens. If you’re having trouble getting your head around this, check out our Photography Jargon Buster where we explain it all in simple terms.

Pros:

• Incredible low weight
• Superb, lightning-fast autofocus
• Excellent weather-sealing

Cons:

• f4.5 may be restrictive for some
  
  

This is the most lightweight 400mm prime with autofocus that Nikon has ever produced. The Nikon Z 400mm f4.5 VR S Lens is an incredible feat of lens-making – packed with useful features while also being eminently portable, weighing in at just 1,245g and measuring only 234.5mm on the longest edge.

Of course, none of that would matter if the image quality wasn’t there, but the Nikon Z 400mm f4.5 VR S delivers in spades on that front. Its elements have been treated with Nikon’s Nano Crystal coating to reduce ghosting and flare for optimal image clarity. Furthermore, the autofocus is absolutely first-rate and optimised for smooth tracking of birds or other wildlife. 

The weather sealing on this lens is also exceptionally comprehensive, with a rubber gasket around every section to repel moisture and dirt. Nikon has also added a fluorine coating to the front element, making it easy to wipe clean.

Best Sony Lens for Wildlife

Sony’s full-frame mirrorless system got a multi-year head start on other manufacturers, so its E-mount lens range is comprehensive and wide-ranging. It also has opened up its mirrorless mount technology to third-party manufacturers, meaning there are also plenty of alternatives to consider from the likes of Sigma and Tamron. There’s no doubt about it – Sony-using wildlife photographers have a lot of good glass to choose from!

Once again, using a Sony E-mount camera means you have a choice of full-frame and APS-C, and using the latter will extend your focal length by a factor of 1.5x. Sony also makes 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, allowing you to extend the reach of certain lenses even further if so desired (check compatibility before buying). 

Lastly – we’re focusing on Sony E-mount here, as the A-mount DSLT system has been quiet for some years now. There are a few A-mount options available, like Sony’s own high-performance A Mount 500mm f4 G SSM – though this is a premium lens pitched at pros!

Pros:

• Up to 7.5 stops of compensation thanks to stabilisation
• 11-blade diaphragm creates gorgeous bokeh
• Stunning optical quality

Cons:

• Less telephoto reach than some other lenses
  
  

Sigma’s ‘Sports’ series of lenses are designed for those who require speed in their shooting, as well as pristine image quality. The Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 DG DN OS Sports Lens is a fast focuser that lets you zoom in close for brilliant wildlife images. It’s built to be tough, with a robust design that’s bolstered by rubber seals, and it maintains consistently excellent image quality throughout the entirety of its zoom range. 

One absolute standout feature on this lens is its stabilisation system, which is class-leading. The OS2 stabilisation algorithm provides a 7.5-stop advantage at 70mm and a 5.5-stop advantage at 200mm, and once light levels start to dip, you’ll want every advantage you can get.

Sigma’s high-quality glass elements effectively minimise flare and ghosting, ensuring that you can get punchy, high-contrast images even in challenging backlit conditions. While some wildlife photographers might want a bit more zoom, this superb 70-200mm lens nevertheless deserves serious consideration for a place in your kitbag.

Best Panasonic Lens for Wildlife

Talking Panasonic lenses used to be quite simple, as all the firm’s mirrorless cameras used the Micro Four Thirds lens standard. However, with the introduction of the magnificent full-frame Lumix S series, we have a whole other line to consider.

If you’re using a Panasonic Lumix G camera, then you’ve got a huge array of Micro Four Thirds (MFT) lenses at your disposal. Created in partnership between Panasonic and Olympus, the MFT system allows lenses and cameras from both brands to be used interchangeably. This plus the wide range of third-party manufacturers making lenses for the MFT mount gives any Lumix G wildlife photographer a pretty hefty suite of options.

If, however, you’ve gone for a Lumix S full-frame mirrorless camera, then you’ll be looking for L-mount lenses. But don’t worry about your options being restricted. L-mount is another alliance – this time between Panasonic, Sigma and Leica – so you’ve got a lot of great lenses to choose from here, too.

Pros:

• Highly affordable
• High-speed focusing capability
• Very lightweight

Cons:

• Sharpness drops off at tele end
• Plastic construction
  
  

A fantastic budget lens for wildlife photographers looking to keep costs down, the Panasonic 100-300mm f4.0-5.6 II LUMIX G Vario Lens has been dependably popular for a good while now. And there’s no reason it shouldn’t be – with a focal range that translates to a whopping 200-600mm with the MFT crop factor, it’s a hugely versatile lens for wildlife.

Able to take advantage of the contrast-detection autofocus system in Lumix G cameras for fast autofocus, this 100-300mm lens is a reliable tool for capturing tricky and elusive subjects. It weighs just 520g, making it a good balancing complement to most Lumix G cameras, and having a maximum aperture of f4-5.6 is pretty good for a lens at this price. While the construction is plastic rather than metal, it’s still a solidly built lens, and should be able to withstand the rigours of outdoor wildlife photography.

Best Fujifilm Lens for Wildlife

One of the best reasons to buy into the Fujifilm X mirrorless system is the fantastic range of lenses on offer. X-mount is a system that’s built on quality rather than volume – there aren’t as many lenses available as you’d get with many other systems, but what is there is absolutely fantastic in terms of sharpness and character.

There are a few outstanding premium telephotos for Fujifilm, including the Fujifilm XF 200mm f2 R LM OIS WR Lens with 1.4X XF TC f2 WR Teleconverter, which is definitely an incredible buy if you’ve got the budget for it. For those who don’t, we’ve selected some more affordable options. 

A note before we go on – we’re confining our reach to the Fujifilm X APS-C mirrorless system for now, as the medium format GFX cameras and lenses aren’t all that suited for wildlife. We may revisit that decision in the future, but for now, read on for the best Fujifilm X-mount lenses for wildlife. 

Pros:

• Great for both long-range and close-ups
• Edge-to-edge sharpness
• Stays compact even when fully extended

Cons:

• 225mm equivalent at ‘widest’ end
• Aperture drops sharply when zooming
  
  

Seeing this powerful, versatile telephoto zoom arrive for the Fujifilm X system was an exciting moment. The Tamron 150-500mm f5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens is a great choice for wildlife users who want plenty of telephoto reach, but also might have half a mind on close-up shooting. With a minimum subject distance of just 0.6m at the wide end, it can double up as a capable macro lens for images of insects and plants, as well as handling the bigger subjects – which it does with sharpness to spare across the entire image frame. Lovely stuff.

The VXD linear motor focusing system is accurate and reliable, and can be made more so using the focus limiter switch. One thing to bear in mind is that on Fujifilm X cameras, this lens will cover an equivalent zoom range of 225-750mm, and having 225mm as your widest option could be restricting for some.

Best Olympus Lens for Wildlife

OM SYSTEM lenses, from the brand formerly known as Olympus, are part of the Micro Four Thirds standard along with Panasonic. So, as mentioned, this means that lenses and cameras between the brands can be used together with full functionality and compatibility.

Even if this weren’t the case though, there are plenty of exceptional lenses under the Olympus name. And with the OM SYSTEM revitalisation of the brand going from strength to strength, wildlife photographers are spoilt for choice. These cameras, like the popular new OM SYSTEM OM-5, are packed with wildlife-friendly features, such as dedicated bird photography autofocus modes. 

Remember, the Micro Four Thirds sensor crop factor effectively doubles the focal length of a lens that’s mounted to it – so a 100mm lens behaves like a 200mm lens. For photographing distant subjects that don’t let people get too close, it’s a hard system to beat. These are the lenses we’d recommend using.

FAQs

What are wildlife lenses and why are they important?

Wildlife lenses are specialised camera lenses that are specifically designed for photographing wildlife. They are important because they allow photographers to capture high-quality images of animals and other wildlife from a distance, without disturbing them.

What are the best wildlife lenses?

The best wildlife lenses are those that offer a long focal length, fast aperture, and image stabilisation.

How do I choose the right wildlife lens for my camera?

When choosing a wildlife lens, consider the type of camera you have (DSLR or mirrorless), the focal length range you need, the aperture range, and any additional features such as image stabilisation. You should also consider the weight and size of the lens, as well as the cost.

How can I take better wildlife photos with my lens?

Try to get as close to the animal as possible while still maintaining a safe distance and without disturbing them. Use a fast shutter speed to freeze any movement, and try to use natural light as much as possible.