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The 10 Most Exciting Lenses of 2023
Published December 21, 2023
Yesterday I put together an article on the most exciting cameras of 2023. Definitely check that one out if you haven’t already. In today’s article I’m going to do the exact same thing but this time around we’ll be focusing on lenses instead of camera bodies.
2023 was an exciting year in the photography world and we saw the introduction and release of several very exciting lenses. We were introduced to lenses that had never existed for any system ever before. We witnessed the release of stunning optics and new technology that will change the industry. Overall, this was a great year for those of us who like to nerd out over lenses.
It’s worth noting that this is a subjective list of lenses that we are excited about here at BCJ. Of course, there were plenty of other great lenses released this year that we won’t cover in this article, but these are simply the ones that stood out to us. I would also like to point out that this list is being presented in no specific order.
With that being said, let’s get right into it and take a look at the most exciting lenses of 2023!
2023 was an exciting year in the photography world and we saw the introduction and release of several very exciting lenses. We were introduced to lenses that had never existed for any system ever before. We witnessed the release of stunning optics and new technology that will change the industry. Overall, this was a great year for those of us who like to nerd out over lenses.
It’s worth noting that this is a subjective list of lenses that we are excited about here at BCJ. Of course, there were plenty of other great lenses released this year that we won’t cover in this article, but these are simply the ones that stood out to us. I would also like to point out that this list is being presented in no specific order.
With that being said, let’s get right into it and take a look at the most exciting lenses of 2023!
NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3
Specs:
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 is definitely one of the most exciting lenses to come out in 2023. With an extremely flexible focal range of 180-600mm, you’ll be able to capture a wide range of subjects and scenes with one lens. The lens also features a fully internal zooming mechanism keeping the relatively compact and lightweight package together. Beyond that, this lens features 5.5 stops of optical stabilization, a rounded 9-blade diaphragm, and plenty of other likeable features. Bottom line this lens will open up tons of wildlife and sports photo opportunities at a very reasonable and approachable price and it’s definitely one of the lenses we’ve been the most excited about over the last year!
Specs:
- Price: $1,697 USD
- Full-Frame | f/5.6-6.3 to f/32-36
- STM Autofocus Stepping Motor
- 5.5-Stop VR Image Stabilization
- Programmable Control Ring
- Customizable Function Buttons
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 is definitely one of the most exciting lenses to come out in 2023. With an extremely flexible focal range of 180-600mm, you’ll be able to capture a wide range of subjects and scenes with one lens. The lens also features a fully internal zooming mechanism keeping the relatively compact and lightweight package together. Beyond that, this lens features 5.5 stops of optical stabilization, a rounded 9-blade diaphragm, and plenty of other likeable features. Bottom line this lens will open up tons of wildlife and sports photo opportunities at a very reasonable and approachable price and it’s definitely one of the lenses we’ve been the most excited about over the last year!
Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM
Specs:
And, while we’re on the topic of extremely flexible telephoto zooms, the brand new Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 is a complete game changer. This lens was just released along with another exceptional lens that we’ll cover a bit further down. The 200-800mm features a very expansive and unique focal range allowing you to capture all kinds of images. The lens houses some really nice optical elements, features Canon’s Nano USM AF Motor, and contains optical stabilization. I’ve never really seen a lens quite like this one before and when Canon announced all of us at BCJ were very intrigued to say the least. Canon has released a really nifty super-telephoto zoom at a very reasonable price point! Check out this article to learn more about this lens!
Specs:
- Price: $1,899 USD
- Full-Frame | f/6.3-9 to f/54
- Nano USM Motor
- Focus/Control Ring & Two L-Fn Buttons
- Super Spectra Coating
And, while we’re on the topic of extremely flexible telephoto zooms, the brand new Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 is a complete game changer. This lens was just released along with another exceptional lens that we’ll cover a bit further down. The 200-800mm features a very expansive and unique focal range allowing you to capture all kinds of images. The lens houses some really nice optical elements, features Canon’s Nano USM AF Motor, and contains optical stabilization. I’ve never really seen a lens quite like this one before and when Canon announced all of us at BCJ were very intrigued to say the least. Canon has released a really nifty super-telephoto zoom at a very reasonable price point! Check out this article to learn more about this lens!
Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II
Specs:
When Sony released the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II earlier this year it was immediately obvious that they had created an excellent second version to its predecessor. The original 16-35mm was already an exceptional G Master lens and this one has taken things to the next level. This lens is 20% Lighter and 10% smaller than the first version and has some noticeable improvements. Featuring a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, Four XD Linear AF motors and a floating focus design, and exceptional glass elements, you’ll be able to capture stunning images with this awesome wide-angle zoom lens. Sony has done it again! Check out this article to learn more about the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II!
Specs:
- Price: $2,298 USD
- Full-Frame | f/2.8 to f/22
- 20% Lighter. 10% Smaller than Previous
- Four XD Linear AF Motors, Floating Focus
- Aperture De-Click and Lock Switches
- Zoom Smoothness Switch
When Sony released the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II earlier this year it was immediately obvious that they had created an excellent second version to its predecessor. The original 16-35mm was already an exceptional G Master lens and this one has taken things to the next level. This lens is 20% Lighter and 10% smaller than the first version and has some noticeable improvements. Featuring a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, Four XD Linear AF motors and a floating focus design, and exceptional glass elements, you’ll be able to capture stunning images with this awesome wide-angle zoom lens. Sony has done it again! Check out this article to learn more about the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II!
NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S
Specs:
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S prime lens is yet another 2023 release that we were very excited about! Nikon really seems to be leading the game when it comes to relatively compact and lightweight super-telephotos. This lens is advertised as a handheld super-telephoto prime meaning it’s much easier to carry, transport, and shoot handheld than almost any other comparable lens on the market. On top of that the NIKKOR Z 600 features many cutting edge features common in high-end Nikon lenses. This is an awesome lens and if you’re looking to level up your wildlife photography on the Nikon system then this is a great choice!
Specs:
- Price: $4,797 USD
- Full-Frame | f/6.3 to f/32
- Handheld Super-Telephoto Prime
- Multi-Focus System
- 5.5-Stop VR Image Stabilization
- Customizable Control Ring
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S prime lens is yet another 2023 release that we were very excited about! Nikon really seems to be leading the game when it comes to relatively compact and lightweight super-telephotos. This lens is advertised as a handheld super-telephoto prime meaning it’s much easier to carry, transport, and shoot handheld than almost any other comparable lens on the market. On top of that the NIKKOR Z 600 features many cutting edge features common in high-end Nikon lenses. This is an awesome lens and if you’re looking to level up your wildlife photography on the Nikon system then this is a great choice!
Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM
Specs:
The Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM is an absolute game changer! This incredibly impressive lens is absolutely beautiful and people are lining up left and right to get their hands on it. With a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, a versatile focal range of 100-300mm, Impressive AF capabilities, 5.5 stops of optical stabilization, and so much more this lens is one of Canon’s finest in recent history! If you want a stunning, bright, fast zoom lens that can be used in a wide range of applications then this just might be the lens for you! Check out this article to learn more about the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8!
Specs:
- Price: $9,499 USD
- Full-Frame | f/2.8 to f/22
- Dual Nano USM AF System
- 5.5-Stop Image Stabilization
- Internal Zoom and Focusing Design
- Floating Focus Design
The Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM is an absolute game changer! This incredibly impressive lens is absolutely beautiful and people are lining up left and right to get their hands on it. With a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, a versatile focal range of 100-300mm, Impressive AF capabilities, 5.5 stops of optical stabilization, and so much more this lens is one of Canon’s finest in recent history! If you want a stunning, bright, fast zoom lens that can be used in a wide range of applications then this just might be the lens for you! Check out this article to learn more about the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8!
NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8
Specs:
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is another exciting lens released this year perfectly accompanying the 180-600mm. This lens covers a versatile and flexible zoom range of 70-180mm making it a great addition to your Nikon Mirrorless arsenal. With a very fast and constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, an STM Autofocus Stepping Motor, an internal focusing design, a rounded 9-blade diaphragm, and more this lens hits the sweet spot (especially when used alongside the 180-600mm zoom lens)!
Specs:
- Price: $1,247 USD
- Full-Frame | f/2.8 to f/22
- STM Autofocus Stepping Motor
- Internal Focusing Design
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
- Electromagnetic Diaphragm Mechanism
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is another exciting lens released this year perfectly accompanying the 180-600mm. This lens covers a versatile and flexible zoom range of 70-180mm making it a great addition to your Nikon Mirrorless arsenal. With a very fast and constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, an STM Autofocus Stepping Motor, an internal focusing design, a rounded 9-blade diaphragm, and more this lens hits the sweet spot (especially when used alongside the 180-600mm zoom lens)!
Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS
Specs:
Another brand new, incredibly exciting, and beautiful lens on our list is the Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS prime lens. This newest addition to the G Master lineup is a super-fast and bright telephoto prime that delivers exceptionally sharp, detailed, and stunning images. From exceptional low-light performance to extremely shallow depths of field and stunning bokeh, this lens is a beast! On top of that, it’s pretty compact and lightweight too. When this lens was recently announced it certainly caught our attention!
Specs:
- Price: $5,998 USD
- Full-Frame | Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
- Dual XD Linear Motor AF System
- Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization
- Rounded 11-Blade Diaphragm
- Super ED & ED Elements, Nano AR Coating
Another brand new, incredibly exciting, and beautiful lens on our list is the Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS prime lens. This newest addition to the G Master lineup is a super-fast and bright telephoto prime that delivers exceptionally sharp, detailed, and stunning images. From exceptional low-light performance to extremely shallow depths of field and stunning bokeh, this lens is a beast! On top of that, it’s pretty compact and lightweight too. When this lens was recently announced it certainly caught our attention!
Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports
Specs:
The Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports lens is another lens that made the list this year. This lens features a relatively unmatched and astounding 10x zoom range of 60-600mm which allows you to capture an incredible wide variety of shots. This new mirrorless version is a slight upgrade on their incredibly popular 60-600 DSLR lens which photographers have cherished for quite some time. With cutting-edge technology from Sigma and their weather-resistant and tough ‘Sports’ rating, this lens is a great option for photographers looking for a slightly more affordable super-telephoto zoom. This really is a great lens and it’s one that we’re quite excited about here at BCJ! Check out this article to learn more about this lens!
Specs:
- Price: $1,999 USD
- Full-Frame | f/4.5 to f/32
- HLA Linear Focusing Motor
- Intelligent OS Image Stabilization
- Removable Arca-Type Tripod Foot
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
The Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports lens is another lens that made the list this year. This lens features a relatively unmatched and astounding 10x zoom range of 60-600mm which allows you to capture an incredible wide variety of shots. This new mirrorless version is a slight upgrade on their incredibly popular 60-600 DSLR lens which photographers have cherished for quite some time. With cutting-edge technology from Sigma and their weather-resistant and tough ‘Sports’ rating, this lens is a great option for photographers looking for a slightly more affordable super-telephoto zoom. This really is a great lens and it’s one that we’re quite excited about here at BCJ! Check out this article to learn more about this lens!
Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z
Specs:
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z lens is truly a first of its kind and by far one of the most popular and exciting lenses of the year! This is the world’s very first 24-105mm f/2.8 and it has a couple of other tricks up its sleeve as well. As a true hybrid lens designed for capturing stunning stills and cinematic video, this lens features an attachable power zoom adapter allowing the user to smoothly zoom in and out with the touch of a button. And with the constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, this lens will work great in low-light situations, can achieve beautifully blurred backgrounds for subject isolation, and produces stunning bokeh with its 11-blade rounded diaphragm. This brand new 24-150mm lens from Canon is an absolute game changer and we’re incredibly excited about it, to say the least! Check out this article to learn more about the Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z Lens!
Specs:
- Price: $2.999 USD
- Full-Frame | f/2.8 to f/22
- Two Nano USM Motors
- 11-Blade Diaphragm
- Optical Image Stabilizer
- 3 Aspherical Elements, 4 UD Elements
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z lens is truly a first of its kind and by far one of the most popular and exciting lenses of the year! This is the world’s very first 24-105mm f/2.8 and it has a couple of other tricks up its sleeve as well. As a true hybrid lens designed for capturing stunning stills and cinematic video, this lens features an attachable power zoom adapter allowing the user to smoothly zoom in and out with the touch of a button. And with the constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, this lens will work great in low-light situations, can achieve beautifully blurred backgrounds for subject isolation, and produces stunning bokeh with its 11-blade rounded diaphragm. This brand new 24-150mm lens from Canon is an absolute game changer and we’re incredibly excited about it, to say the least! Check out this article to learn more about the Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z Lens!
Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Sports
Specs:
And last but certainly not least is the brand-new Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Sports lens. Sigma fans have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of this lens for quite some time and it’s finally here. With a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, a great AF system, advanced optical stabilization, reduced focus breathing, and an internal zoom and focus design, this awesome lens is very affordable and approachable. If you want a flexible and stunning 70-200mm lens and if it’s compatible with your camera definitely consider looking at this brand-new lens from Sigma!
Specs:
- Price: $1,499 USD
- Full-Frame | f/2.8 to f/22
- High-Response Linear Actuator AF System
- Optical Stabilizer with OS2 Algorithm
- Internal Zoom and Focus
- Minimized Focus Breathing
And last but certainly not least is the brand-new Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Sports lens. Sigma fans have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of this lens for quite some time and it’s finally here. With a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, a great AF system, advanced optical stabilization, reduced focus breathing, and an internal zoom and focus design, this awesome lens is very affordable and approachable. If you want a flexible and stunning 70-200mm lens and if it’s compatible with your camera definitely consider looking at this brand-new lens from Sigma!
Conclusion
Alright, there we have it. This has been our curated and comprehensive list of the most exciting lenses of 2023. If you’re interested definitely check out yesterday’s article discussing the most exciting cameras of 2023! I hope this list has been informative and helpful. We’ll see ya on the next one!
Alright, there we have it. This has been our curated and comprehensive list of the most exciting lenses of 2023. If you’re interested definitely check out yesterday’s article discussing the most exciting cameras of 2023! I hope this list has been informative and helpful. We’ll see ya on the next one!
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Each tour is bundled with lodging, meals, and transportation between workshops included, allowing you to focus on photography instead of the stress of traveling.
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Each tour is bundled with lodging, meals, and transportation between workshops included, allowing you to focus on photography instead of the stress of traveling.
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BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2025
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.