Wildlife photography is an incredibly exciting, thrilling, and rewarding art form that requires dedication, patience, and oftentimes an intimate understanding of your subjects. There’s nothing more exciting than putting in the work, waiting however long it may take, and then finally getting the shot you were after. Of course, having the right skills, knowledge, and experience make all the difference, but it’s also vitally important to use the right gear. No matter how many things you do right, you need gear that is up to speed and capable of capturing the images you’re after.

Having a capable camera is essential but having the right lens is arguably even more important. When photographing wildlife your subjects are often quite far away, quite small, or both. You’ll likely need some sort of telephoto lens with high focal lengths and magnification to get a decent shot.

In today’s article, we’ll be taking a look at the absolute best lenses currently available for landscape photography. We’ll look at many different options from several of the most popular manufacturers and we’ll dive into both zoom and prime lenses. It’s also worth noting that these are simply our top picks here at Backcountry Journeys. There are many other lenses out there that are exceptional for photographing wildlife but these are the ones that we are particularly excited about right now.

Alright, let’s get into it and take a look at the top 10 lenses for wildlife photography!

The Best Zoom Lenses

We’ll start out by taking a look at the best zoom lenses currently available. Both zoom and prime lenses have their benefits and drawbacks and if you’re interested in this subject then be sure to check out this article to learn more about zoom vs. prime lenses. Zoom lenses are a great option for anyone looking to prioritize flexibility in reach, composition, and focal length.

Let’s get into our top picks. These are some of the zoom lenses that we believe are the absolute best when it comes to wildlife photography:

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM

Specs:

• Price: $2,899 USD

• Full Frame | f/4.5-7.1 to f/32-54

• Dual Nano USM AF System

• Optical Image Stabilizer

• Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm

The RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 lens from Canon is an excellent option for wildlife photographers seeking flexibility. With a very nice range in focal lengths, you can photograph larger animals relatively nearby as well as subjects that are quite far away. You can also use this lens with the 1.4x teleconverter at focal lengths above 300mm for subjects that are very far away. On top of that, you’re getting Canon L quality glass, wicked fast and accurate autofocusing, and many other modern features that you would expect in a lens of this caliber. The RF 100-500 is also relatively lightweight and compact, making it easy to travel with and hold for long periods of time.

The RF 100-500mm takes the cake but I have to give an honorable mention to the newer Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9. I’ve used this lens a ton and I absolutely love it! It may not be an L lens, but the optical quality and performance sit just below the cutoff. The AF works well, even with only AF motor, and the optics are great. If you want even more reach, then this lens is great!

Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

Specs:

• Price: $2,697 USD

• Full Frame | f/4.5 to f/40

• Multi-Focus Stepping Motor AF System

• Vibration Reduction Images Stabilization

• Programmable Control Ring

The NIKKOR Z 100-400 is a beast. Perhaps this lens doesn’t reach massive focal lengths like many others in this category but nonetheless, it packs a punch. As part of the NIKKOR S line, you can rest assured that it will have top-notch glass and optics. And on top of that, there is a lot of very attractive tech in this lens as well including an information OLED Panel, a customizable control ring and function buttons, as well as Nikon’s inner balance technology. Additionally, you can of course use this lens with either a 1.4x or 2x teleconverter to extend its reach.

The 100-400 might take the cake ever so slightly due to it’s razor sharp optics and lightning-fast AF capabilities but if you want a bit more reach then you should definitely check out the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR. This is a really phenomenal lens especially for the price point. It’s relatively compact and lightweight and the optics look great. I’ve chatted with photographers who use this lens a ton and they absolutely love it. Honestly when it comes to Nikon telephoto zoom lenses it could be a toss-up between these two but due to the S-line optics on the 100-400 and considering that you can use it with a teleconverter, it’s our premiere choice but just by a smidge

Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS 

Specs:

• Price: $1,998 USD

• Full Frame | f/5.6 to f/36

• Direct Drive Super Sonic Wave AF Motor

• Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization

• Rounded 11-Blade Diaphragm

• Removable, Rotating Tripod Collar

The Sony FE 200-600mm telephoto zoom is an excellent option for Sony users looking to photograph wildlife. With a very versatile focal range of 200-600mm you can capture a wide array of images and subjects with ease. On top of that, this lens has excellent AF capabilities, top-notch optics, a rugged and weather-resistant construction, and the 11-bladed aperture diaphragm can create beautiful bokeh and background blur. If you’re shooting with Sony and want an extremely versatile telephoto zoom for wildlife, then this is the lens for you!

It's worth noting that Sony recently came out with their FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 Which for all intents and purposes seems to be right on par with the 200-600 just a bit slower but with quite a bit of extra reach. If your focus is on small or distant subjects like birds, then the 400-800 could be a great option for you. Due to the fact that’s it’s so new and limited to 400mm on the wide end, we’re giving the title to the tried and tested 200-600.

OM SYSTEM M. Zuiko 150-400mm f/4.5 TC 1.25 IS PRO

Specs:

• Price: $7,500 USD

• Micro Four Thirds | f/4.5 to f/22

• 300-800mm Full Frame Equivalent

• Integrated 1.25x Teleconverter

• High-Speed Imager Autofocus (MSC)

The OM SYSTEM M. Zuiko 150-400mm is an absolute beast. With a built-in 1.25x teleconverter and a very impressive focal range of 150-400 for micro four thirds sensors and a staggering 300-800 for full-frame sensors, you’ll be able to capture small subjects very far away without any worries. This lens really seems to do it all and excels in bird photography, works great in low-light conditions, and even does quite well as a macro lens. Oh, and if you’re shooting full-frame the 1.25x teleconverter gives you a focal range of 375-1000mm. If you’re shooting with the OM system, want a top-notch telephoto for wildlife, and can afford the hefty price tag, then this lens if for you.

Sigma 300-600mm f/4 DG OS Sports

Specs:

• Price: $5,999 USD

• Full Frame | f/4-f/16

• Constant Aperture Super Telephoto Zoom

• HLA-Driven High-Speed AF Motor

• 5.5-Stop Stabilization & OS2 Algorithm

The brand-new Sigma 300-600mm f/4 lens looks absolutely incredible. It may be on the heavy side but apart from that it shines through in every light. This lens features razor sharp optics and maintains a constant maximum aperture of f/4 across its entire focal range so for all intents and purposes it’s pretty much 3 super-telephoto primes in one. On top of that you can throw a teleconverter on the back to extend your reach even further. If you want the very best optics and performance from Sigma in a versatile, capable, and tack-sharp lens then this is the super-telephoto for you!

If the price point however, is just a bit high, Sigma has another great, even more flexible, super-telephoto zoom. The Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS is an extremely versatile lens. With 10x magnification and a focal range of 60-600mm. I had this lens for years and absolutely loved it. Yes, it is pretty heavy and a bit on the larger side of things but for the price this lens is one of the best bangs for your buck currently available. It may not have the absolute best optics on the market, but this lens can get the job done. If you want a ton of flexibility and are working with a bit of a budget then this is a great option.

Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VXD

Specs:

• Price: $1,399 USD

• Full Frame | f/5.6-6.7 to f/22-32

• VXD eXtreme-Torque Drive Linear AF Motor

• VC Image Stabilization

• Rounded 7-Blade Diaphragm

The Tamron 150-500mm is an excellent option for those looking to achieve higher focal lengths on a budget. No, this lens doesn’t really compare to some of the top-notch competitors from big manufacturers like Canon, Nikon, and Sony but for the price you get a very decent lens that you’ll likely be surprised with. This lens has pretty good optics and can work with many popular systems and cameras. If you’re looking to get into the wildlife photography game and don’t want to spend an arm and a leg then this could be just what you’re looking for.

The Best Prime Lenses

Alright, now that we’ve covered our top picks when it comes to zoom lenses let’s head over to the other side of the spectrum and dive into the world of super-telephoto primes. Again, if you’d like to learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of zoom vs. prime lenses be sure to check out this article.

In short prime lenses, which have fixed focal lengths, are known for having superior optics and image quality. These lenses are usually quite large with massive front elements so that they capture a ton of light. Because of this they work better in low-light situations, and you can often achieve much wider maximum apertures allowing you to isolate your subjects from the background to a greater extent. Of course, you don’t have the flexibility you’d get with a zoom lens but if you’re after the absolute best image quality then primes are probably what you’re looking for.

Let’s take a look at our favorite super-telephoto primes for wildlife photography.

Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM

Specs:

• Price: $12,999 USD

• Full Frame | f/4 to f/32

• Optical Image Stabilizer

• Customizable Electronic Focusing Ring

• Circular 9-Blade Diaphragm

The Canon RF 600mm f/4 is an absolute beast that can capture some truly incredible, sharp, and stunning wildlife images (and the price proves it). This massive telephoto prime with a maximum aperture of f/4 will beautifully isolate your subjects from their backgrounds, will work great in low-light situations, and will produce stunning and razor-sharp images. On top of that the AF is lightning fast and accurate and of course this lens is designed to be paired with teleconverters for extra reach. With all of the bells and whistles expected of a super telephoto prime and with some of the best optics around this lens is sure to capture some stunning wildlife shots no matter where you are. I shoot with the older DSLR version of this lens and even the version from two generations ago is phenomenal. If you want the best of the best from Canon and can afford a lens of this caliper, then definitely check out the RF 600mm f/4 prime.

Another stellar super-telephoto prime option from cannon is their incredible RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM. I used this lens photographing brown bears in Alaska and it was just so good! This thing may not have the reach of the 600 but with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 it’s wicked fast, tack-sharp, and works very well in low light situations.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S

Specs:

• Price: $15,497 USD

• Full Frame | f/4 to f/22

• Built-In 1.4x Teleconverter

• Silky Swift VCM Autofocus System

• 5.5-Stop VR Image Stabilization

And if the Canon 600mm prime wasn’t enough, then this absolutely insane lens from Nikon will knock your socks off. With a built-in 1.4x teleconverter, incredibly sharp and accurate optics, 5.5 stops of optical stabilization, and so much more you’ll be able to capture some truly incredible wildlife images with the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S lens. A maximum aperture of f/4 combined with optical stabilization will allow you to shoot in low-light situations without raising your ISO too high and you can even pair this lens with external teleconverters to achieve absurdly high focal lengths. If you shoot Nikon and want an incredibly powerful and versatile super telephoto prime, then take a look at this lens. Having a built-in teleconverter is an absolute game changer for wildlife photography!

If you’re a Nikon shooter and the almost $16,000 price point is a bit high for you, then worry not. There are still some great options to choose from. Both the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S and NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lenses are great options at attractive price points.

Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS

Specs:

• Price: $12,998 USD

• Full Frame | f/4 to f/22

• XD Linear Motor AF System 

• Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization 

• Rounded 11-Blade Diaphragm 

The Sony FE 600mm f/4 is yet another super telephoto powerhouse that will get you up close and personal with the action. With an impressive focal length, a fast maximum aperture, impressive image stabilization, and autofocusing capabilities, and so much more, you really can’t go wrong. If you shoot Sony and want to capture some tack-sharp, insanely detailed wildlife images then this just might be the lens for you. And, of course, you can pair this lens with Sony teleconverters to achieve even greater magnification.

If you want something a bit wider and faster, you can always opt for the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens. Both of these lenses are absolutely phenomenal and feature G Master glass but ultimately I think the 600mm focal length is a bit more versatile which is why it’s our number 1 choice for Sony super-telephoto primes.

Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports

Specs:

• Price: $2,989 USD

• Full Frame | f/5.6 to f/32

• Light and Compact Ultra-Telephoto Prime

• High Response Linear Actuator AF System

• Optical Stabilizer with OS2 Algorithm

And last but certainly not least, we have arrived at the final lens on today’s list. If you want an impressive super telephoto prime lens and don’t want to spend tens of thousands of dollars then the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS might be just what you’re looking for. With a fast maximum aperture, solid optical stabilization, a quick AF system, and a lightweight/compact design, you’ll be able to capture impressive wildlife photos handheld and in low-light situations. If you want premium optics from Sigma packaged in a nice and compact telephoto prime lens that's great for capturing wildlife images at a reasonable price point, then this lens is for you.

Conclusion 

Alright, this has been our comprehensive list of the top 10 lenses for wildlife photography (plus a few honorable mentions here and there). I wanted to make this list as diverse and thorough as possible by including a wide variety of top-tier lenses from some of the most popular manufacturers. Perhaps an affordable Tamron zoom lens doesn’t directly compare to a telephoto prime lens from Sony but at the end of the day, they can both be used to photograph wildlife on the exact same camera body. I hope this list has been helpful and informative and wish you the best of luck on your next wildlife photography adventure!

I’ll see you on the next one, and until then, happy shooting!