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1

Why We Love It

Users appreciate this lens for its compact size and light weight which makes it great for travel. The fast and quiet autofocus, coupled with the smooth zooming mechanism, has been applauded by many photographers. Despite its plastic build, it is considered to be durable and reliable. The image quality, with reduced flare and ghosting, is another highlight that has been frequently mentioned in reviews.

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight
  • Smooth zooming
  • Quick and quiet autofocus

Cons

  • Lacks image stabilization
  • Plastic build

Canon EF 75-300mm telephoto zoom lens with f/4-5.6 maximum aperture.

This Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens is a compact and lightweight option for photographers looking to capture far-off subjects. It features an improved mechanism that makes zooming smoother, and the DC motor ensures quick and quiet autofocus. The lens also includes a Super Spectra coating to reduce flare and ghosting, enhancing image quality.

2

Why We Love It

Users appreciate the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm for its flexible zoom range, making it a great option for shooting wildlife, sports, and landscapes. The Vibration Reduction technology is a standout feature, helping to produce clearer, more stable images. Although the autofocus could be quicker, the lens's overall performance and compact size make it a popular choice.

Pros

  • Versatile zoom range
  • Vibration Reduction technology
  • Compact and lightweight

Cons

  • Slower autofocus
  • Not weather-sealed

DX-format telephoto lens with high-refractive index lens elements.

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens is a versatile telephoto lens designed for DX-format cameras. It features Nikon's Vibration Reduction (VR) technology for sharper images and HD video capturing. The lens also incorporates Extra-low Dispersion (ED) and high-refractive index lens elements for superior color correction and minimal chromatic aberration.

3

Why We Love It

Users love the vibration reduction feature of this lens, which allows for clear, sharp images even when handheld. The silent and accurate autofocus is a hit among wildlife photographers. The quality and sharpness of images are often praised in reviews. Despite being a bit heavy, its build quality and performance make it a favorite among Nikon users.

Pros

  • Vibration reduction system
  • Silent autofocus
  • Sharp image quality

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Slow at the long end

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm telephoto lens with f/4.5-5.6G ED VR.

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens delivers sharp, clear photos, thanks to its Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements. It comes with a built-in vibration reduction (VR) system that minimizes camera shake for sharper handheld photos and videos. The Silent Wave Motor ensures fast, accurate and quiet autofocus. Moreover, it has a seven-blade rounded diaphragm which helps to create a natural blur for out-of-focus elements.

4

Why We Love It

Users and experts alike love the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm for its versatility and image quality. The Vibration Reduction technology is a standout feature, providing stability and reducing blur in images. The ED glass elements are also frequently noted for providing superior sharpness and color correction. Additionally, the Silent Wave Motor is praised for its fast and quiet autofocusing, making it ideal for wildlife or event photography.

Pros

  • Vibration Reduction technology
  • Extra-low Dispersion glass
  • Silent Wave Motor for quiet autofocusing

Cons

  • Not weather-sealed
  • Lower maximum aperture

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm lens with ED glass elements

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens is a versatile telephoto zoom lens that is perfect for capturing sharp, detailed images at long distances. It features Nikon's advanced Vibration Reduction (VR) technology, which reduces camera shake for smoother and sharper images. The lens also includes Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements, which minimize chromatic aberration and create superior sharpness and color correction. The Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures fast and quiet autofocusing.

5

Why We Love It

Reviewers praise the Sigma 150-600mm lens for its impressive telephoto reach and sharp image quality. The Optical Stabilization system is a standout feature that aids in capturing clear, stable shots. Despite its weight, the lens is highly recommended for its performance, particularly for wildlife and sports photography.

Pros

  • Versatile telephoto reach
  • Optical Stabilization
  • Fast autofocus

Cons

  • Somewhat heavy
  • Limited maximum aperture

Contemporary telephoto lens with an advanced optical design.

The Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM Lens is a telephoto lens that provides a versatile focal length range for capturing distant subjects. It features an advanced optical design with three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements for superior image quality. The lens also incorporates an Optical Stabilization system for reduced camera shake and a Hyper Sonic Motor for fast and quiet autofocus.

6

Why We Love It

Users love this lens for its affordability and macro function, which allows for great close-up shots. The fast and accurate autofocus is highly valued, especially for action shots. Despite its plastic construction, users have found it to be durable, and the image quality it delivers has received positive reviews from many amateur and semi-professional photographers.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Good macro function
  • Fast and accurate autofocus

Cons

  • No image stabilization
  • Plastic construction

Tamron Auto Focus 70-300mm telephoto lens with f/4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro.

The Tamron Auto Focus 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro Zoom Lens is a budget-friendly lens that delivers good image quality. It features a built-in motor to ensure fast and accurate autofocusing. The macro function allows the photographer to take sharp close-up shots with a 1:2 maximum magnification. Its LD glass elements reduce chromatic aberration and help achieve clear and high-contrast images.

7

Why We Love It

Users love this lens for its compact size and professional-grade performance. The image stabilizer is highly praised for compensating camera shake and ensuring clear images. The dust and splash resistance is a plus for photographers who frequently shoot outdoors. Although it's a bit expensive and has a shorter zoom range, its overall performance and durability make it highly recommended by users.

Pros

  • Compact design
  • Image Stabilizer
  • Dust and splash resistant

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Shorter zoom range

Panasonic LUMIX Professional 12-35mm camera lens with G X VARIO II.

The Panasonic LUMIX Professional 12-35mm Camera Lens G X VARIO II offers a versatile zoom range and a constant f/2.8 aperture. It's equipped with Power O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) to compensate for camera shake. Nano Surface Coating technology is applied to minimize ghosting and flaring. The lens is also dust and splash resistant, making it a reliable companion for outdoor shoots.

8

Why We Love It

Photographers appreciate the expansive zoom range and image stabilization of this lens, which allows for great flexibility in shooting. The fast autofocus is praised for its performance in capturing fast-moving subjects. The lens' dust and moisture resistance is a much-appreciated feature for outdoor photographers. Its weight and price might be a bit high, but users consider it a worthwhile investment for the quality it delivers.

Pros

  • Expansive zoom range
  • 5.0-stop image stabilization
  • Fast autofocus

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Can be heavy for handheld shooting

Fujifilm XF100-400mm telephoto lens with F4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR.

The Fujifilm XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR is a super telephoto zoom lens that covers a 35mm focal length equivalent of 152-609mm. The lens has been designed for handheld shooting with a 5.0-stop image stabilization system and weighs less than 1.4kg. Linear motor for fast autofocusing makes it perfect for shooting fast-moving subjects. Additionally, it's resistant to dust and moisture, allowing for shooting in harsh conditions.

Product Comparison

Compare features across all products in this category

6 Features 9 Products Updated Oct 04, 2025
Product Focal Length Range Image Stabilization Autofocus Type Weight Price Special Features
1 Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens
75-300mm No DC Motor 480g N/A Super Spectra coating
2 Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens
55-300mm Yes (Vibration Reduction) Silent Wave Motor 500g $354.98 ED glass elements
2 Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens
55-300mm Yes (Vibration Reduction) Silent Wave Motor 600g N/A 7-blade diaphragm
3 Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS Telephoto Lens
70-300mm Yes (Optical SteadyShot) Advanced linear actuator 850g N/A Dust and moisture resistant
4 Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM Lens
150-600mm Yes (Optical Stabilization) Hyper Sonic Motor 2000g $859.95 SLD glass elements
5 Tamron Auto Focus 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro Zoom Lens
70-300mm No Built-in motor 450g N/A 1:2 macro function
6 Panasonic LUMIX Professional 12-35mm Camera Lens G X VARIO II
12-35mm Yes (Power O.I.S.) N/A 300g N/A Dust and splash resistant
7 Fujifilm XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR
100-400mm Yes (5.0-stop OIS) Linear motor 1400g N/A Dust and moisture resistant
8 Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 75 to 300mm II F4.8-6.7 Lens
75-300mm No MSC mechanism 430g N/A ZERO coating
1

Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens

Focal Length Range
75-300mm
Image Stabilization
No
Autofocus Type
DC Motor
Weight
480g
Price
N/A
Special Features
Super Spectra coating
2

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens

Focal Length Range
55-300mm
Image Stabilization
Yes (Vibration Reduction)
Autofocus Type
Silent Wave Motor
Weight
500g
Price
$354.98
Special Features
ED glass elements
2

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens

Focal Length Range
55-300mm
Image Stabilization
Yes (Vibration Reduction)
Autofocus Type
Silent Wave Motor
Weight
600g
Price
N/A
Special Features
7-blade diaphragm
3

Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS Telephoto Lens

Focal Length Range
70-300mm
Image Stabilization
Yes (Optical SteadyShot)
Autofocus Type
Advanced linear actuator
Weight
850g
Price
N/A
Special Features
Dust and moisture resistant
4

Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM Lens

Focal Length Range
150-600mm
Image Stabilization
Yes (Optical Stabilization)
Autofocus Type
Hyper Sonic Motor
Weight
2000g
Price
$859.95
Special Features
SLD glass elements
5

Tamron Auto Focus 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro Zoom Lens

Focal Length Range
70-300mm
Image Stabilization
No
Autofocus Type
Built-in motor
Weight
450g
Price
N/A
Special Features
1:2 macro function
6

Panasonic LUMIX Professional 12-35mm Camera Lens G X VARIO II

Focal Length Range
12-35mm
Image Stabilization
Yes (Power O.I.S.)
Autofocus Type
N/A
Weight
300g
Price
N/A
Special Features
Dust and splash resistant
7

Fujifilm XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR

Focal Length Range
100-400mm
Image Stabilization
Yes (5.0-stop OIS)
Autofocus Type
Linear motor
Weight
1400g
Price
N/A
Special Features
Dust and moisture resistant
8

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 75 to 300mm II F4.8-6.7 Lens

Focal Length Range
75-300mm
Image Stabilization
No
Autofocus Type
MSC mechanism
Weight
430g
Price
N/A
Special Features
ZERO coating

Frequently Asked Questions About Telephoto Lenses

What makes a telephoto lenses the "best"?

We evaluate products based on quality, performance, value for money, user reviews, durability, and ease of use. Our rankings are updated regularly to reflect the latest market offerings and user feedback.

How often do you update your telephoto lenses recommendations?

Our team continuously monitors the market for new products and updates our recommendations quarterly. We also adjust rankings based on user feedback and new testing results.

Do you test all the products you recommend?

Yes, whenever possible, we physically test products in our labs. For products we can't test directly, we rely on verified user reviews, expert opinions, and detailed specifications to make informed recommendations.

What if I'm looking for a specific type of telephoto lenses?

Our top 10 list covers the most popular and highly-rated options. If you have specific requirements, check our detailed product descriptions and pros/cons to find the best match for your needs.