If you are an avid photographer then you might find yourself wanting to utilize your skills by capturing images of your local wildlife.
In order to generate high quality images, purchasing a lens for your camera is a great way to bring your local wildlife to life through image.
However, with so many choices available on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is going to be best for you and your skillset.
We’ve gathered the best lens for wildlife photography that you should consider followed by an exclusive Buyers Guide and FAQ so you can learn what to expect when doing your research.
Here are the best lens for wildlife photography available on the market that you should consider:
Best Lens For Wildlife Photography – Comparison Table
Best Lens For Wildlife Photography – Reviews
Our first recommendation is the Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM Lens which can fit a wide range of cameras meaning that you will be able to benefit from this lens.
This lens has a brilliant design that is both lightweight and compact in its construction meaning that it has higher useability and ensures that it is both durable and reliable for years of heavy-duty regular use.
The materials used to make the lens has a water and oil repellent coating on the front glass element means that cleaning and protecting the lens’ surface is easy and low maintenance which is perfect for those who don’t want to spend time fussing over their camera.
What makes this our top pick is the large filter size which is 95mm meaning that it is ideal for using in wide and open spaces.
The large filter allows you to use the camera in any kind of environment in ease without compromising on the quality while also allowing you to capture images of any kind of wildlife, even while it is moving.
The minimum focusing distance is 280cm and the focal length is 150-600mm meaning that it has a large viewing range that makes it suitable for using in all kinds of environments and for any kind of wildlife as it provides photographers with the versatility to adapt accordingly.
- Has a brilliant design that is both lightweight and compact in its construction meaning that it has higher useability and ensures that it is both durable and reliable for years of heavy-duty regular use
- The materials used to make the lens has a water and oil repellent coating on the front glass element means that cleaning and protecting the lens’ surface is easy and low maintenance which is perfect for those who don’t want to spend time fussing over their camera
- The minimum focusing distance is 280cm and the focal length is 150-600mm meaning that it has a large viewing range that makes it suitable for using in all kinds of environments and for any kind of wildlife as it provides photographers with the versatility to adapt accordingly
- High price point
Our second selection is the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens which features a compact, high performance L-series super telephoto zoom which is especially ideal for wildlife and sports photography as it can capture the subject well even when it is moving.
The rotation type zoom ring provides more precise composition and excellent balance when handholding so you don’t have to worry about the extra weight of the lens.
The focal length and maximum aperture of the lens is between 100-400mm with a close focusing distance of 3.2 ft meaning that you can use this lens in an array of different environment.
The New Air Sphere Coating helps to reduce the amount of backlit flaring and ghosting to produce a better image while the highly resistant structure of the lens means that you don’t have to worry about dust and water to ensure that the lens is durable and reliable, even in the harshest conditions.
This lens has one fluorite and one super UD element which provides great contrast and resolution while also ensuring that there is a reduced chromatic aberration across the zoom range while the 9 blade circular aperture means that you are guaranteed to have soft background the three mode Optical Image Stabilizer can provide up to four steps of image correction.
This lens also boasts a new inner focusing AF system which helps to ensure fast and accurate focus accompanied by a .31x maximum magnification.
- Features a compact, high performance L-series super telephoto zoom which is especially ideal for wildlife and sports photography as it can capture the subject well even when it is moving
- The New Air Sphere Coating helps to reduce the amount of backlit flaring and ghosting to produce a better image while the highly resistant structure of the lens means that you don’t have to worry about dust and water to ensure that the lens is durable and reliable, even in the harshest conditions
- Has one fluorite and one super UD element which provides great contrast and resolution while also ensuring that there is a reduced chromatic aberration across the zoom range while the 9 blade circular aperture means that you are guaranteed to have soft background the three mode Optical Image Stabilizer can provide up to four steps of image correction
- High price point
Our third choice is the Rokinon FE14M-C 14mm F2.8 Ultra Wide Lens for Canon which features an ultra wide angle 14mm lens accompanied by an approximately 90 degree angle of view when using an APS-C camera which can an array of dramatic effects thanks to the minimum focusing distance of 28cm which means you can take a lot of enhanced close-up shots without compromising on quality.
This lens also has a built-in lens hood which has a petal shaped protective edge to prevent water from splashing on the lens during harsh weather conditions for extra versatility and adaptability while the maximum diameter of 87mm and aperture range from 2.8 ft to 22 ft allows you to use the lens in any kind of environment.
This lens is great for those with DSLR and mirrorless cameras as it can help to expand the angle of view without compromising on the quality of the image.
It has an advanced 14 element with 10 group design focuses to a close 11” which produces sharply defined images while achieving the minimum amount of distortion and chromatic aberrations.
This lens utilizes two ED element, 1 Hybrid Ashperical element, three High Refractive Index elements, and one glass Aspherical element which helps to achieve outstanding images every time.
- Features an ultra wide angle 14mm lens accompanied by an approximately 90 degree angle of view when using an APS-C camera which can an array of dramatic effects thanks to the minimum focusing distance of 28cm which means you can take a lot of enhanced close-up shots without compromising on quality
- Has a built-in lens hood which has a petal shaped protective edge to prevent water from splashing on the lens during harsh weather conditions for extra versatility and adaptability while the maximum diameter of 87mm and aperture range from 2.8 ft to 22 ft allows you to use the lens in any kind of environment
- Has an advanced 14 element with 10 group design focuses to a close 11” which produces sharply defined images while achieving the minimum amount of distortion and chromatic aberrations
- No range rings
Our penultimate recommendation is the High-Power 500mm/1000mm f/8 Manual Telephoto Lens for Canon which is compatible with the majority of Canon cameras making it versatile for those who want to work with a Canon compatible lens.
This lens has a highly powered 500mm telephoto focal length making it ideal for those who want to shoot wildlife in wide and open spaces as it can capture a lot of detail even while the animal is moving.
This lens also comes with a T-mount adapter which can be used for both the digital and 35mm Canon EOS SLR cameras while the high index and low-dispersion multi coated optical glass helps to reduce the amount of flare in the image.
This lens has a 2X teleconverter which helps to doubles the power of your lens to 1000mm making this ideal for those who want to invest in a longer lens that doesn’t compromise on the image quality.
The filter thread is 67mm meaning that you can be assured of an image that has been balanced with a minimum amount of distortion.
- Has a highly powered 500mm telephoto focal length making it ideal for those who want to shoot wildlife in wide and open spaces as it can capture a lot of detail even while the animal is moving
- Comes with a T-mount adapter which can be used for both the digital and 35mm Canon EOS SLR cameras while the high index and low-dispersion multi coated optical glass helps to reduce the amount of flare in the image
- Has a 2X teleconverter which helps to doubles the power of your lens to 1000mm making this ideal for those who want to invest in a longer lens that doesn’t compromise on the image quality
- The manual lens can be tricky for beginners to learn how to use initially
Our final selection is the JINTU 420-800mm f/ 8.3-F16 Manual Telephoto Camera Zoom Lens for Canon which features a full metal body while the small size and lightweight design means that it is easy to carry wherever you go making it ideal for wildlife photography.
This lens helps to achieve ultra high definition image quality thanks to its intricate Japanese design while the multi coated low dispersion glass means that the lens body is oxidized to prevent any paint loss and ensure that it is wear resistant, even after years of heavy-duty regular use.
This lens is compatible with a wide array of Canon EOS SLR cameras making it ideal for those who want to use a Canon camera and want to boost the quality of their images.
This lens is ideal for wildlife and nature photographers as it allows you to remain at a distance without compromising on the final image as you can zoom in on small an distant subjects as well as larger animals that may be difficult to get close to so whatever you want to capture, you’ll be able to do it with this lens.
This lens also comes with a two year warranty so you can purchase it with extra peace of mind while the customer service team is on hand to assist you with any technical issues and queries you may have.
- Helps to achieve ultra high definition image quality thanks to its intricate Japanese design while the multi coated low dispersion glass means that the lens body is oxidized to prevent any paint loss and ensure that it is wear resistant, even after years of heavy-duty regular use
- Ideal for wildlife and nature photographers as it allows you to remain at a distance without compromising on the final image as you can zoom in on small an distant subjects as well as larger animals that may be difficult to get close to so whatever you want to capture, you’ll be able to do it with this lens
- Comes with a two year warranty so you can purchase it with extra peace of mind while the customer service team is on hand to assist you with any technical issues and queries you may have
- Not compatible with mirrorless cameras
Best Lens For Wildlife Photography – Buyers Guide
When conducting your research, there are certain factors that you need to consider before making a purchase. This will help to prevent any disappointment and ensure that you know what to expect before the product arrives.
Always think about the size of the lens, what features it has, whether it comes with a warranty period or returns policy, and your budget.
Once you’ve weighed these aspects against your own needs and requirements, you’ll be in a position to make a fully informed decision with confidence.
Size
The first thing you will need to think about is what size lens you want. This will be dependent on where you plan on using your camera and what kind of wildlife you want to capture.
For example, if you are going to be shooting in wide, open spaces, then a large lens will be good as you will have a large scope for capturing detail from a long distance whereas if you are taking pictures in a limited space, then a smaller lens will give you the quality images you want.
Features
The next factor that you need to consider are what features the lens comes with. Some lenses have manual features while others have autofocus that do the work for you.
Most lenses are manual as this will ensure that you can get the image that you want but they do require more work on your part.
On the other hand, autofocus lens tend to be more expensive but bring subjects into focus which can be handy when dealing with wildlife photography as you want to capture the movement and details of the subject quickly.
Warranty
Another important aspect that you need to think about is whether the lens comes with a returns policy or warranty period. This is important if you are skeptical about your purchase as it provides you with extra peace of mind.
These brands also have customer service teams that are on hand to provide you with any technical advice should you have any queries or issues.
Budget
Lastly, always consider your budget. As you can see from the options provided in this article, there are products available at high and low price points meaning that whether you have the money to spend or are working with astricter budget, you’ll be able to find the perfect choice for you without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 400m enough for Bird Photography?
400m is an ample amount for bird photography as you can find yourself getting lots of high quality images that provide plenty of detail of the bird and its surrounding. This focal length is used by a lot of photographers thanks to its reliability.
Is 200m enough for Wildlife Photography?
200m can be difficult to shoot wildlife with due to its limitations, but with time and effort, you can learn to capture amazing images with a 200m lens, especially if you pair it with an APS-C camera as this will help you to get used to using the lens.
Do I Need A Tripod for Bird Photography?
When it comes to any kind of wildlife photography, a tripod is often seen as a necessity as it helps to provide stability for those using long lenses such as a 600m and will also allow you to focus on getting that perfect image without the hassle of moving.