Ultimate Guide to Telephoto Lens: Main Types | When to Use |10 Best Ones

Telephoto lenses are one of the most popular photography equipment worldwide. However, there are a variety of telephoto lenses in the market currently, and you may experience difficulties when looking for the one that matches your preferences and choices.

This blog post will discuss the main types of telephoto lenses, when to use them, and the best ones.

What is a Telephoto Lens?

A telephoto lens is a popular lens suitable for both photographers and videographers, as it has a longer focal length capable of making far objects or scenes appear nearer.

Main Types of Telephoto Lens

Various types of telephoto lenses are classified depending on focal length. Some of the main types of the telephoto lens include;

1. Short Telephoto Lens

Photo by Muh Akbar Heriyandi on shutterstock

Short telephoto lenses can zoom to any focal length within the range of 85mm to 135mm. These focal lengths are suitable for portrait, product, and event photography.

The lens also can provide a wider scene of alienation, which enables the photographer to take pictures while standing near their subject.

2. Medium Telephoto Lens

A medium telephoto lens usually has a zooming capability to focal lengths of 135mm to 300mm. These focal lengths are also among the most famous ones in the field of photography, as they provide a remarkable outstretch at a lower price quote.  

3. Super Telephoto Lens

Super-telephoto lenses are typically beyond 300mm as they provide the greatest outstretch. However, a super-telephoto lens can reach a focal length of upto 1000mm, if you use it on a crop sensor. It also means that super-telephoto lenses have a limited visual field, from 8° to 1°.

Photo by Mohit Sharma on Unsplash

They are generally expensive and used by professional photographers and videographers, especially for shooting sports, wildlife, and the night sky. Super-telephoto lenses are also large and heavy. So, you will require a tripod when using them to enhance image stability and support the lens's weight.

What is a Telephoto Lens Used For?

Whether a hobbyist or a professional photographer, a telephoto lens can benefit you in several ways. Some of them include the following;

• A telephoto lens is beneficial for wildlife photography, as it enables photographers to capture wild animals easily without getting near them.
• A telephoto lens is suitable for landscape photography; it has a constriction effect that merges a city's buildings with the mountains within the same environment to produce attractive images.

Photo by Spencer Davis on Unsplash

• It helps in generating a blurry backdrop, which acts as a center of attraction for your viewers. Therefore, you can achieve the blurry effect by integrating a longer lens with a wider aperture.
• A telephoto lens is also helpful for portrait photography. A longer focal length will make your subject appear smaller than the background, making the facial properties appear corresponding.

Wide Angle Lens vs. Telephoto Lens

Wide angle and telephoto lenses differ in various ways. They include;

• Visual field

It is the significant difference in wide-angle vs. telephoto lens comparison. So, a wide-angle lens offers a wide visual field, which enables you to capture a better part of the incident's perspective. On the other hand, a telephoto lens has a more precise one.

• Deep focus

It is another feature to consider when evaluating a wide-angle vs. telephoto. If you need to have the whole incident in focus, you will require a deeper one. Therefore, a wide-angle lens is a choice. Contrarily, if you need to form a shallow focus with a blurry backdrop, a telephoto lens is the best option for you

• Size

Telephoto lenses are more prolonged than wide-angle lenses. It is because wide-angle lenses have a short focal length, making them lightweight and easy to operate.

Zoom Lens vs. Telephoto Lens

Photo by Ashkan Forouzani on Unsplash

Zoom and telephoto lenses were also invented to enhance photography and cinematography. However, they have differences that make them unique in terms of the benefits they offer to the users.

Zoom lenses have movable or varying focal lengths, while telephoto lenses are more solid, maintaining the same focal length.

Telephoto and zoom are not contrary to each other. Therefore, a lens can be a zoom, telephoto, neither, or both. Advanced Zoom lenses currently offer the best amalgamation of elasticity to pricing.

In addition, Telephoto and zoom lenses are also beneficial for sports and wildlife photographers as they use longer focal lengths to capture distant images.

15 Best Telephoto Lenses For Your Photography

There are several telephoto lenses on the market, and some of the 15 best ones for your photography and videography purposes include;

1. Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3

Image Credit: amazon.com

Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 is the latest type of telephoto lens, as it is an advanced version of the SP 150-600mm G1. Generally, it offers remarkable performance and faster autofocus velocity.

Specifications

• Maximum aperture: f/5
• Maximum magnification ratio: 1:5
• Angle of view:16°25'-4°8'
• Compatibility: Canon EF
• Maximum Focal Length: 600 millimeters
• Filter size: 95 mm

Pros

• High-quality weatherproofing
• Autofocus is quick.
• Improved construction quality
• Better bokeh rendering

Cons

• A little more costly
• Use of teleconverters restricts autofocus functionality
• Longer focal lengths results in a slower focus speed

2. Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L is USM

Image Credit: amazon.com

The Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L is USM is one of the best telephoto lenses and is compatible with Canon EOS R-series.

Specifications

• Maximum aperture: f/2.8
• Maximum magnification ratio:1:4.3
• Angle of view: 34° to 12°
• Compatibility: Canon RF
• Maximum Focal Length: 24 mm
• Filter size:77 mm

Pros

• Stabilization up to 8 stops
• Autofocus is quiet and smooth.
• The smallest of its kind
• Excellent vision

Cons

• Tripod foot is not Arca compatible
• Unsuitable for use with teleconverters
• Priced higher than the EF version

3. Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM

Image Credit: amazon.com

The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM is ideally suited for anyone looking to take pictures of far-off subjects due to its wide zoom range and quick, nearly silent autofocus.

Specifications

• Maximum aperture: f/4
• Maximum magnification ratio: 1:4
• Angle of view: 34° to 8° 15'
• Compatibility: Canon EF
• Maximum Focal Length: 300mm
• Filter size: 67mm

Pros

• Low flaring
• Suitable for APS-C and Full Frame
• Quick and accurate AF Effective IS

Cons

• Sometimes, bokeh is not very impressive
• There is no weather sealing.

4. Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM

Image Credit: amazon.com

The Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM is Canon's longest telephoto lens and an excellent choice for sports and wildlife photography.

Specifications

• Maximum aperture: f/5.6
• Maximum magnification ratio: 1:7.1
• Angle of view: 3° 5'
• Compatibility: Canon EF
• Maximum Focal Length: 88mm
• Filter size: 52mm

Pros

• Optical stabilization
• Numerous controls
• Weather-sealed
• Very sharp

Cons

• Heavy
• Ignores close-up details

● Best Sony Telephoto Lens

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

Image Credit: amazon.com

The Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens has a moisture-resistant construction that helps to keep moisture out of the lens.

Specifications

• Maximum aperture: f/5
• Maximum magnification ratio: 1:3.1
• Angle of view: 16° 25' to 4° 57'
• Compatibility: Sony E
• Maximum Focal Length: 500mm
• Filter size: 82mm

Pros

• Reasonably priced
• Excellent stabilization
• Beautiful bokeh rendering.
• Full-frame lenses

Cons

• Not compatible with teleconverters
• Does not have the focus hold button

6. Sony FE 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS

Image Credit: amazon.com

The Sony FE 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS has image quality and Autofocus performance that meet the demands of professional users, making it the perfect lens for sports and wildlife.

Specifications

• Maximum aperture: f/5.6
• Maximum magnification ratio: 1:0.35
• Angle of view: 24° to 6° 10'
• Compatibility: Sony-FE
• Maximum Focal Length: 400mm
• Filter size: 77mm

Pros

• Tripod foot is detachable.
• Excellent tracking abilities
• Autofocus is quick and precise

Con

When zoomed in, it expands.

Bokeh can be distracting.

7. Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS | APS-C

Image Credit: amazon.com

The Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS | APS-C is modified to resist harsh weather conditions and has high-quality optical fiber.

Specifications

• Maximum aperture: f/6.3
• Maximum magnification ratio:1:4.3
• Angle of view: 22°-4°40
• Compatibility: Sony E
• Maximum Focal Length: 350mm
• Filter size: 67mm

Pros

• APS-C compatible.
• High level of weatherproofing
• Powerful optical stabilizer
• Built for APS-C.

Con

• A little pricey
• Quite dim an aperture.

8. Tamron 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD

Image Credit: amazon.com

Images from the Tamron 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD are of high quality and have lovely, dreamy blur.

 Specifications

• Maximum aperture: f/6.3
• Maximum magnification ratio: 1:5.1
• Angle of view: 34° 21' to 8° 15'
• Compatibility: Sony E
• Maximum Focal Length: 300mm
• Filter size: 67mm

Pros

• Excellent image quality
• Lightweight and compact
• Weatherproofing
• Cheap

Con

• Utilizes internal stabilization
• Optical Stabilization is lacking

● Best Nikon Telephoto Lens

9. Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S

Image Credit: amazon.com

The Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S establishes an impressive new benchmark for quick telephoto zoom lenses designed for the most cutting-edge mirrorless cameras from Nikon.

Specifications

• Maximum aperture: f/2.8
• Maximum magnification ratio: 1:4.7
• Angle of view: 34° 20' to 12° 20'
• Compatibility: Nikon Z
• Maximum Focal Length: 200mm
• Filter size: 77mm

Pros

• Autofocus is quick and quiet.
• Excellent image quality
• Compatibility with teleconverters

Con

• Expensive
• Tripod collar is fixed

10. Sigma 70-200mmF/2.8 DG OS HSM

Image Credit: amazon.com

The Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM lens is an excellent low-cost alternative to high-end zooms.

Specifications

• Maximum aperture: f/2.8
• Maximum magnification ratio: 1:3.5
• Angle of view: 34.3° to 12.3°
• Compatibility: Nikon F(DX), Nikon (DX),Nikon (FX),Nikon F,Nikon F(DX), Nikon DX, Nikon FX, Nikon F
• Maximum Focal Length: 200mm
• Filter size: 82mm

Pros

• There is no flare
• Sharpness is exceptional
• Reasonable price
• Excellent image stabilization

Con

• There is some vignetting
• Heavy

11. Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm F/4.5-6.3 VR

Image Credit: amazon.com

Specifically created for Nikon's mirrorless DX cameras, the Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm F/4.5-6.3 VR is a small and lightweight  telephoto lens.

Specifications

• Maximum aperture: f/ 4.5
• Maximum magnification ratio: 1:4.3
• Angle of view: 31° 30' to 6° 30'
• Compatibility: Nikon Z
• Maximum Focal Length: 250mm
• Filter size: 62mm

Pros

• Affordable
• Small and light
• Outstanding resolution and quick autofocus

Con

• Low brightness
• There is no dust or splash protection

12. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED

Image Credit: amazon.com

Whatever your area of interest, the superb super telephoto zoom Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR can bring it into sharp focus.

Specifications

• Maximum aperture: f/5.6
• Maximum magnification ratio: 1:4.5
• Angle of view: 12° 20' to 5°
• Compatibility: Nikon F
• Maximum Focal Length: 500mm
• Filter size: 95mm

Pros

• Stabilization of light
• Good autofocus performance
• The tripod collar is detachable

Con

• Heavy
• Unable to work with some older D-SLR cameras

● Best Telephoto Lens for iPhone

13. Apexel 2X Telephoto Lens

Image Credit: amazon.com

The Apexel 2X Telephoto Lens one of the best telephoto lenses for the iPhone, with a maximum magnification ratio of 40x.

Specifications

• Coating: Multi layered
• Maximum magnification: 2x
• Compatibility: iPhone,Pixel,Samsung Galaxy Smartphones
• Maximum Focal Length: 22 months
• Focus Type: Autofocus

Pros

• Excellent for streaming and webcam
• There is no distortion.
• Good quality at a reasonable price
• Durable

Con

• Does not correspond to the case
• Some iPhones, such as the iPhone 12, are incompatible.

14.  Moment Tele Lens–58mm

Image Credit: amazon.com

Without using the digital zoom, you can take shots that are tighter and crisper with the Moment Tele Lens 58mm.

Specifications

• Coating: Anti-Reflective, Multi- layered
• Focal Length: 58mm
• Optical design: All glass, 6 elements, 4 groups
• Compatibility: iPhone, Pixe,  Galaxy OnePlus Phones

Pros

• Simple to remove
• Excellent lens
• Simple to use

Con

• Not suitable for zooming.
• The app does not have all of the features on an Android phone.

15. Movo SPL-Tele 3X Telephoto Lens

Image Credit: amazon.com

The Movo SPL-TELE 3x Telephoto Lens is a good option if you want to increase the optical zoom on your iPhone and you want something that clips onto  iPhone

Specifications

• Maximum magnification: 3x
• Compatibility: iPhone, Android, and Tablets
• Maximum Focal Length: 35 months
• Focal Length: 85mm

Pros

• Simple to set up
• Affordable
• Simple to use

Con

• The clip is difficult to position correctly.
• Extremely blurry.

Conclusion

Telephoto lenses are generally ideal for circumstances when you are distant from your subject. Also, If you want to capture images under a non-distortion field of view, these lenses are also an excellent option. Therefore, you can evaluate various types of photography, such as sports or wildlife, and find the type of lenses you require. 

If you like this article, please share it! Be sure to join our FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Katebackdrops/ to share your ideas! You can also receive free articles, updates as well as discounts information from https://www.katebackdrop.com/ and our FB Group.