Telephoto Lens reviews from Reddit
Summary
We analyzed 175 Reddit reviews across 17 subreddits and 65 posts to rank the best Telephoto Lens brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/canon, r/Nikon, r/SonyAlpha, r/M43, r/Lumix. Top-rated brands include Canon (4.4/5), Nikon (4.4/5), Tamron (4.2/5).
Stats
Reviews175
Subreddits17
Posts65
Brands35
Products72
175 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
Canon
4.4
(51)
"I think it's one of the most versatile lenses ever made and it can be definitely kept around when upgrading body in the future."
"The EF 70-200 f4 with image stabilization can be had very cheap (under $300) and it’s a fantastic sharp lens."
"If you want a 70-300 I would look for a used EF 70-300 F4-5.6L IS USM. For me that would be the only 70-300 that is really worth every penny."
"Just bought this lens. best decision i’ve made."
"It can be paired with the RF 100-400 for a lightweight, sharp, and effective budget wildlife combo."
"Excellent lens and very lightweight, good for travel or handheld use."
"Go all in for the RF 200-800!"
"There is no lens that’s as good or better as the 55-250 STM—or even that comes close—and costs less."
"I have the EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS mk2, paired with my R10 via an adapter. On a crop sensor the FOV is equivelent to 160-640mm. Highly recommend the lens overall, decently priced 2nd hand too for what it is."
"EF 70-300L should be around 600$ used. It’s really sharp en very compact."
#2
Nikon
4.4
(30)
"I've got the 200-500 and used it on my D7200 and a few full frame mirrorless cameras and it is brilliant, especially for the cash. Very sharp, constant aperture and accurate AF."
"If you can deal with a prime 500pf is the winner"
"100%."
"Is a bit better and lighter also if you just need a long lens."
"Is a great lens."
"I bought the Nikon 200-500mm in the end because it went on sale here for $899 brand new. Otherwise, I may have ended up with the Sigma. They’re both excellent."
"If you can swing it, I would highly recommend a used AF-S 500/5.6 PF. The 200-500 is very good, but the 500PF is better, much better balanced, and half the weight of the 200-500."
"No question. A used 200-500."
"The 200-500 is your best answer. Find a used one. Test it for centering. Go in peace."
"It's very popular for a reason."
#3
Tamron
4.2
(25)
"Tamron 150-600 G2 is cheap used and provides excellent image quality !"
"I got my Tamron 70-200 2.8 for around 600. It's not the G2 but it works amazing."
"Tamron 50-300. No contest. Costs like $800 I believe, maybe less if you can get it on a sale."
"It's an excellent lens. I use mine when I don't want to haul around my 800. And you can't beat Tamron's 6 year warranty."
"It's a compact zoom that is easy to carry around."
"I think the Tamron 70-180VXD G1 or G2 could be a good place to start."
"I was also going to recommend this lens"
"Tamron 70-180"
"There's a consumer tamron SP 70-300 di vc usd only £100 used and gets v. good reviews - really like mine."
"Why not the g2 from tamron 150-600, goes for about 600 eur used. Pretty good bang for the buck."
#4
Sigma
4.3
(19)
"I use a Sigma 150-600 Contemporary on my D7500, I'm super happy with it."
"For the moon, I use a sigma 150-600 sports. It’s really big and heavy. I also use it for sports and wildlife."
"Autofocus : sigma 100-400 / canon ef 400mm f5.6 with viltrox EF-L"
"Here are some good options (if bought used): Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM"
"MPB UK has a "Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary - Canon EF Fit" for £519"
"A very solid choice, probably the cheapest option for a very good reach and good quality glass."
"Sigma 150-600, Nikon 200-500, Nikon 500 Pf"
"A really interesting option for your use case, if you can find it, is the Sigma 50-100 f1.8... its an APS-C lens that would adapt well onto your R5."
"Look into the sigma 50-150! It was made before the 50-100, is cheaper on the used market, and pairs well with the 18-35."
"I have the sigma 50 -100 and use it occasionally on my 6K."
#5
Sony
4.3
(8)
"A much better value option."
"The Sony 200-600 is compact, has great weather sealing, and offers a smooth zoom experience."
"A used Sony 200-600 zoom can be a steal if you do not mind pre-owned lenses."
"The 70-300mm G can be found for around $500. Great lens for the price"
"The 70-350 is one of the better choises for the 6700 (525mm FF equivalent) very lightweight, XD linear motor for great AF designednfor aps-c."
"I have the Sony 70-350 G and it works well with my A6700."
"I rented the Sony 24-100 f/4 for Denali last spring from Lensrentals and it was great."
"The big selling point of the Sony is ergonomics, and it’s not even a minor point here."
#6
Panasonic
4.5
(6)
"What about the panny 14-140? This is the perfect combo with my GX85."
"The 14-140mm lens is versatile and performs well in various conditions, including low light."
"I love my 14-140mm, but if you already have the 12-60, add the 100-300. There's very little those 2 can't do for you."
"It's a great lens for the price."
"The 100-300mm lens is excellent for wildlife photography, but not ideal for indoor use."
"I'd go with the 100-300mm."
#7
Nikon 200-500mm
4.3
(3)
"Just got mine on Dec 29. You will be so happy with it."
"My suggestion is to get a second-hand long tele with zoom, either the Nikon 200-500 or one of the third party 150-600s."
"Only reason to consider the 200-500: the zoom makes it easier to find a bird."
#8
Olympus
4.3
(3)
"Fixed lens but super sharp."
"Both the 40-150R and the PL 100-400 would fit your description."
"Is far better than it should be."
#9
Sony 100-400mm GM
3.3
(3)
"I should mention that the Sony 100-400 GM is about the size and weight of the Tamron."
"I’ve used that for similar ends to yours. Any way you slice it, the big telephotos are a lot to haul around on long hikes."
"I'm looking at getting the sony 100-400mm gm for this purpose but am interested to know what other people think as my mind isn't made up yet."
#10
Canon 100-400mm
4.5
(2)
"Of the options you’re considering, I’d definitely pick the 100-400mm."
"My 100-400mm is killer for portraiture and so I’m sure the 100-500mm would be too."
#11
Generic 24-200mm and 105mm Macro
5.0
(1)
"The less lenses to fiddle with the more you will enjoy your trip."
#12
Leica 100-400mm
5.0
(1)
"Definitely the way to go."
#13
Nikon Ai 105mm f/4 Macro
5.0
(1)
"Excellent lens, both for general use and macro."
#14
Tokina 100mm f/2.8 Macro
5.0
(1)
"Sharp as shit and cheap"
#15
Canon 70-200mm
5.0
(1)
"3 lenses I use every race, 70-200, yes you can get close enough to use this at Road America."
#16
Generic 70-300mm Lens
4.0
(1)
"Usually a great beginners option."
#17
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 AFS
4.0
(1)
"Bought a 300mm f4 pf instead for travel on my ZF."
#18
Generic 28-400mm
4.0
(1)
"Much better suited to wildlife without being anywhere near the bulk of the 180-600."
#19
Nikon 300mm
4.0
(1)
"I have this lens and use it."
#20
Nikon 28-400mm
4.0
(1)
"Maybe that fits."
#21
Canon 135mm F/2
4.0
(1)
"A great alternative is the 135 F/2. Incredible sharpness and low light performance."
#22
Tamron 70-180mm
4.0
(1)
"I just got back from the Big Island! I brought a 35mm and a 70-180mm."
#23
Sony 200-600
4.0
(1)
"I use a 200-600."
#24
Tamron 100-300 II
4.0
(1)
"100-300ii for the weight."
#25
Tamron 28-400
4.0
(1)
"If you need a zoom and weight is your top priority since you’re hiking, the 28-400 is probably your best bet."
#26
Tamron 50-400
4.0
(1)
"Maybe the 50-400 tamron would be the best solution as an all in one."
#27
RF 180-600mm
4.0
(1)
"If you like owls the 180-600 is a good choice."
#28
Tamron 100-400mm
4.0
(1)
"I went with Tamron 100-400, though with your budget even Canon's EF 100-400L should be obtainable."
#29
RF 100-400mm
4.0
(1)
"RF 100-400."
#30
Generic 800mm Mirror Lens
3.0
(1)
"Not the sharpest lens but small. Good fun."
#31
Generic 40-150mm f/4-5.6
3.0
(1)
"Would prefer larger, for the animals that are a bit farther away."
#32
Nikon 200-500
3.0
(1)
"Just FYI the 200-500 or the 150-600 are big and heavy lenses."
#33
Tamron 150-500
3.0
(1)
"I have this lens and it is a beast even for all its 'compactness'."
#34
Canon 100-500mm
3.0
(1)
"The 100-500 is a very long lens when extended would absolutely make any bystander think you are trying to study them with a telescope."
#35
Nikkor
3.0
(1)
"500mm F8 Reflex-Nikkor or 1000mm F11 Reflex-Nikkor will have not break the bank."
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