Last updated on December 7th, 2023
Capturing beautiful wildlife photos can be challenging, especially if you need the right equipment.
Even if you have a great camera, you need the right lens for wildlife photography to get the best shots.
Our list of the nine best canon lenses for wildlife photography will help you take your photography to the next level. With our help, you’ll be able to capture stunning photos of animals in their natural habitats.
Overall Best Canon Lens for Wildlife
Canon EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS II
One thing that makes the Canon EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L an excellent lens for wildlife photography is its focal length range. This range allows you to capture close-up and wide shots of your subject, making it a perfect lens for capturing the beauty and majesty of animals in their natural habitats.
One of the most important things to look for in a lens for wildlife photography is optical image stabilization (OIS). This is especially important when shooting at long focal lengths, as any shake or movement will be magnified and result in blurred images. The Canon EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L features OIS up to 3 stops, meaning you can get beautiful, sharp images even in low light or when zoomed in all the way.
Another important consideration for wildlife photography is auto-focus speed and accuracy. Nobody wants to miss a shot because their lens can’t keep up! The Canon EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L uses Canon’s ultrafast and accurate Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, so you can be confident you’ll nail the shot every time.
When spending hours out in the field tracking down that perfect shot, weight and size are also important considerations. Nobody wants to lug around a heavy piece of equipment that’s going to slow them down! At just under 3 pounds, the Canon EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L is one of the lightest lenses in its class – perfect for those long days out chasing that perfect photo.
What We Like/Dislike About the Canon EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS II
Like:
- Incredibly sharp
- Optically stabilized
- Quick focus
- 1:3 magnification
- Compact
Dislike:
- Expensive
What Consumers Are Saying
“This lens does produce. The AF is lightning fast and spot-on. The color and contrast are beautiful right out of the camera.”
“I have yet to have a lot of time to use this lens, but the photos I have taken a wonderful! I took a photo of a Golden eagle and was amazed at the clear, sharp detail.”
“I can’t praise this lens enough. Very sharp, fast focusing, accurate focusing, reliable focusing, stays locked on moving subjects, and not overly heavy. Wish I would have bought it sooner.”
Best Budget Canon Lens for Wildlife
Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM
There are three main things to consider when buying a lens for wildlife photography: focal length, aperture, and image stabilization. Let’s start with focal length. When shooting wildlife, you’ll want to be able to zoom in from a distance so that you don’t disturb the animal or its habitat. The Sigma 150-600mm has a maximum focal length of 600mm, which should be more than enough for even far-away subjects.
Next up is the aperture. Aperture refers to how much light the lens lets in and is measured in f-stops. A lower f-stop number means more light can enter the lens, essential when shooting in low-light conditions like forests or at night. The Sigma 150-600mm has a maximum aperture of f/6.3, which isn’t the lowest on the market but is still suitable for most situations.
Finally, we have image stabilization. This is an essential feature in any lens, but it’s instrumental when shooting handheld in low light or at magnifications like 500mm+. Image stabilization reduces camera shake and results in sharper images. The Sigma 150-600mm has Canon’s latest STM (Stepping Motor Technology) image stabilization system, which should help you get sharp, blur-free images even at high magnifications.
What We Like/Dislike About the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM
Like:
- Very sharp
- Includes tripod collar and lens hood
- Focuses quickly
- The effective image stabilization system
- Zoom locking mechanism
- Affordable
Dislike:
- Some chromatic aberration
- Moderate pincushion distortion
- Relatively narrow aperture
- Heavy
- Not thoroughly dust- and splash-proof
What Consumers Are Saying
“This is a fantastic lens for the money. When stopped down to f8 it is extremely sharp.”
“The lens itself is built solid, but it is hefty and bit unwieldy. For my wildlife photography, I’m delighted with the results.”
“This lens has unparalleled reach for the money. The color rendition is great, and the clarity of images is excellent.”
Runner Up Best Canon Lens for Wildlife
Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM
The Sigma 60-600mm zoom range is ideal for wildlife photography. With a focal length range of 60-600mm, the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM provides ample zoom power for even the most challenging wildlife photography scenarios. Whether you’re trying to capture a close-up of a probosci’s monkey in Indonesia or a wide shot of elephants in Africa, this lens has you covered.
The fast maximum aperture of f/4.5 allows for beautiful bokeh effects. One thing that makes wildlife photography so special is the ability to create stunning bokeh effects with your images. The fast maximum aperture of f/4.5 on the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6A DG OS HSM ensures that you can produce beautiful bokeh even at 600mm.
The Optical Stabilizer (OS) system minimizes camera shake and provides clear images at all zoom levels. One of the challenges of wildlife photography is getting clear, sharp images at high zoom levels without using a tripod or some other support system. With its Optical Stabilizer (OS) system, the Sigma 60-600mm virtually eliminates camera shake, allowing you to handhold your camera for clear, sharp images even at 600mm.
The Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) provides fast and precise autofocusing. To get great wildlife photos, you need a lens that can focus quickly and accurately on your subject matter – and that’s precisely what the Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) on the Sigma 60-600mm provides whether you’re trying to capture a split second shot of a bird in flight or an elusive animal in its natural habitat, this lens won’t let you down.
What We Like/Dislike About the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM
Like:
- 10x zoom power
- Superb fit and finish
- Weather sealing and fluorine coating
- Strong optical stabilization
Dislike:
- Heavy
- Bigger zooms sacrifice image quality in comparison to shorter designs
What Consumers Are Saying
“This is an incredible lens. It is my new favorite super telephoto.”
“It’s a great lens, and I do recommend it for birds and wildlife. I love shooting variable zoom, and this is almost perfect.”
“The Sigma 60-600mm is a great lens for wildlife photography. It’s very sharp and focuses quickly.”
Honorable Mentions
Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x
The Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x is a telephoto zoom lens with a built-in 1.4x extender. This gives the lens a maximum focal length of 560mm, which is more than enough to get close-up shots of even the most distant subjects. The lens also has a fast autofocus system that can keep up with even the fastest-moving animals.
Another thing that makes this lens a good choice for wildlife photography is its wide maximum aperture of f/4. This allows you to shoot in lower light conditions and still get high-quality photos. It also gives you more control over the depth of field, allowing you to isolate your subject from the background by using a shallow depth of field.
One drawback of this lens is its price tag. It’s one of the most expensive lenses on the market. Another drawback is its size and weight; at almost 4 pounds, it’s not a lens you want to carry around with you all day long. However, if you’re serious about wildlife photography and have the budget, this is a lens worth considering.
What We Like/Dislike About the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x
Like:
- Very sharp
- Superb build quality
- Wide aperture for a telezoom
- Integrated teleconverter
- It uses small drop-in filters
- Focus limiter function
- Rotating tripod collar
- Includes hard case and carrying straps
Dislike:
- Super expensive
- Heavy
What Consumers Are Saying
“From the workmanship of the lens to the case and accessories, the quality is Canon’s finest.”
“This lens is probably the Porsche of Canon Lenses…in build, the handling, the glass quality as well as the way it integrates with the 1.4x extended.”
“The photos taken with the 200-400 are just as good as the prime lens photos, but you can frame the photo with the telephoto adjustment and a lens that weighs much less.”
Canon EF 600mm F4L IS III
The Canon EF 600mm F4L IS III is a prime telephoto lens with a maximum aperture of f/4. This allows you to let in more light, which is excellent for low-light situations or when you need to freeze action.
The lens also has a fast autofocus system. This is important when you’re trying to photograph moving subjects. The Canon EF 600mm F4L IS III is also weather-sealed, which means it can withstand harsh conditions like dust, moisture, and temperature changes.
Another great feature of this lens is its image stabilization system. This will help you get sharper images, even when shooting handheld. And last but not least, the Canon EF 600mm F4L IS III is compatible with Canon’s 1.4x and 2x extenders. This gives you even more flexibility when shooting wildlife.
What We Like/Dislike About the Canon EF 600mm F4L IS III
Like:
- Superb Image Quality
- Super Spectra Coating (SSC) and Air Sphere Coating (ASC) Minimize Ghosting and Flare
- Heat Shielding
- Customizable Electronic Focusing Ring
- Optical Image Stabilization at up to 5 Stops
- Fast Autofocus
Dislike:
- Super Expensive
- Fixed focal length
What Consumers Are Saying
“The focus is speedy, and the pictures on my 5D-IV are very sharp, as you would expect for one of Canon’s super lenses.”
“Outrageously expensive, but you get what you pay for. Breathtaking images, fast and accurate autofocus, unbelievably lightweight for its size.”
“This lens is worth every penny. Easily handheld, it is fantastic for birds in flight. It takes practice and learning like any long lens, but I accomplished this briefly.”
Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM
One thing that makes the Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM lens so good for wildlife photography is its construction. This lens has 21 elements in 15 groups and includes one fluorite element and 5 UD glass elements. Including these particular elements helps correct chromatic aberrations and provides excellent image quality across the entire frame. The minimum focus distance on this lens is 2.8 meters, giving you some leeway when getting close to your subject matter.
Another consideration when choosing a wildlife photography lens is weight and size. The Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM lens weighs in at 2930 grams, putting it on the heavier side as far as lenses go. However, it’s still manageable if you have a tripod or monopod to help support it. When it comes to size, this lens is 14 inches long and has a diameter of 4.5 inches. So again, there are more compact options, but it’s still feasible to pack along with you on hikes or other outdoor excursions.
Image stabilization is one of the most critical features of any wildlife photography lens. This is especially true if you’re planning on handholding your camera and using a higher shutter speed. The Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM lens has four stops of image stabilization which means you can handhold your camera at 1/500th of a second without worrying about camera shake blurring your images. This is an excellent feature if you’re shooting in low light or trying to capture fast-moving subjects like flying birds.
What We Like/Dislike About the Canon EF 500mm f/4.0L IS II USM
Like:
- Smooth, pleasant bokeh
- Deceptively light
- Focus very fast and effortlessly
- Gorgeous colors
- Ridiculously sharp wide, open
Dislike:
- Expensive
- Vignetting is present in full-frame corners at f/4
What Consumers Are Saying
“What more can be said about the stellar performance of this lens.”
“This fantastic lens produces incredible images with great detail and wonderful colors.”
“My favorite lens in the line-up. Sharper images than I get from either my EF 100-400 or 70-200 f2.8.”
Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2
The Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 has a minimum focal length of 150mm and a maximum focal length of 600mm, giving you plenty of zoom power to get up close and personal with even the most elusive animals. Suppose you pair this lens with a cropped sensor camera body. In that case, you’ll get an even longer effective focal length, making it possible to get closer to your subject without moving closer physically.
In addition to focal length, the light-gathering ability is another vital thing to look for in a good wildlife photography lens. This is particularly important if you plan to photograph low-light situations, such as dawn or dusk. The Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 has an f/5 aperture at its widest setting, which is not the widest aperture on the market but is still wider than average and will allow you to gather more light than some other lenses in its class.
Finally, another important consideration for any wildlife photographer is size and weight. After all, when you’re chasing around animals all day long, the last thing you want is to be weighed down by heavy gear. The Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 weighs in at just under 4 pounds, which makes it one of the lighter lenses in its class. Additionally, it’s just over 10 inches long, making it compact enough to easily carry into the field without weighing you down.
What We Like/Dislike About the Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2
Like:
- Excellent stabilization system
- Quick autofocus
- Lockable zoom mechanism
- Rotating tripod collar
- Integrated Arca-Swiss foot
- Weather-sealed design
Dislike:
- Weak edge performance at wide and telephoto extremes
What Consumers Are Saying
“Love it. Unbelievably quiet autofocus and very fast. It took me almost a year to save, but it is worth it.”
“Just recently purchased this lens and love it. It’s a great lens for bird photography.”
“This a great lens. Super versatile. Nothing in its class compares.”
Canon 70-200 F2.8L III
The focal length range is the first thing to note about the Canon 70-200 F2.8L III. With a minimum focal length of 70mm and a maximum of 200mm, this lens gives you many options when framing your shots. That versatility is essential when photographing wild animals, as you never know how close or far away they will be from you.
Another key selling point of the Canon 70-200 F2.8L III is its large aperture. With a maximum aperture of f/2.8, this lens lets in a lot of light, which is essential for getting clear, sharp images—especially when you’re shooting in low-light conditions like forests or jungles.
Finally, the Canon 70-200 F2.8L III features Image Stabilization Technology, which minimizes camera shake and allows you to handhold the camera at lower shutter speeds than you otherwise would be able to. That’s hugely beneficial when trying to capture fast-moving subjects like birds or other small animals.
What We Like/Dislike About the Canon 70-200 F2.8L III
Like:
- Intense sharpness from edge to edge
- Superb build quality
- Dust and moisture protection
- Fluorine lens coating
- Image stabilization
Dislike:
- Some distortion
- Modest vignette
What Consumers Are Saying
“I used to own the previous version of this lens, the mark ii but decided to upgrade to this one. I heard about a minor update to the glass coating and was curious to try it out since I shoot with many backlights, and his lens impressed me. ”
“I purchased this lens two years ago…I love it! The Canon 70-200 IS III makes me look like a pro.”
“I have been shooting with this lens for about a month now and found it extremely versatile! Excellent portrait capability, low aberration, crisp focus.”
Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM
The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 has a focal length of 100-400mm, which is ideal for wildlife photography. It allows you to zoom in on your subject from a distance while maintaining a wide field of view. This is especially useful when trying to capture animals in their natural habitat without disturbing them.
Another important consideration for wildlife photography is the aperture. The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 has an aperture range of f/5-f/6.3, fast enough to capture sharp images with shallow depth of field. This is important because it allows you to isolate your subject from the background and create beautiful bokeh effects.
Finally, the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 features excellent autofocus capabilities. This is crucial for wildlife photography because you often have to track moving subjects and keep them in focus. With the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3, you’ll be able to keep your subject sharp and focused even when they’re on the move.
What We Like/Dislike About the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM
Like:
- High-quality build
- Stabilized optics
- Quick, quiet autofocus
- Useful on-lens controls
Dislike:
- Not fully protected from dust and splashes
- No optional tripod mount ring
- Sharpness could be better
What Consumers Are Saying
“It’s about a third slower than its costly and heavy counterparts yet performs extremely well.”
“If you shoot and have plenty of light, you will get beautiful, colorful images. The stabilization makes things even better.”
“I ordered the Sigma 100-400 in June to use with my new Canon R7 before we went on a photography safari in South Africa. I’m new to wildlife photography, but this setup worked like a charm. I was able to get some great photos!”
Conclusion
If you are serious about getting into wildlife photography, these nine lenses will give you the best results. Of course, every photographer has different needs, so be sure to try out a few before making your final decision. And always remember that practice makes perfect! With the right lens, you’ll be able to capture stunning shots of animals in their natural habitat.
FAQ
What is the focal length best for wildlife?
The best focal length for wildlife photography is generally between 100-400mm. This allows you to zoom in on your subject without disturbing them while maintaining a wide field of view.
Do wildlife photographers use autofocus?
Yes, most wildlife photographers use autofocus to keep their subjects focused when they are on the move. Many of the lenses we have listed feature quick and accurate autofocus performance that will help you capture sharp photos.
Is there a best lens for wildlife?
There is no single “best” lens for wildlife photography, as the needs of each photographer will vary depending on the type of subjects they are shooting and their budget. Try out a few lenses in person before making your final decision.
