Best (Budget) Telephoto Lenses for Canon

It’s no secret that good telephoto lenses for Canon are expensive. But what most websites don’t tell you is that there are cheap options too, ideal if you’re on a budget. But keep in mind that even the cheapest telephoto lenses are still quite expensive, especially for RF cameras.

Note: Canon lenses are divided into RF, EF, EF-S, and EF-M based on the mount type. To help you quickly find the best telephoto lens for Canon, we also divided this guide into four sections—one for each mount type. Jump to the section that makes sense for you:

• RF
• EF
• EF-S
• EF-M

Best Telephoto RF Lenses for Canon

RF lenses are compatible with Canon mirrorless cameras, which are denoted with letter “R”. These cameras require RF mount lenses, which we list in this chapter

Generally speaking, RF lenses are the most expensive at the moment, but Canon mirrorless cameras deliver a performance worthy of the price. There’s the high-resolution Canon EOS R5, the budget-friendly Canon EOS R6, compact Canon EOS RP, and the astro option—Canon EOS R—as well as a few others.

1. 
   Cheapest

   Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM

   Canon

   $599 at Amazon Read more
   $599 at Amazon
2. 
   Budget Pick

   Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM

   Canon

   $699.99 at Amazon Read more
   $699.99 at Amazon
3. 
   Super-telephoto

   Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM

   Canon

   $899 at Amazon Read more
   $899 at Amazon
4. 
   Great Focal Length Range

   Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L USM

   Canon

   $2,899 at Amazon Read more
   $2,899 at Amazon
5. 
   Best Value

   Canon RF 70-200mm F/4L IS USM

   Canon

   $1,749 at Amazon Read more
   $1,749 at Amazon

1. Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM

The Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 USM is a versatile and relatively lightweight telephoto zoom lens designed for Canon RF cameras. It’s a focal length of 100-400mm and is perfect for sports and wildlife photography. The optical image stabilizer (IS) reduces blur when shooting handheld in difficult lighting conditions. However, it’s difficult to achieve nice bokeh with this lens because it’s a small aperture of f/5.6. When you zoom in on the lens, the aperture even drops to f/8.

Also, it’s impossible to achieve fast shutter speeds unless you shoot in bright light or increase the ISO. To make the camera as light as possible, Canon didn’t weatherproof it. However, the front and rear lens elements have a fluorine coating to prevent flare. The lens has two Nano-USM motors for autofocus and image stabilization. So the Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 is ideal for photographers looking for a lightweight, compact and versatile telephoto zoom lens with a long focal length.

2. Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM

The Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM is one of two lenses of this type not available for any other camera system. Its narrow field of view brings distant subjects up close, making it ideal for backyard birding and zoo visits. To make it work, you’ve to turn a locking ring, extend the barrel, and then lock it back in place. Since the lens has no aperture mechanism, the aperture can only be set to f/11. The defocused blur is of good quality, with mostly circular highlights. With a narrow aperture of f11, the optics stay bright, but you need to center your subjects.

3. Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM

The Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM is a high-performance telephoto lens compatible with full-frame cameras. It’s the first stabilized 800mm lens on the market that lets you shoot at slower shutter speeds than non-stabilized lenses. Although it’s lightweight, you’ll need a tripod or monopod to shoot handheld. It’s also compatible with Canon’s inexpensive teleconverters STM RF. Although the lens takes high-quality photos, its optical performance falls short of our expectations. When shooting at wide apertures, the lens isn’t sharp, especially in the corners. Bokeh quality is also disappointing, with visible chromatic aberration errors.

4. Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L USM

The Canon 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 has a wider focal range and aperture than the Canon 100-400mm f/5.6-8, making it much more adaptable, but it’s also more expensive. Despite its small size, this lens has sharp optics and a fluorine coating to protect against dust, splashes, and moisture. It features Hybrid Stabilizer technology, which combines optical and digital image stabilization to improve sharpness.

Despite its fame and reputation, the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM isn’t without its flaws. First, the lens’ tripod base doesn’t fit on the Arca-Swiss dovetail. Second, the lens has a narrow aperture at the end of the focal length range, which limits its usefulness in low-light conditions. The lens’ adjustment ring is also awkwardly placed, which can be a problem when shooting outdoors. Finally, the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM lens is quite expensive.

5. Canon RF 70-200mm F/4L IS USM

The Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM is a small and lightweight telephoto zoom lens with excellent image and construction quality and a wide focal length range. The front element is weather sealed and has a fluorine coating that repels water and dirt. The lens has a fast and nearly silent ultrasonic autofocus ring motor and the zoom ring is well damped. At the wide-angle position, it’s sharp from edge to edge and has great bokeh.

The sensor-based image stabilization of the Canon EOS R, EOS RP, and EOS R Mark II is compatible with optical image stabilization. In short, it offers a lot of performance for a very low price. Center sharpness is as good at 200mm as it’s at 70mm, and with up to 7.5 stops of stabilization, this is excellent performance for both stills and video. Unfortunately, the price is in contrast to its compactness, as it costs up to 50% more than its counterpart EF.

How Our RF Picks Compare

Feature	Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM	Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM	Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM	Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L USM	Canon RF 70-200mm F/4L IS USM
Focal length	100 to 400mm	600mm	800mm	100 to 500mm	70 to 200mm
Maximum Aperture	f/5.6 to 8	f/11	f/11	f/4.5 to 7.1	f/4
Minimum Aperture	f/32 to 45	f/11	f/11	f/32 to 54	f/32
Lens mount	Canon RF	Canon RF	Canon RF	Canon RF	Canon RF
Lens Format Coverage	Full-Frame	Full-Frame	Full-Frame	Full-Frame	Full-Frame
Minimum Focus Distance	2.9′ / 88 cm	14.76′ / 4.5 m	19.69′ / 6 m	2.95′ / 90 cm	2′ / 60 cm
Maximum Magnification	0.41x	0.14x	0.14x	0.33x	0.28x
Optical Design	12 Elements in 9 Groups	10 Elements in 7 Groups	11 Elements in 8 Groups	20 Elements in 14 Groups	16 Elements in 11 Groups
Focus Type	Autofocus	Autofocus	Autofocus	Autofocus	Autofocus
Image Stabilization	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Filter Size	67 mm (Front)	82 mm (Front)	95 mm (Front)	77 mm (Front)	77 mm (Front)
Dimensions (ø x L)	3.1 x 6.5″ / 79.5 x 164.7 mm	3.66 x 10.61″ / 93 x 269.5 mm	4 x 13.85″ / 101.6 x 351.8 mm	3.69 x 8.17″ / 93.8 x 207.6 mm	3.3 x 4.7″ / 83 x 120 mm
Weight	1.4 lb / 635 g	2.05 lb / 930 g	2.77 lb / 1260 g	3 lb / 1365 g	1.5 lb / 695 g

EF to RF Converters

An EF to RF converter allows you to use EF lenses on an RF camera, including autofocus. You can pick between Canon’s and 3rd party converters. The main difference between them is that Canon’s converters usually perform better but are also more expensive, while 3rd party converters can slow down autofocus.

• Canon Mount Adapter EF – EOS R: This mount adapter is the most reliable way to use EF /EF-S lenses with the EOS R camera system. The built-in control ring is convenient for quick access to camera functions. Its external design is compatible with EF lenses and is dust and water resistant. The metal mount on the lens and camera side ensures durability. $199 at Amazon
• Meike Metal Lens Adapter EF – EOS R: With this adapter you can use a EF or EF -S lens on a EOS -R or EOS-RP mirrorless camera. The adapter has electrical contacts that connect to the lens and the camera. So you can use the features of Canon EOS EF EFs lenses and EOS R camera, such as auto exposure, auto focus, auto iris and auto iris adjustment. The adapter is lightweight and user-friendly, and is easy to install and remove. $53.99 at Amazon
• Viltrox EF – R2: This adapter maintains the focusing speed of the original lens and can track and fix objects quickly. It also supports the image stabilization function of the IS lens, which effectively eliminates ghosting and blurring caused by sports photography or hand shake (Note: The lens itself must’ve the image stabilization functionIS). It contains pure copper and gold-plated electrical contacts. The surface is coated and durable, and it weighs only 152g. $99.00 at Amazon
• KRORUX Lens Adapter EF -EOS R: This EOS RF lens adapter is designed for use with gold-plated copper metal electronic contacts for fast autofocus, aperture and exposure control, and EXIF signal transmission. The adapter is made of lightweight and durable aluminum alloy and comes with a tripod mount for easy installation. A carrying case, instruction manual, and front and rear lens caps are also included in the package. $49.99 at Amazon

How much should I pay for a telephoto lens?

How much you should spend on a telephoto lens depends on your photographic needs and budget. Expensive lenses generally deliver better image quality (less flaring and colour fringing, sharper), sturdier builds (metal mounts, hard plastic bodies), and brighter apertures throughout the focal range. But cheap lenses can perform well too…

Under $500

Telephoto lenses for under $500 can be good, especially if you’re not shooting commercial projects. So they’re best for beginners or amateurs who use the telephoto lens as a secondary lens.

Most cheap telephoto lenses are made of inferior materials. First, the bodies are made of soft plastic that feels pretty cheap. Also, the lens switches and focus ring don’t rotate and tilt smoothly. Second, the lens mounts are often plastic instead of metal, which means they’ll wear out over time.

Finally, cheap lenses are made of cheap glass that’s not anti-reflective. As a result, flare and chromatic aberration are a problem when shooting high contrast. Image sharpness is also significantly worse, especially towards the edges when the aperture is wide open.

$500–$1,500

Moderately priced lenses are the best choice for intermediate photographers who desire better image quality and durability. Compared to the budget options, they produce sharper photos, have less flaring, and are made out of better materials.

In most cases, telephoto lenses in this price range suffice for the majority of photographers. The only downside is that they rarely come with a constant bright aperture, such as f/2.8.

$1,500+

Telephoto lenses that cost more than $1.5K are usually considered professional. They are made out of high-quality materials with durable metal mounts. All glass is coated with anti-glare coatings that reduce colour fringing and guarantee razor-sharpness throughout the focal range across the frame.

Expensive telephoto lenses often come with a constant bright aperture that produces beautiful bokeh. For wildlife, sports, and even macro photography, a well-shaped bokeh is a must, especially for professional photographers.

Zoom or prime Telephoto Lenses?

Zoom lenses are generally better for telephoto purposes than prime lenses. The main reason is that they give you more flexibility, which is usually preferred in photography.

The same applies to shorter focal lengths as well, except for portrait or product photography, where you don’t need a wide range of focal lengths.

Best Telephoto EF Lenses

Canon has a range of EF-mount lenses, with the highest-end L series of lenses costing upwards of $2,000. But there are also cheaper EF mount lenses that are more budget-friendly.

Importantly, EF lenses with every EOS camera ever produces, including Canon EF (full-frame), Canon EF-S (APS-C), and Canon EF-M (via adapter) cameras. However, conversely isn’t true; EF-S lenses are not compatible with EF cameras.

If you’re on a tight budget, the Canon EF 75-300mm is the perfect lens for you. While it costs only $250, it delivers incredible performance for this price tag while also covering a useful focal length range.

If you’re willing to invest a bit more, the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM performs almost as well as a pro lens for over $2,000. The only difference is its relatively narrow aperture (f/4 vs f/2.8). However, if a wide aperture is important to you for beautiful bokeh, the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM delivers unparalleled performance.

1. Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III

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

3. Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD

4. Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM

5. Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD

6. Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 SP Di VC USD G2

7. Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM

8. Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM S

9. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM

10. Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

Best Canon EF Cameras

If you’re going to buy a new telephoto lens, you should also think about updating your camera. Wildlife, sports, and other types of photography that use telephoto lenses demand the use of a high-quality camera.

Canon EF cameras are well-known for their excellent quality and long-lasting performance. They are also quite adaptable, making them suitable for usage in a variety of settings. EF cameras are full-frame, which means they have a bigger sensor and can use higher ISO settings.

Best Telephoto EF-S Lenses

The EF-S lenses are designed to be used with Canon Digital SLRs with an APS-C sensor. However, there aren’t many EF-S telephoto lenses. But that shouldn’t be a problem since EF lenses are fully compatible with EF-S camera mounts. Therefore, if you own a Canon APS-C camera (EF-S mount), you may use any lens listed in the previous chapter EF lenses.

However, if you’re determined you want an EF-S telephoto lens, these are your best options.

1. Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM

2. Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD

SPECIFICATIONS

Mount: Canon EF (for APS-C)

Minimum focus distance: 0.45m

Max magnification: 0.34x

Elements/groups: 16/11

Diaphragm Blades: 7

Autofocus: Yes

Stabilizer: Yes

Filter size: 72mm

Dimensions (W x L): 79×123.9mm

Weight: 710g

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

$699.00

See at Amazon

REASONS TO BUY

• Very sharp.
• Bright f/1.8 aperture.
• No distortion.
• Sigma USB Dock compatible.
• Rotating tripod collar.

REASONS TO AVOID

• Short zoom range.
• Heavy.
• No image stabilisation.
• Expensive.

3. Samyang Reflex 300mm f/6.3 UMC CS

4. Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 Art DC HSM

EF-S teleconverters

Like EF lenses, EF teleconverters are compatible with EF-S cameras. They allow you to achieve even more zoom. To calculate the resulting focal length, multiply the lens’ focal length with the converters magnification. For example, a 50–200mm lens with a 2x teleconverter on an APS-C camera (1.6x), results in (160–640mm).

As a reasonably-priced option with excellent performance, I recommend Sigma 2.0x Teleconverter.

EF–EF-S adapters

EF lenses are natively 100% compatible with EF-S mount cameras, meaning you don’t need an adapter.

Best Canon EF-S (APS-C) Cameras

To get the most out of the Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS II, you should use it together with a good APS-C format camera and a polarizing filter.

Quality telephoto lenses are amongst the most expensive types of lenses. So, if you want good image quality, you should spend at least $500 on a telephoto lens. Based on pricing and quality, these are 10 budget telephoto zoom lenses for Canon.

Telephoto EF-M Lenses

Canon EF-M lenses are based on existing Canon EF lenses and are compatible with all Canon EOS M cameras. They have a crop ratio of 1.6x, making them a lighter and smaller alternative to traditional DSLR cameras. Yet, they retain excellent picture quality and performance thanks to intelligent camera architecture.

Canon has released only a few native lenses for the M system. Therefore, it is quite restricted. It’s possible to use adapters with EF and EF-S lenses, but this negates the smaller M system’s size advantage. Canon and third-party manufacturers both make suitable adapters. This approach works well in terms of AF, but it doesn’t benefit from reduced size.

1. Canon EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM

EF to EF-M adapters

If you can’t find the right EF-M lens, choose any EF lens listed in the EF chapter together with an EF to EF-M adapter.

FAQ

Summary

While buying a new lens and spending a lot of money is daunting, I simplified your decision by listing all the best lenses.

A quick rundown of the best telephoto lenses:

• EF mount: Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III
• EF-S mount: Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
• EF-M mount: Canon EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM
• RF mount: Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM

This is more than simply a list of the greatest Canon telephoto lenses. Instead, I’ve considered the most crucial characteristics to consider when selecting a cheap lens for your camera. Anyone wanting to acquire a telephoto lens will find the information in this article quite valuable.