Best short range telephoto lenses

Discover the magic of the Best short-range telephoto lenses. These special lenses are like your camera’s superhero! They help you take awesome pictures up close without being right on top of your subject. They’re perfect for portraits, nature, and more.

These lenses make your subjects stand out beautifully, and they create lovely background blurriness. So, whether you’re a photo pro or just love taking pictures, these lenses are your new best friend for amazing photos!

Get ready to learn about the Best short range telephoto lenses and how they make your pictures look fantastic.

Quick list of best short range telephoto lenses

I am sharing a quick list of the best short-range telephoto lenses.

1. Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary
2. Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM
3. Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM
4. Nikon AF-P 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR
5. Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM | S
6. Fujinon XC50-230mm f/4.5-6.7 OIS II
7. Fujifilm XF50-140mm f/2.8 WR OIS
8. Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS
9. Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD Lens

 

Detailed analysis of best short range telephoto lenses

Let’s now have a detailed analysis of the best short-range telephoto lenses.

1. Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary

• This lens can be used for bird photography, wildlife photography, and nature photography, too.
• This lens’s f/5 aperture at 100mm offers good light intake and attractive background blurring. Its maximum aperture at 400mm is f/6.3, which is good for telephoto pictures.
• The lens features a filter thread size of 67 mm.
• Quality materials ensure durability and portability. For long-term performance in various shooting conditions, the lens barrel must be sturdy.
• Unfortunately, the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary lens is not weatherproof.

 

Brand	Sigma.
Type	Telephoto lens.
Lens format coverage	Full-frame lens that is also APS-C compatible
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF, Nikon FX, Sigma.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	21 elements in 15 groups.
Minimum focus distance	1.6 m.
Weight	1160 g.
Adjustment	Autofocus and manual focus.

Reasons to buy: 

• Small and light for a super-tele lens.
• Excellent handling and performance.

Reasons to avoid: 

• There is no tripod mount ring available.
• Weather-sealing capabilities are limited.

 

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

• Its maximum aperture at 70mm is f/4, and 300mm is f/5.6. You can control the depth of field with a minimum aperture of f/22 to f/32.
• The lens is equipped with a 67mm filter thread size.
• The lens is well-made and feels solid in the hand.
• Unfortunately, the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM is not weather-sealed.

 

Brand	Canon.
Type	Telephoto lens.
Lens format coverage	APS-C DSLRs.
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF-S.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	17 elements in 12 groups.
Minimum focus distance	1.2 m.
Weight	710 g.
Adjustment	Ultrasonic (nano).

Reasons to buy: 

• ‘Nano USM’ autofocus is quick.
• The display of information.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Significantly large and heavy
• A lens hood is an expensive add-on.

 

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

• This lens features a variable maximum aperture that ranges from f/5.6 at 100mm to f/8 at 400mm.
• The lens has a filter thread size of 67 mm.
• Canon’s RF 100-400mm is known for its high-quality optics and robust build.
• The lens is not weather-sealed.

 

Brand	Canon.
Type	Telephoto lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame.
Compatible Mounting	Canon RF.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	12 elements in 9 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.88 m.
Weight	635 g.
Adjustment	Ultrasonic (ring type).

Reasons to buy: 

• Priced reasonably.
• Lightweight and portable.
• Image stabilizer with 5.5 stops of optical power.

Reasons to avoid: 

• The aperture rating of f/5.6-8 is quite slow.
• A lens hood is an expensive add-on.
• There are no weather seals.

 

4. Nikon AF-P 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR

• This lens has a maximum aperture of f/4.5 at the 70mm focal length and f/5.6 at the full 300mm focal length.
• The lens has a filter thread size of 67mm.
• It features Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements to reduce chromatic aberrations and enhance image quality.
• Nikon’s official specifications do not label this lens as “weather-sealed.”

 

Brand	Nikon.
Type	Fixed zoom lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame Nikon FX cameras.
Compatible Mounting	Nikon F (DX).
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	18 elements in 14 groups.
Minimum focus distance	1.2 m.
Weight	680 g.
Adjustment	Stepping motor.

Reasons to buy: 

• 4.5-stop stabilization is impressive.
• Autofocus that is quick and silent.
• Option for Z-mount cameras on a budget (with an FTZ adaptor).

Reasons to avoid: 

• There is no focus distance scale.
• Some older DSLRs are incompatible with this model.

 

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

• This lens boasts a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout its zoom range.
• The lens has a filter thread size of 82 mm.
• The Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports lens is designed with high-quality materials and precision optics.
• This lens is designed with weather-sealing, offering protection against dust and moisture.

 

Brand	Sigma.
Type	Telephoto lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame.
Compatible Mounting	Nikon F and Canon EF.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	11 blades.
Lens construction	24 elements in 22 groups.
Minimum focus distance	1.2 m.
Weight	1805 g.
Adjustment	Ultrasonic (ring type).

Reasons to buy: 

• Excellent performance.
• Options for customization.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Large and Heavy.
• The tripod mount ring is not removable.

 

6. Fujinon XC50-230mm f/4.5-6.7 OIS II

• This lens has a variable maximum aperture that ranges from f/4.5 at the 50mm focal length to f/6.7 at the full 230mm focal length.
• The lens has a filter thread size of 58 mm.
• It’s constructed with quality materials and optics, though it may not be as robust as higher-end lenses.
• This lens is not typically labeled as weather-sealed.

 

Brand	Fujifilm.
Type	Telephoto lens.
Lens format coverage	APS-C Fujifilm Xmount.
Compatible Mounting
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	13 elements in 10 groups.
Minimum focus distance	1.1 m.
Weight	375 g.
Adjustment	Stepping motor.

Reasons to buy: 

• Portable and lightweight
• For this price range, it is affordable.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Plastic construction.
• Sharpness is not exceptional.

 

7. Fujifilm XF50-140mm f/2.8 WR OIS

• This lens features a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout its zoom range.
• Resistance to dust/water and low temperatures.
• The lens has a filter thread size of 72 mm.
• The Fujifilm XF50-140mm f/2.8 WR OIS is constructed with high-quality materials and precision optics.
• Yes, this lens is weather-sealed, as indicated by the “WR” in its name.

 

Brand	Fujifilm.
Type	Telephoto lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame.
Compatible Mounting	Fujifilm X.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	23 elements in 16 groups.
Minimum focus distance	1.0 m.
Weight	995 g.
Adjustment	Stepping motor.

Reasons to buy: 

• Optics that are high-tech and high-performance.
• Quick autofocus and a 5-stop stabilizer.

Reasons to avoid: 

• A little on the heavy side.
• Purchasing is somewhat costly.

 

8. Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS

• This lens has a variable maximum aperture that ranges from f/4.5 at 70mm to f/6.3 at the maximum focal length of 350mm.
• The lens has a filter thread size of 67 mm.
• The Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS is designed to be lightweight and compact, making it a portable option for photographers.
• The lens is not explicitly labeled as weather-sealed.

 

Brand	Sony.
Type	Telephoto lens.
Lens format coverage	For both full-frame and APS-C sensor cameras.
Compatible Mounting	Sony E.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	19 elements in 13 groups.
Minimum focus distance	1.1 – 1.5 m.
Weight	625 g.
Adjustment	(Stepping motor), The Xd linear motor provides quick, accurate, silent AF and tracking.

Reasons to buy: 

• 5x enlarged zoom range.
• Excellent build quality.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Stabilization could be improved.
• Given the variable aperture, it is pricey.

 

9. Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD Lens

• This lens has a variable maximum aperture that starts at f/4.5 at 70mm and closes to f/6.3 at the full 300mm focal length.
• The lens has a filter thread size of 67 mm.
• The Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for mirrorless camera users.
• This lens is designed to be weather-sealed.

 

Brand	Tamron.
Type	Telephoto lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame.
Compatible Mounting	Sony E.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	15 elements in 10 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.8 m.
Weight	545 g.
Adjustment	Autofocus.

Reasons to buy: 

• Lightweight and portable.
• Inexpensive.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Problems with edge sharpness.
• The basic feature set.

 

What to look for in the best short range telephoto lenses

 

1- Focal Length

When searching for the best short-range telephoto lenses, it’s crucial to consider the focal length. These lenses excel in capturing subjects up close with clarity. The optimal focal length depends on your photography style.

For portraits and general versatility, a range of around 70-135mm is ideal. If you’re into wildlife or sports, lenses in the 200-300mm range provide the reach you need. The key is to balance your creative vision with the lens’s focal length, ensuring it matches your photographic goals for stunning and captivating results.

2- Aperture

When selecting the best short-range telephoto lenses, aperture is a critical factor to consider. The aperture setting, often expressed as an f-number, determines the lens’s light-gathering ability and depth of field control.

For best results in various shooting conditions, opt for lenses with wider maximum apertures like f/2.8 or f/4. These allow more light in, making them suitable for low-light situations and achieving that coveted background blur.

However, if budget and portability are priorities, lenses with variable apertures like f/4.5-5.6 offer flexibility. Choose an aperture that aligns with your photography needs for impressive results.

3- Image Stabilization

When seeking the best short-range telephoto lenses, image stabilization is a key feature to consider. Image stabilization (IS) helps minimize the impact of camera shake, ensuring sharper photos, especially at longer focal lengths.

Look for lenses with built-in IS or OSS (Optical SteadyShot) for more stable handheld shots. This feature is especially valuable for telephoto lenses, making it easier to capture crisp images without the need for a tripod.

IS is crucial for versatility in various shooting conditions, ensuring your best short range telephoto lens performs at its best.

4- Compatibility

When searching for the best short-range telephoto lenses, compatibility is paramount. Ensure the lens is compatible with your camera’s lens mount, whether it’s Canon, Nikon, Sony, or another brand.

Additionally, check if the lens is designed for full-frame or APS-C sensors to match your camera’s sensor size. It’s vital to confirm that the lens suits your specific camera model and sensor type, allowing you to maximize its performance and achieve the best results in your photography without any compatibility issues.

 

Best short range telephoto lenses FAQs

What is a short telephoto lens used for?

These are perfect for portraits and candid photographs (such as at weddings), where you want to get close to the subject but not intrude too much. They are small and light and can be handled in one hand for quick photography.

What focal lengths would a short telephoto be?

Short telephoto lenses (85-135 mm in 35 mm film format), medium telephoto lenses (135-300 mm in 35 mm film format), and super telephoto lenses (above 300 mm in 35 mm film format) are some of the sub-types of telephoto lenses.

Is short or long focal length better?

Short focal length lenses are often known as wide-angle or wide-field lenses, which define their most important feature: they observe a broader angle of a scene than normal. When you stare at a scene with your eyes fixed in one location, a lens with a regular focal length records what you see.

What is a short range lens?

The practical significance of focal length is that long focal lengths provide a narrower field of view and higher magnification with any particular eyepiece, whereas short focal lengths produce a larger field of view and lower magnification.

Conclusion 

In photography, choosing the right short-range telephoto lens can make a huge difference. These lenses are like magic tools, helping us capture stunning close-up shots and beautiful portraits. If you’re new to photography, my beginner’s guide for buying camera lenses can be your best friend.

To find the perfect lens, think about what you want to shoot. Do you like getting close to your subjects, or do you prefer a bit more distance? Consider how much light you’ll need, and make sure the lens fits your camera. It’s not just about lenses; it’s about telling your story through photos.

So, let your journey begin, and remember that capturing moments is like painting with light!