{"id":168217,"date":"2022-08-10T17:20:46","date_gmt":"2022-08-10T16:20:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/?p=168217"},"modified":"2022-08-10T17:23:32","modified_gmt":"2022-08-10T16:23:32","slug":"best-lenses-for-wildlife-photography","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/buying-advice\/best-lenses-for-wildlife-photography\/","title":{"rendered":"Best lenses for wildlife photography in 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you wondering where to start when tracking down the best lenses for wildlife photography? When it comes to capturing wildlife with your camera, there’s no substitute for getting in close with a long lens<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Chances are most enthusiast photographers already have a telephoto zoom in their bag of the 70-300mm f\/4-5.6<\/a> type (or equivalent). These are a great starting point for wildlife but, if you want to get serious about the subject, they can be limiting.<\/p>\n

How to choose the best lenses for wildlife photography<\/h3>\n

Longer telephoto zooms are the obvious step up, as they let you home in on the action without physically having to be too close to a timid or dangerous animal. Some long prime lenses are well worth considering, too. These make up for not zooming by offering other advantages, such as larger apertures, higher-quality optics, or lighter weight.<\/p>\n

Naturally, there\u2019s always a practical compromise to be made when choosing a lens. Is it a comfortable size and weight for you to carry and use? There\u2019s no point in buying a massive lens that you just end up leaving at home. Is it dust and weather-sealed? This could be important given that wildlife photography is usually an outdoor pursuit. What\u2019s the minimum focus distance? This matters if you want to shoot small animals close-up. Also, does it accept teleconverters? These are now much more practical on mirrorless cameras than with DSLRs, as autofocus continues to work and the viewfinder remains bright and clear at small apertures.<\/p>\n

Thankfully, there are some great long telephoto lenses on the market that won\u2019t break the bank (or your back). Here\u2019s our pick of the best lenses for wildlife photography.<\/p>\n

What are the best lenses for wildlife photography? – DSLR users<\/h2>\n

Canon EF 100-400mm f\/4.5-5.6L IS II USM<\/a><\/h3>\n

Price | \u00a32,589 \/ $2399<\/h3>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Best\t\t\t

Canon EF 100-400mm f\/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

At a glance: <\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • 77mm filter thread<\/li>\n
  • 98cm minimum focus<\/li>\n
  • 193mm length x 94mm diameter<\/li>\n
  • Weighs 1640g<\/li>\n
  • Canon EF mount<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    All the camera makers produce high-end 400mm zooms, typically offering a decent range in a relatively portable package with fast, quiet autofocus and optical image stabilisation. For many photographers, these are the logical next step beyond 70-300mm type lenses for shooting wildlife. Canon\u2019s current EF-mount optic is a particularly fine example. It\u2019s a significant improvement on the firm\u2019s original version, being impressively sharp at all focal lengths<\/strong>. While it\u2019s designed for full-frame DSLRs, it also offers a very useful 160-640mm equivalent range on APS-C models. It\u2019s pricey, though, so photographers on a budget may wish to look at alternatives from Tamron<\/a> and Sigma<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    Read our Field Test review of the Canon EF 100-400mm f\/4.5-5.6L IS II USM.<\/a><\/p>\n