Best fast aperture telephoto lenses

This is a brilliant all-purpose lens that offers sharp corners, excellent balance and optical stabilisation. We did find the tripod mount got in the way a little, but thatu2019s something you could get used to. Want to know more? Read our concise review of the [Fujifilm XF 50-140mm F/2.8 R LM OIS WR zoom lens. ](https://whatsthebest.co.uk/tech/photography/fujifilm-xf-50-140mm-f28-r-lm-ois-wr-reviewr-review)

This fab lens fits both Canon and Nikon. Itu2019s impressively sharp and has optical stabilisation. It is a fraction less sharp than the Canon and Nikon equivalents but it is also much cheaper. Want to know more? Read our concise review of the Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 DI VC USD G2 lense.

For Micro Four Thirds users craving longer focal lengths, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F/2.8 PRO is as good as it gets. Itu2019s very compact, features a 1.4x teleconverter and has a 50cm minimum focusing distance. Want to know more? Read our concise review of the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F/2.8.

The lens provides very sharp, manual focus optics. Itu2019s lightweight but feels well-made and durable. It did create very slight vignetting but itu2019s a great lens for the price. Want to know more? Read our concise review of the Samyang 135mm F/2 ED UMC telephoto lens.

This lens was launched alongside the G9 camera, it includes a teleconverter, itu2019s brilliantly sharp and offers optical stabilisation. The image quality is excellent but with the longer focal lengths the hand-held shake is amplified.

Verdict: This lens offers brilliant sharpness with optical stabilisation and a long zoom range. It is quite heavy and is therefore best mounted onto a tripod. The HSM means the focus is very quick, accurate and almost silent. Want to find out more? Read our concise review of the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM S telephoto zoom lens.

This lens can be used as a traditional telephoto or a macro lens. Itu2019s a high-quality construction that provides seriously sharp optics. It has image stabilisation and little softness. It is very heavy and therefore may need tripod-mounting.

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is a very impressive performer when it comes to handling, and thereu2019s no beating it if youu2019re a Canon user. This lens is built for professional use, and features dust and water-resistance so you can rely on it in even the most adverse conditions. But if youu2019re on a budget and canu2019t afford this lens the Sigma 70-200mm is your best bet, with comparable sharpness and only a little more distortion.

This sturdy macro lens takes great close ups. Itu2019s lightweight and has a push/pull design so you can easily switch between manual and auto-focus. Itu2019s super sharp but it does have a little softness around the edges and it doesnu2019t have any stabilisation. Want to know more? Read our concise review of the Tokina AT-X M100 AF Pro D 100mm f/2.8 telephoto lens.

If youu2019re looking for super sharp images, this lens will deliver; itu2019s extremely capable and will not disappoint you, however, this is reflected in the price-tag, which may be off-putting. Want to know more? Read our concise review of the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II telephoto zoom lens.