Best telephoto zoom lenses

This lens from Sigmau2019s Contemporary range is lighter and more compact than the Sports version, and is more affordable too. Itu2019s available for Nikon, Canon and Sigma bodies and works with both full-frame and APS-C DSLRs. The lens is currently bundled with a 1.4x teleconverter, which expands the focal range to 210-840mm. When you pair this with a Canon APS-C DSLR, which produces a 1.6x crop factor, you can shoot with an effective focal range of 336-1344mm u2013 enormous!

This lens has a huge focal range, image stabilisation and fantastic image quality. It can be mounted onto a range of cameras and is great for general shooting and panning. At 1970g, it is very heavy though and be mindful that itu2019s not weather resistant.

The Sport version of Sigmau2019s 150-600mm offers a premium build, fine-tuned features and an impressive image quality. Nestling inside the dustproof and splashproof barrel are 24 elements in 16 groups. There are two FLD (F Low Dispersion) elements and three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) elements to prevent chromatic aberration from appearing in images.

This lens is very small in size and itu2019s light, it has image stabilisation and the price is very reasonable. The maximum zoom is quite short but fine if it suits your needs. The image quality isnu2019t amazing and itu2019s built for Canon APS-C only, but if thatu2019s what youu2019ve got, this is a reasonable lens. Want to know more? Read our full review of the Canon EF-S 55-250mm F/4-5.6 IS STM.

This lens has a versatile zoom, itu2019s very light and easily portable, itu2019s also weather sealed. The focusing is a little bit clunky and thereu2019s no optical stabilisation, however for the price, itu2019s a great lens. Want to know more? Read our full review of the Pentax DA 55-300mm F/4-5.8ED WR

The Tamron 150-600mm is a great option for any sport and wildlife enthusiasts looking for a quality lens to deliver impressive results. Itu2019s competitively priced too, as the rival from Sigma u2013 the 150-600mm SPORT lens u2013 costs £1199 but is nearly a kilogram heavier.

Nikonu2019s 200-500mm f/5.6 is a highly competitive optic that should give users a well-built and reliable alternative to third-party super-telephotos. Like its rivals, itu2019s at its weakest when at its longest, but with excellent sharpness at 200mm, a constant aperture, and an impressive VR system, thereu2019s still an awful lot to like. Want to know more? Read our full review of the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR.

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 full review of the Tamron 70-200mm F/2.8 SP Di VC USD.

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 full review of the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F/4G ED VR.

At 765g, the this lens is quite heavy but we found it pleasantly sturdy and robust. The zoom is smooth and the Low Disperson and Extra Low Dispersion lens elements help to correct chromatic aberration and is also fitted with an Ultrasonic Silent Drive (USD) motor, as well as Tamronu2019s Vibration Compensation (VC) mechanism to reduce the effects of camera shake.