Best Telephoto Lens For Sony (2024 Updated)

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If you're a photography enthusiast who owns a Sony camera, you might be looking for the best telephoto lens to capture stunning images. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. However, there are a few key points that you should consider before making a purchase.

Firstly, you should determine the focal length you need. Telephoto lenses come in different focal lengths, ranging from moderate telephoto to super-telephoto. The focal length will determine the distance you can shoot and the magnification of the subject.

Secondly, you should consider the aperture of the lens. A larger aperture will allow more light to enter the lens, resulting in brighter and sharper images. However, larger apertures also mean higher costs.

Thirdly, image stabilization is an important feature to consider. It helps to reduce the effects of camera shake, resulting in sharper images. Some lenses have built-in image stabilization, while others rely on the camera body for stabilization.

Fourthly, lens weight and size should be considered. Telephoto lenses tend to be larger and heavier than other lenses, so you should choose one that is comfortable for you to carry and use.

Lastly, you should consider your budget. Telephoto lenses can be expensive, so you should choose one that fits your budget and provides the features you need.

By keeping these key points in mind, you can find the best telephoto lens for your Sony camera that meets your needs and budget.

10 Best Telephoto Lens For Sony

1. Sony Fe 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G Oss Super Telephoto Zoom Lens (Sel200600g)

The Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS Super Telephoto Zoom Lens (SEL200600G) is a high-performance lens designed for professional photographers who require exceptional image quality and versatility. This lens is part of Sony's G Master series, which is known for its outstanding resolution and image quality.

One of the key features of this lens is its outstanding G lens resolution, which is maintained throughout the zoom range. This means that regardless of the focal length you are using, you can expect sharp, clear images with excellent contrast and color reproduction. This feature makes this lens ideal for wildlife photography, sports photography, and any other situation where you need to capture fast-moving subjects with high accuracy.

The Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS Super Telephoto Zoom Lens also features 5x ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements that reduce flare and ghosting. This feature ensures that your images will have excellent clarity and sharpness, even in challenging lighting conditions. The lens also has an aspherical lens element that dramatically reduces spherical aberration, further enhancing the image quality.

Another key feature of this lens is its Direct Drive Supersonic Wave Motor (DDSSM), which provides fast, quiet, and precise autofocus. This feature is especially important for wildlife and sports photographers who need to quickly capture their subjects without disturbing them. The DDSSM also allows for smooth and accurate manual focus, giving you full control over your images.

The Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS Super Telephoto Zoom Lens also features a Nano AR coating, which suppresses reflections, flare, and ghosting. This feature ensures that your images will have excellent contrast and clarity, even in bright sunlight or other challenging lighting conditions.

Overall, the Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS Super Telephoto Zoom Lens (SEL200600G) is an outstanding lens for professional photographers who require exceptional image quality and versatility. Whether you are shooting wildlife, sports, or any other subject, this lens will provide you with sharp, clear, and vibrant images that you can be proud of.

2. Sony Fe 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G Oss Super Telephoto Zoom Lens (Sel200600g) (Renewed)

The Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS Super Telephoto Zoom Lens (SEL200600G) (Renewed) is a high-quality lens that offers outstanding resolution throughout its zoom range. The lens features five ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements that reduce flare and ghosting for clear, sharp images.

The lens is equipped with a Direct Drive Supersonic Wave Motor that enables fast, quiet, and precise autofocus, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects. The aspherical lens element dramatically reduces spherical aberration, resulting in clearer and more accurate images. Additionally, the lens features Nano AR coating that suppresses reflections, flare, and ghosting, ensuring optimal image quality even in bright light conditions.

The Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS Super Telephoto Zoom Lens (SEL200600G) (Renewed) is designed to cater to the needs of professional photographers who require a lens that is versatile, durable, and reliable. This lens is compatible with Sony E-mount cameras and offers a range of focal lengths that is ideal for capturing a wide range of subjects, including wildlife, sports, and landscapes.

The lens is constructed with high-quality materials and features a weather-sealed design that protects it from dust, moisture, and other elements. The lens is also lightweight and easy to handle, making it ideal for photographers who need to move around quickly and capture images on the go.

Overall, the Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS Super Telephoto Zoom Lens (SEL200600G) (Renewed) is an excellent investment for professional photographers who require a lens that offers exceptional image quality, versatility, and durability. Its advanced features and high-quality construction make it a top choice for capturing stunning images in any setting.

3. Sony Fe 70-200mm F/2.8 Gm Oss Lens

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens is a top-tier lens that combines exceptional sharpness and smooth bokeh with a constant F2.8 maximum aperture for consistent exposure and depth of field. With a weight of 1480g (without tripod mount), this lens is designed with the G Master technology that provides superb resolution, making it a perfect choice for professional photographers.

The lens features a class-leading minimum focus distance of 37.8 inches and a 0.25x maximum magnification, making it ideal for capturing stunning close-up shots. The dual floating focus system ensures high autofocus speed and precision, while the XA, ED/Super ED elements and Nano AR Coating offer exceptional resolution even in challenging lighting conditions.

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens is equipped with aspherical elements and an 11-blade circular aperture that creates gorgeous bokeh. It also features a minimum focus breathing and par focal design that makes it ideal for video shooting. The direct-coupled mechanical focus system offers precise manual focus, while the rigid construction ensures constant lens length during focusing and zooming.

This lens also features high-performance Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, which minimizes camera shake and ensures sharp images even in low-light conditions. It is also dust and moisture-resistant, providing robust reliability for outdoor shooting.

The Nano AR coating on the lens suppresses reflections, flare, and ghosting, while the XA (extreme aspherical) element delivers 0.01-micron surface precision, ensuring excellent image quality. Overall, the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens is an outstanding lens that offers exceptional performance, making it an ideal choice for professional photographers who demand the best.

4. Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 Lens For Sony E-Mount Cameras (Black)

The Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 Lens is a versatile lens that is designed for Sony E-mount cameras. It features a wide zoom range of 82-315mm (35mm equivalent), making it ideal for capturing sports or nature shots.

The lens has 7 aperture blades that provide a smooth and natural bokeh effect. It also has internal focusing, which allows for smooth and quiet operation, making it perfect for video capture. Additionally, the lens has a direct manual focus with a non-rotating focus ring during AF, which is ideal for precise and comfortable manual focus adjustments.

The Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 Lens is equipped with Optical Steady Shot image stabilization, which helps in capturing stable video and low-light performance. It also has a minimum focus distance of 3.28 ft and a maximum magnification ratio of 0.23x, making it suitable for close-up shots.

This lens has an angle of view of 29 °–7 ° 40' on APS-C, providing a wide focal range that is perfect for capturing sports or nature shots. The internal focusing also makes smooth and responsive AF possible with minimum noise, making it an excellent choice for video capture.

The Optical SteadyShotTM image stabilization technology in this lens makes it easier to achieve crisp, stable images and video in low-light or when zooming in on distant subjects. It also accepts 49mm filters, making it easy to customize and adapt to different shooting situations.

In summary, the Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 Lens is a versatile lens that provides a wide zoom range, smooth and quiet operation, and Optical SteadyShotTM image stabilization technology. It is an excellent choice for sports or nature photography, as well as video capture, and is a must-have for any Sony E-mount camera user.

5. Sony A7 Iii Mirrorless Camera With Wide-Angle Zoom Lens And 3-Inch Lcd.

The Sony a7 III Full-Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera is a top-of-the-line product designed to deliver professional-grade performance and stunning image quality. Equipped with an advanced 24.2MP BSI Full-frame Image Sensor and a 1.8X readout speed, this camera delivers images that are sharp, clear, and rich in detail.

Featuring a Back-Illuminated 35mm Full-frame Image Sensor, the Sony a7 III is capable of achieving a 15-stop dynamic range, 14-bit uncompressed RAW, and an ISO range of 50 to 204,800. This means that users can capture high-quality images even in low-light conditions, without the need for additional lighting equipment.

One of the key features of the Sony a7 III is its ability to achieve 50 Line pairs/mm resolving power. This is made possible by the inclusion of two XA (extreme aspherical) elements with high surface precision. These elements work together to reduce distortion and aberrations, resulting in images that are sharp and free of distortion.

In addition to its impressive image quality, the Sony a7 III also boasts a number of advanced features that make it a versatile and reliable tool for photographers. Its large, 3-inch LCD screen makes it easy to preview and review images, while its wide-angle zoom lens allows users to capture a range of different perspectives.

Overall, the Sony a7 III Full-Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera is a powerful and versatile tool for photographers who demand the very best in image quality and performance. Whether you're a professional photographer or an amateur enthusiast, this camera is sure to impress with its impressive range of features and capabilities.

6. Sony Fe 70-300mm Sel70300g F4.5-5.6 G Oss Lens

The Sony FE 70-300mm SEL70300G F4.5-5.6 G OSS Lens is a full-frame telephoto zoom lens that is designed to provide exceptional image quality and performance for professional photographers. This lens features a 70-300mm focal length range, making it ideal for capturing distant subjects, from wildlife and sports to portraits and landscapes.

One of the key features of the Sony FE 70-300mm SEL70300G F4.5-5.6 G OSS Lens is its Nano AR Coating with Nano-precision structure. This coating helps to reduce flare and ghosting, while also improving image clarity and contrast. Additionally, the lens features Optical SteadyShot technology, which helps to reduce blur and ensure clear images, even when shooting at full telephoto.

The Sony FE 70-300mm SEL70300G F4.5-5.6 G OSS Lens is also equipped with a 9-blade circular aperture, which helps to create smooth and natural-looking bokeh in your images. This is especially useful for portraits, where you want to isolate your subject from the background and create a pleasing and professional-looking effect.

The lens also features 2x Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements, which help to reduce chromatic aberration and ensure sharp and clear images. Additionally, there are 4x Aspherical elements, which help to control spherical aberration and coma, ensuring that your images are sharp and detailed from edge to edge.

The Sony FE 70-300mm SEL70300G F4.5-5.6 G OSS Lens is also designed for fast, smooth, and quiet autofocus, thanks to its linear actuator. This allows you to quickly and easily focus on your subject, without worrying about noise or vibration interfering with your shot.

Finally, the Sony FE 70-300mm SEL70300G F4.5-5.6 G OSS Lens also offers class-leading close-up focusing capability, with a minimum focusing distance of less than 3 feet. This makes it easier to capture detailed and expressive images of your subjects, even when you're shooting up close.

Overall, the Sony FE 70-300mm SEL70300G F4.5-5.6 G OSS Lens is an exceptional choice for professional photographers who demand the highest quality optics and performance from their equipment. With its advanced features, precision construction, and exceptional image quality, this lens is sure to help you capture stunning images and achieve your creative vision.

7. Sony Fe 135mm F1.8 G Master Telephoto Lens For Sony E-Mount (Renewed)

The Sony FE 135mm F1.8 G Master Telephoto Lens for Sony E-Mount (Renewed) is a high-performance lens designed for professional photographers who demand exceptional sharpness and stunning bokeh. This lens is perfect for portrait photography and other applications where a telephoto lens is needed.

The 135mm focal length combined with the fast F1.8 maximum aperture enables photographers to maintain exposure and depth of field, creating stunning images with sharp focus and beautiful background blur. The G Master design of the lens ensures extraordinary sharpness and breathtaking bokeh that will take your photography to the next level.

The lens is equipped with XA, Super ED, and ED elements that achieve edge-to-edge high resolution, ensuring that every detail is captured with stunning clarity. The 11-blade circular aperture contributes to gorgeous bokeh, creating a smooth and soft background that makes the subject stand out.

The Sony FE 135mm F1.8 G Master Telephoto Lens is also equipped with four XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors that provide fast, quiet, and precise focus. This allows photographers to capture sharp images even in fast-moving situations, making it a great lens for sports and action photography.

The lens comes with a hood, lens front cap, lens rear cap, and a lens case, making it easy to protect and transport. The renewed version of the lens is a cost-effective option that delivers outstanding performance at a fraction of the cost of a new lens.

In conclusion, the Sony FE 135mm F1.8 G Master Telephoto Lens for Sony E-Mount (Renewed) is an excellent option for professional photographers who demand exceptional sharpness and stunning bokeh. With its fast aperture, edge-to-edge high resolution, and fast, quiet, and precise focus, this lens is sure to take your photography to the next level.

8. Sony A7 Ii Mirrorless Camera Bundle With 28-70mm And 650-1300mm Zoom Lenses, Memory Cards, Filters, Microphone, Tripod, Bag And Accessories.

The Sony Alpha a7 II Mirrorless Digital Camera with 28-70mm and 650-1300mm Telephoto Zoom Lens is a powerful photography tool that comes equipped with several features that allow for stunning images and videos. The camera boasts a 24.3MP Full-Frame Exmor CMOS Sensor and a BIONZ X Image Processor that work together to produce high-quality, detailed images with minimal noise, even in low light conditions.

One of the standout features of the Sony Alpha a7 II is its 5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE Stabilization system that compensates for five types of camera shake to provide sharp, blur-free images. The camera also has Enhanced Fast Hybrid AF and 5 fps Burst capabilities that ensure you never miss a shot, even when capturing fast-moving subjects.

The camera is capable of recording Full HD XAVC S Video and S-Log2 Gamma, which provides greater dynamic range for more creative control during post-production. The camera also has a 3.0" 1,229k-Dot Tilting LCD Monitor and an XGA 2.36M-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder that provide clear, accurate representations of your subject.

The Sony Alpha a7 II Mirrorless Digital Camera comes with a Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens, which is a versatile zoom lens that is perfect for general-purpose photography. The lens has a lightweight, compact design that makes it easy to carry and use, and its slow aperture range allows for precise cropping.

In addition to the Sony FE 28-70mm lens, the camera also comes with a 650-1300mm f/8-16 Preset Telephoto Zoom Lens. This lens is designed for photographing distant subjects and features a threaded T mount for adapting to a wide variety of camera types. The lens is fully multi-coated and has a lens hood incorporated into the design to suppress lens flare, ghosting, and surface reflections for increased contrast and color neutrality.

The Sony Alpha a7 II Mirrorless Digital Camera also comes with several accessories, including 2x 64GB Trascend Memory Cards, a Gadget Bag, a Microphone, a Wireless Remote, a Tripod, a Card Reader, a Cap Keeper, a UV Filter, a 4x Close-up Kit, and a Cleaning Kit. All of these accessories are designed to help you get the most out of your camera and capture stunning images and videos.

9. Sony Sel24240 Fe 24-240mm F/3.5-6.3 Oss Zoom Lens For Mirrorless Cameras

The Sony SEL24240 FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS Zoom Lens is designed to be a perfect match for the α7 series, 35mm full-frame E-mount cameras. With a 10x magnification, this lens provides a wide range of focal lengths from 24mm to super tele 240mm, making it an ideal choice for various photography scenarios.

One of the standout features of this lens is its Optical Steady Shot image stabilization. This technology allows users to capture sharp images even when shooting handheld. The lens has a minimum focus distance of 1.64 ft-2.63 ft (0.5 m-0.8 m) and a maximum magnification ratio of 0.27x, enabling users to capture stunning close-up shots with ease.

The lens comprises 5 spherical elements that provide corner to corner sharpness. Additionally, an ED glass element helps to reduce flare and ghosting, ensuring that images are clear and free of unwanted artifacts. The lens also has a 7-blade circular aperture that contributes to gorgeous bokeh, which is perfect for portrait photography.

The Sony SEL24240 FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS Zoom Lens is equipped with a linear motor drive and an inner focus mechanism, which allow for fast and accurate focusing. The lens is also dust and moisture resistant, making it a durable choice for outdoor photography.

In terms of design, the lens has a filter diameter of 72mm and is well-suited to Sony's mirrorless cameras. Its sleek and compact design makes it easy to carry around, making it a great choice for photographers who are always on the go.

Overall, the Sony SEL24240 FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS Zoom Lens is an excellent choice for photographers who require a versatile lens that can handle a wide range of photography scenarios. With its advanced features and durable design, this lens is sure to provide years of reliable use.

10. Renewed Sony Fe 70-200mm F2.8 Gm Oss Ii G Master Lens.

The Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II Full-Frame Constant-Aperture telephoto Zoom G Master Lens (SEL70200GM2) (Renewed) is a professional-grade lens designed for high-quality image capture. It features two aspherical elements and one XA (extreme aspherical) element to ensure high resolution throughout the image area, delivering superb image quality throughout the zoom range and at all focusing distances. The lens also has two ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements, two Super ED glass elements, and one ED aspherical element to minimize chromatic aberration while Sony’s Nano AR (anti-reflective) Coating II subdues flare and ghosting.

One of the key features of the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II lens is its autofocus performance. Four of Sony’s original XD (Extreme Dynamic) Linear Motors deliver high thrust efficiency that boosts AF speed by up to 4x compared to the previous model for fast, precise continuous autofocus and tracking for stills and movies. AF tracking while zooming is improved by approx. 30%, which greatly increases the chances of getting the shot even with subjects moving rapidly towards the lens.

The Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II lens is also designed with movie magic in mind, featuring the latest lens technology to reduce focus breathing, focus shift when zooming, and axis shift when zooming. The XD Linear Motors and a new aperture drive unit contribute to quiet operation, while independent control rings for focus, zoom, and iris, with a click on/off switch for the aperture ring, make this lens ideal for movie shooting. Sony’s Linear Response MF feature ensures responsive and repeatable direct manual focus control.

Despite its advanced features, the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II lens is also lightweight and easy to handle. It is the world’s lightest* 70-200mm F2.8 zoom lens, weighing in at just 2.3 lb. (1045 grams), which is approximately 29% lighter than the previous model. Advanced design improves balance, while a constant barrel length further contributes to easy, agile handling.

Overall, the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II Full-Frame Constant-Aperture telephoto Zoom G Master Lens (SEL70200GM2) (Renewed) offers outstanding optical quality and autofocus performance in a lightweight, easy-to-handle package. For additional reach, high-performance 1.4x and 2x teleconverters are available (sold separately).

Best Telephoto Lens For Sony FAQs

Are there any affordable telephoto lenses for Sony that provide good image quality?

Yes, there are several affordable telephoto lenses for Sony cameras that provide good image quality. One option is the Sony 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 OSS lens, which offers a versatile zoom range and optical image stabilization. Another option is the Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD lens, which is compatible with Sony cameras and offers a longer focal length for greater magnification. The Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro lens is also an affordable option with good image quality and a macro mode for close-up photography. It's important to do research and read reviews before purchasing a telephoto lens to ensure that it meets your specific needs and expectations. Keep in mind that more expensive lenses may offer better image quality and features, but there are affordable options available for those on a budget.

How do Sony telephoto lenses compare to those from other brands?

Sony telephoto lenses are highly regarded for their exceptional image quality, fast autofocus, and efficient optical stabilization. They are designed to meet the demands of professional photographers and videographers and are compatible with Sony's full-frame and APS-C mirrorless cameras. Sony's G Master and G series lenses are especially renowned for their superior optical performance, with advanced lens elements and coatings that minimize distortion, flare, and chromatic aberration. Compared to other brands, Sony telephoto lenses are highly competitive in terms of image quality, autofocus speed, and stabilization, and offer a wide range of focal lengths to suit different shooting situations. However, some photographers may prefer the ergonomics and user interface of lenses from other brands, and there may be differences in lens selection and pricing. Ultimately, the choice of telephoto lens brand will depend on the photographer's specific needs and preferences.

What are the key features to look for when choosing a telephoto lens for Sony?

When choosing a telephoto lens for Sony, the key features to look for include the focal length, aperture, image stabilization, autofocus speed, and compatibility with your camera system.

The focal length determines the magnification and distance between the subject and the camera. Longer focal lengths provide higher magnification and are ideal for capturing distant subjects. The aperture determines the amount of light that enters the lens, and a wider aperture is important for low-light photography or creating a shallow depth of field.

Image stabilization is essential for handheld shooting, as it reduces camera shake and helps produce sharp images. Fast and accurate autofocus is also important, especially when capturing moving subjects.

Finally, ensure that the lens is compatible with your Sony camera system, including the mount type and any firmware updates required for optimal performance.

What are the top telephoto lenses for Sony cameras?

There are several top telephoto lenses for Sony cameras, depending on your needs and budget. One of the most popular options is the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens, which is a high-end, professional-grade lens that delivers exceptional sharpness and clarity. Another great option is the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens, which is an ideal choice for wildlife and sports photography due to its long zoom range and fast autofocus system.

Other top telephoto lenses for Sony cameras include the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens, which is a versatile and budget-friendly option for long-range shooting, as well as the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM lens, which is a premium prime lens that excels in portrait and low-light photography. Ultimately, the best telephoto lens for your Sony camera will depend on your specific needs and shooting style.

What is the best telephoto lens for Sony for wildlife photography?

The Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens is considered the best telephoto lens for wildlife photography on a Sony camera. It provides a versatile zoom range and impressive image quality with its advanced optics and coatings. The lens is also equipped with optical image stabilization, making it easier to capture sharp images in low light conditions or while handheld. Additionally, the lens has fast and precise autofocus performance, making it easier to track moving subjects such as birds or animals. The lens is also weather-sealed, allowing photographers to use it in harsh outdoor environments. Overall, the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens is a top choice for wildlife photographers looking for a powerful telephoto lens for their Sony camera.

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