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If you’re in search of Best Zoom Lenses, you’ve come to the right place. For those who don’t know, zoom lenses let photographers change their focal length so they can take wide-angle shots, zoom in for telephoto magnification, or find the right middle ground. The best zoom lenses are a must-have for any shooter, especially if they are used with one of the best cameras on the market. Even though their opening might be a little bit slower, they make up for it by using longer exposures.
In the field of astrophotography, these longer lenses are often just as good as telescopes at showing how deep the universe goes. If you’re interested in astrophotography in particular, check out our detailed guide to the best lenses for recording the beauty of the night sky. But this guide is only about the best zoom lenses. Keep in mind that the best zoom lenses can be big and heavy, so if you’re going on a photography trip, you might want to get one of the best camera bags and a reliable tripod to help you carry your gear.
Best Zoom Lenses Comparison Table
| Product | Focal Length | Maximum Aperture | Image Stabilization | Lens Mount | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G Master OSS | 200-600mm | f/5.6-6.3 | Yes | Sony E | 2115g |
| Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM | 24-70mm | f/2.8 | Yes | Canon RF | 900g |
| Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM | 24-70mm | f/2.8 | No | Canon EF | 805g |
| Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II | 24-70mm | f/2.8 | No | Sony E | 886g |
| Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II | 70-200mm | f/2.8 | Yes | Sony E | 1480g |
| Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM C Lens | 100-400mm | f/5-6.3 | Yes | Various | Varies |
| TAMRON 35-150MM F2-2.8 DI III VXD | 35-150mm | f/2-2.8 | Yes | Various | Varies |
Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G Master OSS
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 200-600mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/5.6-6.3 |
| Lens Mount | Sony E |
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Weight | 2115g |
We aren’t being shy at the top of this list, because this Sony Best Zoom Lenses is a giant. This high-quality lens is the best choice if you want a piece of equipment that can be used for both deep-sky photography and astrophotography as well as shooting wildlife, sports, or anything else on Earth. This lens does very well when shot with the aperture wide open, which is a must-have if you want to use it for astrophotography.
Even when zoomed in all the way to 600mm, the center of the picture is almost too sharp. There are more useful benefits, the most important of which is that the lens can zoom as far as 600mm. Once you crank it in, the aperture can only be opened as wide as f/6.3, which means you’ll lose either shutter speed or ISO (or a little bit of both).
The Good
- Long zoom reach for taking pictures of things far away
- Optical picture stabilization for clear photos taken by hand
- High-quality optics for great image quality
- It can be used for wildlife, sports, and other telephoto photos. The G Master name means that it performs at the top level.
The Bad
- Large and heavy, so they need extra support or a stand for long-term use.
- Compared to constant aperture lenses, variable aperture lenses may not work as well in low light.
- Compared to some other long zooms, it has a higher price.
Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 24-70mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF |
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Weight | 900g |
This RF mount lens for Canon full-frame mirrorless cameras is a bit bigger and heavier than the EF 24-70mm f/2.8 for Canon DSLR cameras. It weighs 900g and is bigger than an EOS R or RP body at 89x126mm. Not only is it big in size, but it also costs a lot more than Canon’s pro-grade zoom for SLRs and almost 2.5 times as much as the RF 24-105mm.
The quality of the construction is excellent, and it comes with a full set of weather seals and the now-standard fluorine coating on the front and back parts. The optical path has at least three aspherical elements that were molded and three UD elements, as well as an Air Sphere Coating. The customizable control ring makes it easier to use, and the Nano USM autofocus and 5-stop picture stabilization make it even better.
The Good
- Zoom range that can be used for many different types of photos.
- Fast maximum aperture for good performance in low light and a small depth of field.
- Optical image stabilization for pictures taken by hand
- High-quality optics for pictures that are clear and sharp
- L-series means that the build and efficiency are made for professionals.
The Bad
- Compared to some other normal zoom lenses, this one is pretty big and heavy.
- Higher price than options that aren’t in the L-series
- Some users may want a bigger or longer range of focal lengths because their needs are different.
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 24-70mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF |
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Weight | 805g |
The first version of this Best Zoom Lenses came out in 2002. It was made for the most picky amateur and professional shooters. This Mark II came out on the market 10 years after a big redesign. The improved optical design has three aspherical elements that aim to make the image sharper and reduce errors, color fringing, and color blur. With nine instead of eight blades, the lens is also more round, which makes the bokeh better when stopping down.
The Mark II is stronger and more durable than the first one, and it is sealed against the weather. The front and back elements are coated with fluorine to keep moisture and grease away and make cleaning easy. Since Sigma and Tamron’s most recent 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses have effective image stabilizers, it’s a shame that this Canon doesn’t have it. Since the f/2.8 aperture lets you use fast shutter speeds even when it’s dark, stabilization isn’t as much of a “must have” tool.
The Good
- Versatile zoom range suitable for different photography genres
- Fast maximum aperture for taking pictures in low light and a small depth of field
- High-quality optics for great image quality
- L-series means that the build and efficiency are made for professionals.
- Built to last and keep out the weather
The Bad
- When there is no picture stabilization, you may need steady hands or a tripod.
- Compared to some other choices, it’s pretty big and heavy.
- RF-mount peers have an older design.
Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 24-70mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Lens Mount | Sony E |
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Weight | 886g |
Most reviews agree that the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is the Best Zoom Lenses. It has the best optical performance in its class and is built to last with rubber gaskets at every seam, making it a great outdoor friend. It’s not cheap, but thanks to how well it works in different scenarios, you only need one lens.
Most zoom lenses are big and heavy, but Sony’s lens is small and light, which makes it easier to carry. Sony’s small lens is even more amazing when you consider that it has a constant f/2.8 aperture, which lets you take pictures in low light and get a shallow depth of field.
The Good
- Zoom range that can be used for many different types of photos.
- Fast maximum aperture for good performance in low light and control of depth of field
- High-quality optics for pictures that are clear and sharp
- Fits both Sony E-mount full-frame and APS-C cameras
- Quality and building of a professional level
The Bad
- When there is no picture stabilization, you may need steady hands or a tripod.
- Compared to some other choices, it’s pretty big and heavy.
- Compared to some other 24-70mm lenses, this one has a higher price.
Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 70-200mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Lens Mount | Sony E |
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Weight | 1480g |
If you take pictures of people, animals, or sports, you should have the Best Zoom Lenses that is Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II in your kit. This is because the long zoom on this lens makes it easy to get close to things that are far away. And because it has a fast f/2.8 aperture that stays the same all the way through the zoom range, it works well in low light and can make beautiful bokeh.
The Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II, on the other hand, has a fast autofocus and optical image stabilization, so you can use it handheld and still get sharp photos and videos. Even though the lens is big, it is one of the smallest long zooms in its class. It weighs 2.3 pounds, which is 29% less than the last version. The lens has a good build quality and is sealed against the outdoors, so it can be used with Sony’s professional line of mirrorless full-frame cameras.
The Good
- A telephoto zoom range that can be used for many different types of photos.
- Fast maximum aperture for good performance in low light and control of depth of field
- Optical picture stabilization for clear photos taken by hand
- High-quality optics make for a great picture.
- The weatherproofing and build quality are at a professional level.
The Bad
- Large and heavy, it may need extra support for long-term use.
- Compared to some other wide zoom lenses, this one has a higher price.
- Some people may want a wider range of focal lengths for different reasons.
Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM C Lens
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 100-400mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/5-6.3 |
| Lens Mount | Various options available |
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Weight | Varies |
The Sigma 100-400 Contemporary lens is the Best Zoom Lenses for photographers who are working within a limited financial budget. This lens offers the reach-out-and-touch focal lengths that are so vitally needed for a variety of applications, including portraiture with a close crop, sports, and wildlife photography. It does so at an affordable price.
Long focal lengths are frequently required for photographing landscapes because of the high need for exceptional image quality in this genre of photography. When it comes to image quality, this one comes in a package that is not only light and tiny but also reasonably small, which is something that will be welcomed. The aperture does not open up to a particularly wide setting, but other than that, this lens is a fantastic deal.
The Good
- Flexible zoom range for telephoto photos of wildlife, sports, and other things
- Optical image stabilization for pictures taken by hand
- Compared to some other long zoom lenses, this one is cheap.
- Different camera systems can use different lens mounts.
- The shape is small and light to make it easier to carry.
The Bad
- Compared to constant aperture lenses, lenses with a variable maximum aperture may not work as well in low light.
- The image quality might not be as good as with more expensive choices.
- Some people may like a wider maximum aperture because it works better in low light.
TAMRON 35-150MM F2-2.8 DI III VXD
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 35-150mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2-2.8 |
| Lens Mount | Various options available |
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Weight | Varies |
Where do we even begin? There is only one Best Zoom Lenses on the market that begins with an aperture of f2 and goes all the way down to f2.8, and that lens is the Tamron 35-150mm f2-2.8 Di III VXD. A comparable lens for DSLR cameras is offered by Tamron, and it has an aperture range of f2.8 all the way down to f4. This one, on the other hand, is definitely one full stop faster. Tamron has also accomplished a first in the industry by directly incorporating a USB connector into the lens itself.
This port is protected in the same manner that a port would be on a phone. That means you don’t need the dock in order to upgrade the firmware on the device. If you have this lens, you won’t have to worry about investing in a separate 28-75mm and 70-180mm lens. You are instead provided with a single lens that is capable of performing all of the functions that you would realistically require. It’s a stroke of genius.
The Good
- Flexible zoom range that goes from wide-angle to short telephoto.
- Fast maximum aperture for good performance in low light and control of depth of field
- Optical picture stabilization for clear photos taken by hand
- High-quality optics make for a great picture.
- Different camera systems can use different lens mounts.
The Bad
- Compared to some other normal zoom lenses, this one is pretty big and heavy.
- Compared to some other choices, the price is higher.
- There aren’t many of some lens types.
FAQs
Even though zoom lenses are convenient and can be used for many different things, prime lenses still have their own benefits. Most prime lenses have wider maximum apertures, which means they work better in low light, have a shallower depth of field, and make pictures that are sharper overall. Most of the time, they are also smaller, lighter, and cheaper than zoom lenses. Photographers who care about image quality and use specific focal lengths for their way of shooting like to use prime lenses. In the end, whether you should use zoom lenses or prime lenses relies on how and what you shoot.
Yes, all of the big camera companies make a wide variety of zoom lenses for their own camera systems. Zoom lenses made by companies like Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, and others are made to work with their mobile or DSLR camera systems. It’s important to choose a lens whose lens mount fits the lens mount on your camera.
With the help of lens adapters, it is sometimes possible to use a zoom lens from one camera brand on a camera body from a different brand. But it’s important to keep in mind that not all kinds of cameras and lenses work together. Before using a lens from a different camera brand with an adapter from a different camera brand, it’s best to do a lot of study and talk to experts.