Top Canon Telephoto Lenses You Need in 2025

Let’s face it—some moments in life are best appreciated from a safe, zoomed-in distance. Whether you’re snapping wild lions, hyper kids, or your neighbour’s cat mid-pigeon-hunt, you need a lens that brings the action to you. Canon’s 2025 telephoto lineup? Chef’s kiss. Let’s zoom in, shall we?

Canon’s Telephoto Arsenal

Here are our top 5 from the above complete set of Canon’s telephoto lenses:

1. Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM

This lens is like that friend who’s good at everything—landscapes, sports, wildlife, probably baking sourdough too. Despite its massive range, it’s surprisingly light on its feet. It’s the lens you take when you don’t know what you’ll be shooting—but want to look ridiculously prepared anyway.

Key Features

• 100–500mm zoom range (because why settle for less?)
• 5-stop Image Stabilization (for shaky hands and too much coffee)
• Weather-sealed L-series build (basically the raincoat of lenses)
• Dual Nano USM for fast, silent AF (ninjalens, anyone?)

Pros

• Unbeatable zoom range with insane sharpness
• Lightweight for a super-telephoto (your shoulders say thank you)
• Pro-level durability—shoot in a sandstorm, no problem

Cons

• Pricey (because fabulous isn’t cheap)
• Aperture narrows at longer zoom (boo, physics)
• Not the fastest lens in low light

2. Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM

This lens is longer than your aunt’s Facebook rants, but shockingly light. The fixed f/11 aperture might make purists roll their eyes, but guess what? It’s affordable, fun, and perfect for spying—uh, photographing—from a respectable distance.

Key Features

• Fixed 800mm focal length (yes, it’s basically a telescope)
• Optical Image Stabilizer (because handholding an 800mm is bananas)
• STM motor for smooth, silent autofocus
• Lightweight, compact design (carry it without breaking your spine)

Pros

• Massive reach for wildlife, planes, or nosy neighbours
• Seriously lightweight for what it is
• Budget-friendly(ish) telephoto

Cons

• f/11 aperture means it needs all the light
• No zoom—what you see is what you shoot
• Not weather-sealed, so maybe skip the monsoon safari

3. Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM

If lenses had Instagram accounts, this one would be an influencer. Sharp, fast, stylish—this lens is Canon’s flex. It’s a favourite for sports, weddings, portraits, and possibly photographing a cheetah sprinting after a Best Man running late.

Key Features

• Bright constant f/2.8 aperture (hello, bokeh)
• L-series weather-sealing (rain, shine, apocalypse—it’s ready)
• Dual Nano USM motors (lightning-fast focus)
• 5-stop Image Stabilization (even your dodgy grip’s forgiven)

Pros

• Excellent in low light and dreamy for portraits
• Compact for a 70-200 (no gym membership required)
• Smooth as butter autofocus

Cons

• Still a bit hefty if you’re dainty
• Expensive—but aren’t all icons?
• Zoom ring might feel a bit stiff at first

4. Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM

Think of this as the lens version of your favourite comfy sneakers—reliable, light, and surprisingly good-looking. It might not have the swagger of the L-series, but it gets the job done without stealing your rent money.

Key Features

• 100–400mm range (versatile AF)
• 5.5-stop Image Stabilizer (yes, you can shoot handheld at 400mm)
• Lightweight at just over 600g (a miracle, honestly)
• Compatible with extenders for even more reach

Pros

• Ridiculously portable
• Affordable with real telephoto power
• Solid performance for wildlife, travel, and hobbyist sports

Cons

• Slower aperture = daylight shooter
• Build is good, but not pro-grade
• Not weather sealed—watch those raindrops

5. Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM

New kid on the block and already flexing with that 200–800mm range. This lens is Canon’s answer to “Can I have ALL the zoom, please?” If you love photographing things that don’t love you back (birds, athletes, exes from 400m away), this is your jam.

Key Features

• 200–800mm focal range (yeah, it’s bonkers)
• Optical IS (because tripods are for quitters)
• USM autofocus—fast and smooth
• Teleconverter compatible—because 800mm just wasn’t enough, was it?

Pros

• Mind-blowing range
• Great value for super-telephoto
• Surprisingly good image quality throughout the zoom

Cons

• f/6.3-9 isn’t low-light-friendly
• You will need some arm strength
• Still a bit of a unicorn in stock (grab it fast!)

There you have it, love—five Canon telephoto legends for 2025 that’ll have you zooming with confidence and looking like a wildlife whisperer (or a front-row paparazzo). Whether you’re chasing eagles, footballers, or your dreams of Nat Geo stardom, these lenses bring the action to your front step—no tent required. So throw one in your bag, practice your “I totally meant to take that shot” face, and remember: life’s better at 800mm. Now go shoot something epic—but not, like, literally. We’re photographers, not bounty hunters.