Best Lenses under £400 for sports and wildlife

Best Pick

Canon EF Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II STM AF Full Frame Auto Focus Medium Telephoto High

80.8 Wildlife/Sports Score
85mm f/1.8 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is an 85mm f/1.8 design with an STM motor for silent, smooth autofocus and an 11-blade diaphragm for high-quality bokeh. The lens is further distinguished by a micro Type-C port for online firmware upgrades, enhancing its longevity and feature set. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers using Canon EF-mount DSLRs who prioritize smooth focus pulls and creamy background separation.

Read Full Review

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Canon RF FotoZ 49MM 0.75x HD Wide

54.6 Wildlife/Sports Score
24mm Canon EF-M, Canon RF IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout 10X macro magnification capability and 0.75x wide-angle conversion offer significant versatility for close-up and wider shots. The lens is further distinguished by its broad compatibility with Canon RF-S, EF-M, and even select Panasonic and Ricoh cameras via adapters. This accessory is best for Canon mirrorless users on a budget who want to experiment with macro photography and wider focal lengths without investing in dedicated prime lenses.

Read Full Review

Canon High-Power 420-1600mm f/8.3 HD Manual Telephoto Zoom

39.6 Wildlife/Sports Score
420-1600mm f/8.3 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its 420-1600mm focal range, enabled by a built-in 2X teleconverter, delivers exceptional reach for distant subjects, all in a relatively compact 771g package. This makes it a uniquely portable option for ultra-long-distance photography compared to traditional super-telephoto primes. It is best for budget-conscious wildlife photographers or amateur astronomers who need extreme reach without the typical bulk or cost.

Read Full Review

Best Lenses under £800 for sports and wildlife

Best Pick

Canon L EF 16-35mm IS USM

79.7 Wildlife/Sports Score
16-35mm f/4 Canon EF IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/4 aperture and built-in Optical Image Stabilizer provide reliable performance for handheld shooting in varied lighting. The lens features a robust L-series build with a fluorine coating for durability and easier cleaning. This lens is best for landscape photographers and videographers who need a sharp, stabilized wide-angle zoom for environmental shots and cinematic b-roll.

Read Full Review

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Canon EF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

70.5 Wildlife/Sports Score
18-135mm f/3.5 Canon EF-S IS
Why we recommend this

Its versatile 18-135mm zoom range and built-in Optical Image Stabilization make it a highly practical all-in-one lens for Canon APS-C cameras. The Stepping Motor (STM) ensures quiet, smooth autofocus, which is particularly beneficial for its strong performance in video recording. This lens is best for hybrid shooters and videographers who need a single, flexible lens for both travel vlogging and documentary-style filming.

Read Full Review

Best Lenses under £1,000 for sports and wildlife

Best Pick

Canon L EF 100mm Macro IS USM

77.8 Wildlife/Sports Score
100mm f/2.8 Canon EF IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 1:1 magnification and built-in Hybrid Image Stabilization make it a top choice for capturing fine details. The inclusion of an Ultra-Low Dispersion element and Super Spectra Coating ensures sharp, color-accurate images with minimal aberrations. This lens is best for photographers specializing in close-up product shots or detailed nature macro work.

Read Full Review

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Canon EF 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Standard

70.7 Wildlife/Sports Score
17-55mm f/2.8 Canon EF-S IS
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and built-in optical image stabilization provide excellent low-light performance and sharpness for its EF-S mount. The inclusion of UD and aspherical lens elements ensures high optical quality, rivaling many full-frame zooms. This lens is best for Canon APS-C shooters needing a versatile, bright standard zoom for event photography or run-and-gun video work.

Read Full Review

Best Lenses under £2,000 for sports and wildlife

Best Pick

Canon L EF 100-400mm IS USM Telephoto

58.5 Wildlife/Sports Score
100-400mm f/4.5 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a 100-400mm zoom range with a constant f/4.5 aperture, supported by Fluorite and Super UD elements for sharp, color-accurate images. The lens is further distinguished by a two-mode optical image stabilizer and a fast, quiet Ultrasonic focus motor. This lens is best for budget-conscious photographers needing a versatile telephoto for wildlife or distant landscape shots.

Read Full Review

Premium Lenses for sports and wildlife

No lenses found for this category.