As a trusted brand of high-quality imaging systems, Canon makes some of the best interchangeable telephoto lenses for its cameras, but it’s easy for any beginner (or even a seasoned pro) to be overwhelmed with all the available choices. Further complicating the situation is the fact that today’s third-party lenses are made to be competitive in terms of functionality and price.
In this article, we’ll be choosing the best and highest-rated telephoto EF-mount lenses under 400mm from both Canon and other brands. From small and compact telephoto zooms to super telephoto lenses, these prized Canon camera accessories cater to different imaging requirements and budgets.
Best Canon Telephoto Lenses
To narrow down the list, we’ve featured outstanding telephoto lenses under 400mm, which offers great magnification without costing too much for those who want to venture into photography niches that benefit from the use of superzooms.
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM ()
This powerful Canon lens offers the same popular focal range of 70-200mm, albeit with a smaller maximum aperture of f/4. Nonetheless, this second generation lens, which was released in 2018 (check out wedding photographer Vanessa Joy’s hands-on review), features an upgraded optical design and is easily one of the best 70-200mm lenses out there for Canon cameras.
For one, it bears more refined coatings to eliminate ghosting and flaring, plus fluorine coatings that protect the lens from grease and moisture. With regard to image quality, sharper images are ensured with the expert assistance of Canon’s very own optical image stabilizer with up to 5 stops of vibration reduction. Finally, it’s about half the weight of most 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses, which makes traveling and handling so much more convenient.
Key Specifications:
- Full-Frame Telephoto Zoom Lens
- Focal Range of 70–200mm
- Aperture Range of f/2.8–f/22
- Ring-Type Ultrasonic Motor AF System
- 72mm Filter Thread Size
- 20 Elements in 15 Groups
- 9 Rounded Diaphragm Blades
- Weighs 780g (27.52 oz)
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM ()
The first two on our list were higher-end lenses that are optimized for use with full-frame cameras. Now, here’s another popular lens that’s designed specifically for Canon cameras with APS-C sensors. You get the versatile equivalent focal length of 55-250mm, which is useful for a wide range of subjects and scenes.
What sets it apart from other standard-to-telephoto zoom lenses is that it’s also made to be much lighter compared to other lenses in its category. Believe it or not, it weighs only 375 grams, thanks to its downsized mounting plate that’s made of quality plastic instead of metal. Best of all, it’s attractively priced, making it the best budget telephoto lens for Canon on this list.
Key Specifications:
- APS-C Format Telephoto Zoom Lens
- Focal Range of 55–250mm
- Aperture Range of f/4–f/32
- Rear Focusing AF System
- Optical Image Stabilization Technology
- 58mm Filter Thread Size
- 15 Elements in 12 Groups
- 7 Rounded Diaphragm Blades
- Weighs 375g (13.23 oz)
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM ()
This branded telephoto lens offers a more powerful reach, in addition to a few fancy features and the reliable performance that one should expect from Canon. It’s made for full-frame cameras and is the improved version of the original Canon 70-300mm IS USM lens since it now has a faster and near-silent Nano Ultrasonic Motor AF system.
Its image stabilization technology has been improved to provide up to 4 stops of camera shake reduction for much sharper images with higher contrast. The small LCD screen with a push button on the barrel adds a nice touch and enhances the experience by displaying the focus distance, depth of field, effective focal length (on APS-C cameras), and a few other settings. These definitely make the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM worth the money.
Key Specifications:
- Full-Frame Telephoto Zoom Lens
- Focal Range of 70–300mm
- Maximum Aperture Range of f/4–f/45
- Nano Ultrasonic Motor AF System
- Optical Image Stabilization Technology
- 67mm Filter Thread Size
- 17 Elements in 12 Groups
- 9 Rounded Diaphragm Blades
- Weighs 710g (25.04oz)
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM UD ()
The price of the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM UD may be surprising to some, considering it has the same focal length and variable aperture rating as most budget telephoto lenses. But it’s a Canon L-series lens, which means it’s built differently — with high-quality materials as well as improved internal optics.
First off, it’s carefully built with a robust and weather-sealed body. Secondly, it’s capable of giving your images that extra pop of color and contrast. Other attractive features include up to 4 stops of image stabilization, a speedy ring-type Ultrasonic Motor AF system, and two ultra-low dispersion lens elements. It definitely makes a great choice for a wide range of photography styles, no matter the weather.
Key Specifications:
- Full-Frame Standard to Telephoto Zoom Lens
- Focal Range of 70–300mm
- Maximum Aperture Range of f/4-f/45
- Ring-Type Ultrasonic Motor AF System
- Optical Image Stabilization Technology
- 67mm Filter Thread Size
- Two Ultra-Low Dispersion Elements
- Weighs 1.05kg (37oz)
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM ()
Canon lens users would agree that same-brand lenses always deliver, which makes them worth the investment. This is particularly true for the brand’s 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS II USM L-series lens. This premium lens choice is substantially bigger and heavier than most of the lenses on this list, but many would attest to those being fair compromises considering the image quality that it delivers.
At this price, you can expect nothing less than professional-grade build quality, weather seals, a tripod mounting ring, a super fast AF system, and up to 4 stops of triple-mode image stabilization. It also incorporates top-quality glass elements that include fluorite coatings, super ultra-low dispersion (UD) elements, and Air Sphere Coating (ASC) to control ghosting and flare.
If you loved the original, you’re going to want to replace it with this lens.
Key Specifications:
- Full-Frame Telephoto Zoom Lens
- Focal Range of 100–400 mm
- Maximum Aperture Range of f/4.5–f40
- Inner Focusing AF System
- Optical Image Stabilization Technology
- 77mm Filter Thread Size
- 21 Elements in 16 Groups
- 9 Rounded Diaphragm Blades
- Weighs 1.57kg (55.3 oz)
Feature photo by William Bayreuther on Unsplash
