9 Best Lenses for Moon Photography in 2024

Capturing the moon in all its glory isn’t easy, even if you have a great camera. That’s why finding the best lenses for moon photography is so important.

This article guides you through the nine best lenses that will help you take stunning lunar images, ensuring you have the tools needed to bring out the moon’s intricate details.

Our top pick is the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM. It stands out for its impressive focal length range and image stabilization, making it ideal for detailed moon shots. But if that’s not the lens you need, keep reading to see the best moon photography lenses from Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, and more.

Our Top 3 Lenses for Moon Photography

Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

Canon RF 100-400mm F/5.6-8 IS USM

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm F/4.5-5.6G ED VR

What Is the Best Lens for Moon Photography?

Focal length, sharpness, and the ability to reduce glare are some of the key features to consider when choosing the best lens for moon photography.

Our list includes top picks from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Pentax, Sigma, and Tamron, all chosen for their long focal lengths and optical quality. These fantastic lenses ensure detailed lunar images, minimizing chromatic aberration and enhancing night sky captures.

Our Top Pick

Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

Versatile 100-400mm zoom for dynamic framing
Superior sharpness and contrast across zoom range
Robust, weather-sealed construction for reliability
Effective 4-stop image stabilization system
Quick, accurate autofocus with manual override option

Best Canon Mirrorless Lens

Canon RF 100-400mm F/5.6-8 IS USM

Compact, lightweight design enhances portability
5.5-stop IS for sharp handheld shots
Quick, silent autofocus with Nano USM motor
Pleasing bokeh with 9-blade circular aperture
Optimized for Canon's full-frame mirrorless cameras

Best Nikon DSLR Lens

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm F/4.5-5.6G ED VR

Broad 80-400mm range for versatile shooting scenarios
4 ED elements reduce chromatic aberration effectively
Vibration Reduction for steady shots at 400mm
Swift, silent autofocus with Silent Wave Motor
Durable build with ergonomic handling features

Best Nikon Mirrorless Lens

Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 VR S

Exceptional reach with 100-400mm zoom range
Dual motor autofocus system for rapid focusing
Up to 5.5 stops of Vibration Reduction
Superior optical design minimizes aberrations
Robust build with comprehensive weather sealing

Best Sony Lens

Sony FE 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 GM OSS SEL100400GM

G Master optics ensure peak image clarity
Fast, precise autofocus with Direct Drive SSM
Optical SteadyShot stabilizes at extreme zooms
Lightweight design for its class enhances portability
Dust and moisture resistance for outdoor reliability

Best Fujifilm Lens

Fujifilm FUJINON XF 150-600mm F/5.6-8 R LM OIS WR

Unmatched 150-600mm range for extreme telephoto shots
Optical Image Stabilization for sharp images at 600mm
Weather-resistant build for reliable outdoor use
Fast, quiet autofocus with Linear Motor technology
Designed for Fujifilm X-series mirrorless cameras

Best Pentax Lens

HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F/4.5-5.6 ED DC AW

Expansive 150-450mm range for versatile telephoto shooting
Robust, weather-sealed design for outdoor reliability
Advanced optics reduce aberrations, enhance image clarity
Quick-Shift Focus System for seamless manual override
HD coating minimizes flare and ghosting effects

Best Sigma Lens

Sigma 150-600mm F/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C

Extensive 150-600mm zoom for distant subject capture
Optical Stabilization enhances handheld shooting capabilities
Contemporary design balances performance and portability
Hyper Sonic Motor ensures fast, silent autofocus
Compatible with Sigma teleconverters for extended reach

Shop 4 Versions

Best Tamron Lens

Tamron 100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD A035

Lightweight design enhances portability for fieldwork
Vibration Compensation stabilizes images at long distances
Ultrasonic Silent Drive for fast, quiet autofocus
Moisture-resistant construction for outdoor shooting confidence
Exceptional image quality across the zoom range

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Our Favorite Lenses for Moon Photography

Let’s take a closer look at our favorite lenses for moon photography. From powerful zooms to sharp image quality, there’s a lens here for moon enthusiasts of all kinds. With options across all the major brands, finding the perfect lens to bring the lunar landscape closer has never been easier.

1. Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

Our Top Pick

Brand	Brand Canon
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 1570 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 5.6
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 100-400 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM is the perfect lens for moon photography. Compatible with Canon DSLR cameras, it’s a classic lens that has everything you need to capture stunning lunar images.

The wide telephoto zoom range allows photographers to capture detailed images of the moon, filling the frame without needing to crop the photo in post-processing.

Its optical performance is enhanced by one fluorite and one Super UD element. These reduce chromatic aberration and distortion, ensuring sharp, high-contrast images of the lunar surface.

An Air Sphere Coating (ASC) reduces glare for clearer images. This is helpful when moonlight is shooting straight into your lens.

The lens’s variable aperture of f/4.5-5.6 doesn’t give you the best low-light performance. But that’s less of a concern for moon photography, as you’ll likely be using a narrow aperture for better sharpness. Moon photographers also like to use tripods for better stability and exposure control.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a tripod, the lens has an excellent Image Stabilization (IS) system. Giving you extra stops of exposure compensation, you get sharper shots when shooting from hand.

The lens’s weight (3.46 lbs / 1.5 kg) could make it challenging to manage for handheld shooting.

Compared it to the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM, the EF lens offers a slightly faster maximum aperture, which can be beneficial for achieving faster shutter speeds in dim conditions.

The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM is a superb piece of kit, and it’s the best Canon DSLR lens for moon photography.

2. Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM

Best Canon Mirrorless Lens

Brand	Brand Canon
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 635 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 8.0
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 100-400 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is a great choice for moon photography with a mirrorless Canon camera.

The 100-400mm focal length gives you the magnification you need to capture detailed lunar shots. You also have plenty of flexibility with composition thanks to the zoom functionality.

The lens is sharp even at the edges, ensuring the moon’s surface is captured in detail. The lens’s UD elements keep images clear by reducing chromatic aberration, which is important for the high-contrast edges of the moon. Its coatings also cut down on glare and lens flare, ensuring the moon’s surface details are crisp and not washed out.

While its aperture range of f/5.6-8 might seem limiting, it’s not a major concern for moon photography, where a smaller aperture is used to achieve better sharpness.

Weighing only 1.4 lbs (635 g), this lens is easier to handle, allowing you to shoot from hand. It also has a built-in image stabilization system that gives you 5.5 stops of shake reduction. You’ll be able to capture sharp moon shots without a tripod.

The Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is surprisingly affordable considering the telephoto zoom range. The edge-to-edge sharpness and image stabilization add even more to the value of this Canon RF lens. It’s a bargain for moon photographers.

3. Nikon AF-S 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

Best Nikon DSLR Lens

Brand	Brand Nikon
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 1570 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 5.6
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 80-400 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Nikon AF-S 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is a brilliant lens for moon photography due to its extensive focal length and stabilization. Its zoom range is crucial for capturing the moon in great detail, making it appear large and clear in the frame.

Its optical design includes elements that reduce chromatic aberration, ensuring the edges of the moon are sharp against the dark sky.

Special lens coatings also play a significant role in minimizing glare and lens flare, which is essential when photographing such a bright object.

While its maximum aperture might not be the widest, it does have Nikon’s reliable Vibration Reduction (VR) system. It’s still best to use a tripod when shooting the moon, but it does give you better handheld results.

Weighing in at 3.5 lbs (1.5 kg), this lens is relatively easy to manage on a tripod, which is vital for the long exposures typically used in moon photography.

Providing edge-to-edge sharpness and versatility, the Nikon AF-S 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is the best moon photography lens for Nikon DSLR cameras.

4. Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

Best Nikon Mirrorless Lens

Brand	Brand Nikon
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 1355 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 5.6
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 100-400 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

If you’re a Nikon mirrorless user, the Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S is your best choice for moon photography. The focal length is ideal for capturing detailed lunar images.

Its optical design features low dispersion elements that ensure sharp, high-contrast shots of the moon and minimizing chromatic aberration at the edges. The lens’s glass coatings are effectively reduce glare and lens flare, which is crucial for shooting the bright lunar surface against a dark sky.

A variable aperture isn’t a problem when shooting lunar images, though it does dent the lens’s overall versatility. The VR also gives you more exposure control when shooting from hand, which is handy for all kinds of photographers.

Weighing 3.1 lbs (1.4 g), this lens is manageable for long-duration shoots, especially when mounted on a tripod.

A superb telephoto zoom lens, the Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S is a brilliant choice for lunar photographers.

5. Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS

Best Sony Lens

Brand	Brand Sony
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 1395 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 5.6
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 100-400 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS is the best Sony lens for moon photography.

One Super Extra-low Dispersion (ED) and two ED elements minimize distortion and chromatic aberration, giving you sharp images throughout the zoom range. A Nano AR coating also combats glare, giving you clean images of the moon.

Sony’s Optical SteadyShot (OSS) stabilization system is a handy feature that gives you sharper shots in low light. This feature is a godsend when you don’t have a tripod with you.

The lens is moderately heavy, but you’ll be able to shoot handheld for extended periods without much trouble. It’s also weather-resistant, so you’ll have no problem using it outdoors.

When capturing stunning lunar images, the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS is the best partner for Sony’s high-resolution cameras.

6. Fujifilm XF 150-600mm f/5.6-8 R LM OIS WR

Best Fujifilm Lens

Brand	Brand Fujifilm
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 1605 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 8.0
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 150-600 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Fujifilm XF 150-600mm f/5.6-8 R LM OIS WR lens is a powerhouse for moon photography, offering an impressive focal length that’s perfect for capturing detailed lunar images. The magnification at 600mm allows you to capture incredible details from the moon’s surface.

Optically superb, you get sharp, clear images at all points in the focal length range. The three ED and four Super ED elements have to take some of the credit for that.

A maximum aperture of f/8 at 600mm isn’t ideal. But the lens does have Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for extra support in low light.

This lens is both big and heavy, which might be a concern for some users. But if you have a Fujifilm camera, the Fujifilm XF 150-600mm f/5.6-8 R LM OIS WR is head and shoulders above any other lens for moon photography.

7. Pentax-D FA 150-450mm f/4.5-5.6 ED DC AW

Best Pentax Lens

Brand	Brand Pentax
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 2000 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 5.6
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 150-450 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm f/4.5-5.6 ED DC AW is a great lens for Pentax DSLR cameras. The 450mm magnification gives you enough reach to capture detailed shots, and the zoom range allows you to experiment with composition.

Three ED and one Super ED element ensure distortion-free images from any point in the zoom range. The outer glass elements have also been treated with an HD coating that reduces lens flare and ghosting, helping you capture clean shots of the moon.

With a weight of nearly 2 kg, this is a hefty lens. The plus side is that the build quality is excellent and it has thorough weather sealing for outdoor use.

A brilliant example of Pentax’s incredible engineering, the Pentax-D FA 150-450mm f/4.5-5.6 ED DC AW is worth every penny. It’s also surprisingly affordable for a telephoto zoom lens of this quality.

8. Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C

Best Sigma Lens

Shop 4 Versions

Brand	Brand Sigma
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 1930 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 6.3
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 150-600 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C is a versatile super-telephoto lens for moon photography. The 600mm focal length gives you wonderful magnification, allowing you to see clearly see details on the moon’s surface. And as a zoom lens, you can play with composition for dramatic lunar images.

The lens isn’t quite as sharp as some of the other lenses on this list, especially when using the widest apertures. But it still delivers good clarity and sharpness when stopped down.

An Optical Stabilizer (OS) gives you extra exposure control when shooting from hand. But, due to the size and weight, we recommend using a tripod when using this lens for moon photography.

The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C is an affordable option that’s available for Canon EF and Nikon F cameras. It’s a great alternative if you don’t want a tight budget getting in the way of your moon photography mission.

9. Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD

Best Tamron Lens

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Brand	Brand Tamron
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 1135 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 6.3
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 100-400 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD is another fanastic telephoto lens for moon photography, offering the essential long focal length needed to capture detailed lunar images.

Thanks to three Low-Dispersion (LD) elements, you get excellent picture quality at nearly every focal length. You might experience some minor distortion at the extremes, but this is barely noticeable when shooting moon photography.

A special eBAND (Extended Bandwidth and Angular-Dependency) coating improves image quality by reducing light reflections that cause glare. The outer elements also have a fluorine coating that protects the glass against scratches and smudges.

It’s relatively light for its class (2.5 lbs (1.3 g), making it easy to handle even without a tripod. It’s also dust and moisture-resistant, so you’ll have no trouble using it outdoors.

Built-in Vibration Compensation (VC) is always helpful with a lens of this size, especially when shooting from hand or in low light.

The Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD is a great alternative to pricier lenses, and it’s available for Nikon F-mount and Canon EF-mount cameras.

Conclusion: The Best Lenses for Moon Photography

Choosing the right lenses for moon photography is key to capturing breathtaking lunar images. The article reviewed nine lenses all offering unique features to improve moon photography. With long focal lengths and sharpness across the frame, these lenses help photographers capture the moon in stunning detail.

Our top choice is the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM, chosen for its impressive focal range and optical performance. It’s the best for detailed lunar images with a Canon DSLR camera. But as we’ve seen, there’s a brilliant moon photography lens for any photographers.

Our Top 3 Lenses for Moon Photography

Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

Canon RF 100-400mm F/5.6-8 IS USM

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm F/4.5-5.6G ED VR

What Is the Best Lens for Moon Photography?

Our Favorite Lenses for Moon Photography

1. Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

2. Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM

3. Nikon AF-S 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

4. Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

5. Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS

6. Fujifilm XF 150-600mm f/5.6-8 R LM OIS WR

7. Pentax-D FA 150-450mm f/4.5-5.6 ED DC AW

8. Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C

9. Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD

Conclusion: The Best Lenses for Moon Photography

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