8 Best Telephoto Zoom Lenses for Sony in 2024

You can’t beat an old-fashioned camera for zooming in on distant objects, and that’s why we’ve put together this review of the best telephoto zoom lenses for Sony. These lenses offer the flexibility to capture distant subjects with clarity and detail, making them ideal for wildlife, sports, and event photography. Our top choice, the Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS, stands out for its impressive reach and image stabilization, making it a great option for capturing sharp images at long distances.

While the Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS is our favorite for its versatility and performance, there are seven other lenses that also deserve your attention. Each lens has its unique strengths, catering to different photography needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for something with a wider aperture, lighter weight, or longer zoom, there’s likely a lens in our list that meets your criteria.

What Is the Best Telephoto Zoom Lens for Sony?

Selecting the best telephoto zoom lens for Sony involves considering factors like focal range, aperture, and image stabilization. Our list includes top picks from Sony and Sigma, chosen for their ability to capture sharp, detailed images from a distance. These lenses excel in various scenarios, from wildlife to sports photography, ensuring photographers have the flexibility and quality needed for professional results.

Our Favorite Telephoto Zoom Lenses for Sony

Let’s take a closer look at our favorite telephoto zoom lenses for Sony. From wildlife to sports, there’s a lens here for every scenario, ensuring you find the perfect match for your photography style and requirements.

The Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS lens is a standout for its impressive reach and flexibility, making it a top pick for photographers shooting wildlife or sports. Its focal length of 70-350mm allows users to capture distant subjects with ease. However, its variable aperture of f/4.5-6.3 might limit its use in low light, a common trade-off with zoom lenses.

Optically, this lens includes elements that reduce chromatic aberrations, ensuring images are clear and sharp. The built-in Optical SteadyShot (OSS) is a real bonus at longer focal lengths. Yet, the maximum aperture at the telephoto end might not be wide enough for some low-light situations.

Autofocus is quick and reliable, making it easy to capture fast-moving subjects. The lens is relatively lightweight, aiding in portability. Despite its variable aperture, the Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS remains a good option for those needing a versatile telephoto lens.

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II shines with its constant f/2.8 aperture, offering bright images and beautiful background blur. This makes it perfect for low light and creating standout portraits with smooth bokeh. Its range is ideal for capturing everything from sports to wildlife without needing to get too close.

Built tough, this lens is ready for any shoot, indoors or out. It’s weather-sealed, protecting it from dust and moisture. The design includes an aperture ring for quick changes, making it user-friendly for both photos and videos.

Its autofocus is fast and silent, thanks to the four XD Linear Motors. This ensures sharp images of even fast-moving subjects. The lens also offers a close focusing distance, adding versatility for different shooting scenarios. For photographers looking for top performance in a zoom lens, this model is a strong choice.

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II blends reach with portability, making it a solid choice for those who roam. Its f/4 aperture, constant across the zoom range, strikes a balance between size and performance. This lens is especially handy in outdoor shoots or events where quick adjustments are key. Its near-macro capability, with a 0.5x magnification, adds a layer of versatility, appealing to those who dabble in close-up photography without carrying extra gear.

Built to last, it combines metal and high-quality plastics, ensuring it can handle the demands of frequent use. Weighing around 1.7 lbs (795 g), it’s lighter than many telephoto lenses, easing the strain of long shooting sessions. The weather sealing is a bonus, offering peace of mind when conditions turn.

Optically, the lens impresses with sharp images and controlled aberrations, thanks to its advanced design. The autofocus is swift and silent, a boon for capturing fleeting moments. While it may not offer the widest aperture, its consistent performance across various scenarios makes it a good option for photographers looking for a reliable telephoto zoom without the larger financial investment of a faster lens.

The Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens is a versatile tool, perfect for photographers who need to capture subjects from a distance. Its zoom range is ideal for wildlife and sports photography, allowing for quick framing adjustments without the need to move closer. While the variable aperture might not be the best for very low light, it still offers good performance in most conditions and can create pleasing background blur.

As a GM lens, it is built for the demands of professional use. The weather sealing adds an extra layer of protection against the elements, ensuring reliability in various shooting environments. Its optical performance is top-notch, delivering sharp images with minimal distortion.

Autofocus is fast and silent, ensuring that you never miss a moment. The image stabilization is a big help, especially at longer focal lengths, allowing for clearer shots even when handholding the camera. For those who need a high-quality telephoto lens that is both flexible and reliable, the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS is a solid choice.

The Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens is a game-changer for wildlife and sports photographers, offering an impressive zoom range that brings distant subjects into clear view. Its versatility is unmatched, allowing for rapid composition changes without the need to move closer to the action. While the variable aperture might not be ideal for extremely low light, it’s a trade-off for the lens’s extended reach and portability.

Constructed to endure the demands of outdoor shooting, this lens boasts weather sealing, ensuring reliability in various conditions. Its optical performance is stellar, with sharp images across the zoom range and minimal chromatic aberration, thanks to advanced lens elements. Autofocus is both quick and quiet, a critical feature when capturing fleeting moments in nature or fast-paced sports.

For those prioritizing reach and image quality, the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS stands out as a top choice. Its build quality, combined with effective image stabilization, makes it a valuable tool for capturing stunning images from afar.

The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS | C for Sony E is a versatile zoom lens that strikes a balance between reach and portability. Its focal range is perfect for photographers who need to capture subjects from afar, like wildlife or sports events, without the bulk of larger lenses. While the variable aperture might not be ideal for very low light, it’s a compromise that allows for a lighter, more manageable lens.

Built with quality materials, this lens is durable yet not overly heavy, making it suitable for extended handheld use. Its optical performance impresses, delivering sharp images with minimal chromatic aberration, thanks to specialized glass elements. Autofocus is quick and reliable, ensuring you don’t miss those fleeting moments.

For those seeking a telephoto lens that offers good performance without the high cost or weight of larger options, the Sigma 100-400mm is a strong contender. Its combination of reach, image quality, and stabilization makes it a valuable tool for a wide range of photographic pursuits.

The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS | S for Sony E is a powerhouse in the realm of telephoto zoom lenses, offering unparalleled versatility for photographers. Its expansive focal range makes it an ideal choice for capturing distant subjects in wildlife and sports photography, providing crisp details that bring the action closer. Despite its variable aperture, the lens compensates with an effective Optical Stabilization system, ensuring sharp images even in challenging light conditions.

Constructed to endure, this lens boasts a robust build with thoughtful weather sealing, making it a reliable companion for outdoor shoots. Its optical performance is impressive, minimizing aberrations and delivering consistent sharpness across the zoom range. The autofocus is swift and precise, capturing fleeting moments with ease.

For photographers in search of a lens that offers both reach and reliability, the Sigma 150-600mm stands out as a top choice. Its combination of optical excellence and practical features, like the customizable AFL button and zoom torque switch, makes it a valuable tool for those looking to push their telephoto photography further.

The Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS | S for Sony E is a remarkable zoom lens that offers an extraordinary range, making it incredibly versatile for a wide array of photographic needs. From capturing expansive landscapes at 60mm to zooming in on distant wildlife at 600mm, this lens covers nearly every scenario a photographer might encounter. Its variable aperture, while not the widest, is compensated by an effective Optical Stabilization system, ensuring sharp images even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.

Constructed to withstand the rigors of professional use, the lens is both durable and ergonomically designed for comfortable handling, despite its significant weight. Its optical performance is impressive, delivering sharp, clear images with well-controlled aberrations. The autofocus is quick and reliable, essential for capturing fast-moving subjects. For photographers looking for a single lens solution that spans an incredible focal length range without sacrificing image quality, the Sigma 60-600mm is a compelling option. Its blend of versatility, performance, and build quality makes it a valuable asset for both wildlife and sports photography.

Conclusion: The Best Telephoto Zoom Lenses for Sony

Amongst this guide to the best Telephoto Zoom Lenses for Sony, catering to various photography needs. From capturing distant wildlife to shooting fast-paced sports, these lenses offer impressive reach and image quality. Each lens has unique features, like quick autofocus and image stabilization, making them suitable for professional photography in different settings.

Our top choice, the Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS, stands out for its versatility and image quality. It’s a great option for those needing reach without sacrificing clarity. If it’s not quite right for you, the there are seven other lenses to consider, each with its strengths, ensuring you can find the right tool for your needs.