The best 70-200mm lens opens up a new world of photographic possibilities. It’s one of the most versatile zoom lenses you can use. And every photographer should have one in their arsenal. But which one is best? You need good optical quality, smooth AF, and a fast aperture.
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III is our top choice. It has a fast max aperture of f/2.8 for excellent low-light performance. It has built-in image stabilization. And you get edge-to-edge clarity throughout the zoom range.
This lens is exclusive to Canon users. But keep reading to see the best 70-200mm lenses for Nikon, Sony, and Pentax cameras.
What are the Best 70-200mm Lenses?
The 70-200mm lens is one of the most versatile in photography. It gives you a wide zoom range. You get excellent magnification for snapping distant subjects. And you can use them for everything from portraits to sports photography. Everyone needs one in their camera backpack.
The lens mount is the first thing to look at when choosing the best 70-200mm lens. Obviously, you need a lens that is compatible with your camera. Canon and Nikon have DSLR and mirrorless camera ranges. Make sure the lens aligns with the correct type of camera.
You also have third-party brands like Sigma. They make lenses that are compatible with different camera manufacturers. Here, you must be extra careful about choosing the correct lens mount.
You also need to look at the maximum aperture. This determines the low-light performance of the lens. You also want an autofocus motor that’s quick, quiet, and reliable. And there are other features like optical stabilization or vibration reduction. These can improve performance and image quality.
Here’s a quick rundown of the best 70-200mm lenses. The following section looks at each 70-200mm lens in more detail. We also have a buyer’s guide at the end of the article. Check it out if you need more information on selecting the best 70-200mm lens.
- Constant f/2.8 maximum aperture
- ASC minimizes ghosting and flare
- Up to 3.5 stops of shake correction
- Highly resistant to dust and water
- Fast f/2.8 Zoom Nikkor lens for sports, photojournalism, and wildlife
- Nikon VR II image stabilization for sharper images
- 7 Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements for superior sharpness and color
- Nano Crystal Coat and Super Integrated Coating (SIC) for reduced flare and ghosting
- Sony's G Master line gives you stunning quality for stills and video
- XD Linear Motors for fast and precise continuous autofocus and tracking
- Quiet operation with independent control rings for focus, zoom, and iris
- Lightweight and improved balance for easy, agile handling
- Designed to fit the EOS R system
- Lightest and shortest 70-200mm f/2.8 lens
- High image quality and bright f/2.8 aperture
- Optical image stabilization up to 5 stops of shake correction
- Fast, powerful 70-200mm telephoto zoom with a constant f/2.8 aperture
- Ideal lens for sports, concerts, weddings, wildlife, portraiture, and more
- Focus can be achieved as close as 0.5m from subject
- Customizable function buttons and control ring for versatility
- Developed as part of the Pentax Star Series for exceptional image quality
- In-camera shake reduction and lens stabilization for sharp images
- Pentax original lens coating for low reflectance and high contrast
- Dustproof, weather-resistant structure and nine-blade rounded diaphragm for beautiful bokeh
- Constant f/2.8 aperture over entire zoom range
- Two FLD glass elements for excellent color correction
- Super Multi-Layer Coating for reduced flare and ghosting
- HSM for quiet and high speed AF with full-time manual focus
- Constant max aperture throughout the zoom range
- Impressive lens construction with 23 elements in 17 groups
- Dual autofocus motor system for faster and more accurate focusing
- Built-in optical stabilization gives you sharper images in low light
- Sony's OSS stabilization system gives you better exposure control
- The AF motor is fast, quiet, and reliable for moving subjects
- Includes a circular polarizer to deepen the intensity of blue skies and reduce glare
- More compact than most telephoto lenses
9 Best 70-200mm Lenses
Now we’ll look at each 70-200mm lens in more detail. We have the best lenses for Nikon and Canon cameras. And that includes 70-200mm lenses for DSLR and mirrorless models. And we’ve listed lenses for Sony and Pentax cameras. There’s a good selection of 70-200mm lenses, so everyone can find the telephoto lens they need.
1. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Canon EF
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
70-200 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
1
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
USM AF, AS Coating, image stabilization, weather sealed
|
| Best For |
Best For
Canon DSLR cameras
|
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III is the best 70-200mm for Canon users. It’s compatible with their range of DSLR cameras. This is Canon’s third version of this lens. And this is definitely the best one.
The optical quality is outstanding. Telephoto lenses often suffer from chromatic aberration and distortion. But you don’t need to worry about that with this lens. You get edge-to-edge clarity throughout the zoom range.
The outer glass elements have Canon’s Air Sphere Coating (ASC). This prevents flare and ghosting, which is ideal when working with bright lights. That’s helpful when working in bright sunlight, studio lighting, and floodlights.
The fast f/2.8 max aperture is one of the top selling points for this lens. It’s a constant aperture, so it’s available at any point in the focal length range. That gives you excellent low-light performance. And it gives you more control over your exposure settings. You can achieve a rich and smooth blurred background when using a shallow depth of field.
An optical image stabilization system is also built into the lens. It gives you 3.5 stops of shake reduction. That allows you to shoot with a slower shutter speed. And that means you get even better low-light performance.
The front glass element has a fluorine coating that prevents smears and scratches. And the lens is weather sealed, so you can use it outdoors in all . Canon’s superior Ultra-Sonic Motor (USM) drives the autofocus. And it is smooth, fast, and quiet.
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III is a lens of supreme quality. It’s versatile, robust, and delivers on image quality. It’s popular with a wide variety of photographers, particularly sports photographers. That’s why it also tops our list of the best lenses for sports photography.
2. Nikon AF-S FX 70-200mm f/2.8 ED VR II
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon F
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
70-200 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
1
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Vibration Reduction, 7 ED elements, Nano Crystal coating, 9-blade aperture
|
| Best For |
Best For
Nikon DSLR cameras
|
If you have a Nikon DSLR, you need the Nikon AF-S FX 70-200mm f/2.8 II. It’s a top-quality telephoto lens with fantastic optics and exceptional build quality. You can use it for portraits and fashion photography. And you can also use it to shoot sports and wildlife photography.
The glass engineering is outstanding. You get sharp, distortion-free images throughout the zoom range. Nikon has achieved this by using seven extra-low dispersion (ED) elements. And the outer elements also have a Nano Crystal coating to reduce lens flare.
The fast f/2.8 max aperture gives you excellent exposure control. And you get extra help from Nikon’s vibration reduction system. It gives you four stops of compensation. And that makes this one of the best telephoto lenses for low-light photography. It’s a great option for large concerts.
The wide maximum aperture also helps you get a shallow depth of field. And the 9-blade circular aperture diaphragm enhances the smooth bokeh effect. That’s why this Nikon lens is popular with photographers trying to profit from portraits.
Nikon users will love the Nikon AF-S FX 70-200mm f/2.8 II. It’s a high-quality lens that will improve your photography. Whether you’re shooting product, sport, or concert photography, it’s a worthy investment.
3. Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 ED GM OSS
| Brand |
Brand
Sony
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Sony E
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
70-200 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
1
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
OSS stabilization, Nano AR coating, XDL AF motor
|
| Best For |
Best For
Videographers using Sony full frame cameras
|
The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 ED GM OSS is a professional-grade telephoto lens. The build quality is outstanding. It has excellent features for improved performance. And it delivers sensational results for videography and photography.
The pristine glass gives you outstanding image quality. It has two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements. There are two Super ED elements and an ED aspherical element. They work together to minimize chromatic aberration, giving you razor-sharp images. You also get a Nano anti-reflective (AR) coating that reduces flare.
This lens uses Sony’s best AF motor to date. The Extreme Dynamic (XD) Linear Motor gives you smooth and fast focusing. It’s nearly 4x times faster than the previous motors. And it still makes very little noise. There’s a switch on the barrel so you can quickly change between auto and manual focusing.
Sony has included technology that reduces focus breathing, focus shift, and axis shift. These can be problems when zooming or changing focus while filming. But the lens improves performance when shooting video, giving you more professional footage. It also has Sony’s Optical Steady Shot (OSS) image stabilization. This gives you sharper shots and more exposure control.
Filmmakers and photographers will love the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 ED GM OSS. It delivers cinema-quality results. And it’s the perfect partner for one of Sony’s excellent cameras for videography.
4. Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Canon RF
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
70-200 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
1
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Built-in image stabilization, Dual-nano USM AF, SW Coating
|
| Best For |
Best For
Canon full frame mirrorless cameras
|
The Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L is the best lens for Canon mirrorless cameras. The lens quality is incredible. It has two AF motors for ultra-fast focusing. And it has built-in image stabilization for consistently sharp images. It delivers professional results for everything from sports to portrait photography.
We’re impressed with the sharp optics. There’s no aberration or distortion at any point in the zoom range. And several elements have a Sub-Wavelength Coating (SWC). This special coating reduces flare and ghosting, improving image quality further.
The autofocus performance is unrivaled. The two Ultra-Sonic Motors make it fast and responsive. You really appreciate the speed when working with fast-moving subjects. And that makes it a great zoom lens for wonderful wildlife photography.
The constant f/2.8 aperture gives you excellent control over your exposure settings. You get excellent low-light performance at any focal length. And you can achieve a beautiful shallow depth of field. The image stabilization gives you even better options in low light. It gives you five stops of shake compensation.
The Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L is a rugged and robust zoom lens that’s weather sealed for outdoor use. It’s compact for a zoom lens, so it easily fits in your camera bag. And it has a minimum focus distance of 2.3 ft (70 cm). That makes it a top choice for portraits and product photography.
5. Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
70-200 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
1
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Customizable function buttons on barrel, dust and water-resistant
|
| Best For |
Best For
Nikon mirrorless cameras
|
The Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 is a must-have lens for Nikon mirrorless cameras. The low-light performance is excellent. You get sharp images at every point in the zoom range. And it’s an excellent choice for videographers too.
The f/2.8 aperture is constant throughout the focal range. That gives you excellent control over your exposure settings. You can work in low-light situations. And you can achieve effects like a soft bokeh background for portrait and product shots.
The autofocus motor is fast and reliable. And it’s ultra-quiet, so the sound won’t be picked up when shooting video. The lens also prevents focus breathing when changing the focus point mid-shot. This gives you beautiful results for videography and cinematography.
With a minimum focus distance of 1.6 ft (50 cm), it’s an ideal lens for product photography. You can capture gorgeous, tightly-framed close-ups of your product. And these are positives for portrait photographers too.
The Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 is dust and water-resistant. That means you can shoot outdoors in testing conditions, whether at a sports game, concert, or on safari. It’s one of the best lenses in Nikon’s Z-mount range.
6. Pentax D FA 70-200mm f/2.8
| Brand |
Brand
Pentax
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Pentax K
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
70-200 mm
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Shake reduction system, weather sealed, rounded diaphragm
|
| Best For |
Best For
Pentax full frame cameras
|
Pentax cameras are renowned for being robust. And the Pentax D FA 70-200mm f/2.8 is the perfect partner for a rugged Pentax camera. The lens is dustproof and weather sealed for outdoor photography. And it delivers on performance and image quality.
The lens uses several glass coatings to keep distortion and flare to a minimum. The Aero Bright Coating II reduces light reflections. This allows you to work in bright light with no signs of flare or ghosting.
The constant max aperture gives you excellent exposure control through the zoom range. And you get a built-in shake reduction system. It counteracts camera shake, giving you even more shutter speed options.
The fast max aperture also helps you achieve smooth background bokeh. And this effect is enhanced by the 9-blade rounded aperture diaphragm. You get a soft background blur and smooth bokeh balls. But you don’t lose any sharpness of the in-focus areas.
The AF motor is fast, reliable, and quiet. And the quick-shift system allows you to easily switch between auto and manual focus. Simply hold down the shutter release button halfway and turn the focus ring.
The Pentax D FA 70-200mm f/2.8 is the best 70-200mm lens for Pentax cameras. It’s a robust lens that doesn’t cut any corners regarding quality. It’s worth every penny.
Check out our full list of the best Pentax lenses. It has all the lenses a Pentax user could need.
7. Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 APO
| Brand |
Brand
Sigma
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
70-200 mm
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Built-in optical stabilization, HSM AF system, constant max aperture
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers looking for excellent value
|
Some third-party lenses have a questionable reputation. But Sigma has proved that they are more than just a budget option. And the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 APO is the perfect example. It’s a well-constructed telephoto zoom lens. It has a fast max aperture and built-in optical stabilization.
The aperture range goes from f/2.8 to f/22. And the max f/2.8 aperture is constant throughout the zoom range. That gives you excellent freedom with your exposure controls. And you get better results in low-light situations.
The built-in optical stabilization gives you an additional four stops of shake compensation. That improves low-light performance even more. And you have several stabilization modes to work with. You get normal, panning, and dual modes. That’s excellent news for video makers.
The autofocus is driven by a Hyper-Sonic Motor (HSM). It’s fast and reliable but barely makes a sound. And you have a full-time manual override option.
The Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 APO is one of Sigma’s best telephoto zoom lenses. The one pictured above has a Canon EF mount. But you can also get this lens for Nikon, Sony, and Sigma cameras.
8. Panasonic Lumix S Pro 70-200mm f/4 OIS
| Brand |
Brand
Panasonic LUMIX
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Leica L
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 4.0
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
70-200 mm
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Optical image stabilization, dual focus system, rugged build quality
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers and videographers with a full frame Panasonic Lumix camera
|
The Panasonic Lumix S Pro 70-200mm f/4 is an outstanding telephoto zoom. It’s compatible with Panasonic Lumix full frame cameras. It’s a beautifully constructed and rugged piece of photography equipment. And it has top features like image stabilization.
The lens contains 23 glass elements arranged in 17 groups. They are a combination of aspherical and Extra-Low Dispersion lenses. They suppress chromatic aberration. And ghosting and flare are kept to a minimum.
The lens has a unique dual-focus system. It uses both a linear and stepping motor, achieving super-fast focusing speeds. It’s one of the quickest AF systems on the market. And it works just as well for video as it does for photography.
The f/4 max aperture isn’t the fastest. But it is constant throughout the zoom range. That means you don’t lose any performance when you zoom in. The optical image stabilizer also compensates for the slow aperture. Combined with the image stabilization found in Panasonic Lumix cameras, it gives you six stops of compensation.
The Panasonic Lumix S Pro 70-200mm f/4 is a robust lens. It’s dust and splash-resistant. And it operates in sub-zero temperatures. You can use it in all weather conditions. And it’s a top-quality lens for photography and video production.
9. Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS
| Brand |
Brand
Sony
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 4.0
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
70-200 mm
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
OSS stabilization, Nano AR coating, focus range limiter
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers with a full frame Sony camera
|
The Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS is another fantastic option for Sony users. It doesn’t have some of the more advanced features of the previous Sony lens. But this still delivers excellent results.
The lens engineering is brilliant. You get Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) elements. There are aspherical elements. And there’s a Nano AR coating on the outer glass. All of these features come together to give you edge-to-edge sharpness and distortion-free images.
The maximum aperture is slow at f/4. That doesn’t give you the same exposure options as some other lenses. But low-light performance is improved by Sony’s OSS stabilization. It reduces signs of camera shake, giving you sharper images.
The AF system is reliable for a zoom lens of this size. You also get a focus hold button which locks the focus distance. This is really helpful if you’re using a photography tripod. And there’s a focus range limiter. Setting the focus range helps the AF lock onto your subject even more quickly. It’s a useful feature for wildlife and sports photographers.
The Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS is a beautiful lens for all types of photography. The dust and moisture-resistant body allows you to shoot outside. And it’s a well-made lens that delivers stunning images.
Buyer’s Guide for 70-200mm Lenses
This section goes into more detail about the best 70-200mm lenses. We receive a lot of questions on this topic, so we’ve answered the most common ones. The answers will help you find the best 70-200mm lens to improve your photography.
What Are 70-200mm Lenses Good For?
A 70-200mm lens is one of the most versatile lenses you can get. Photographers from various disciplines use a 70-200mm as their go-to lens. And even if it’s not their first choice, most photographers have one in their collection.
Portrait and Product Photography
Any focal length between 70 and 120mm is great for portrait photography. It gives you a tightly framed composition, which is ideal for intimate portraits.
This is also beneficial if you’re shooting product photography. You can get close-up, detailed shots of your subject. And the zoom capabilities mean you have more flexibility with positioning. That’s why this type of lens is also popular in fashion and editorial photography.
Sports and Wildlife Photography
The magnification of a 70-200mm lens gets you closer to distant subjects. You can get close to sports players from the sidelines. And you can take pictures of animals without startling them or putting yourself in danger.
Some wildlife and sports photographers prefer super-telephoto lenses. But a 70-200mm gives photography enthusiasts the magnification they need to capture their subjects.
Videography
70-200mm lenses are becoming more and more popular with videographers. The wide focal length range gives you incredible flexibility when shooting video. You can zoom in and out over long distances. And you can change the angle of your shot without changing lenses.
What Features Are Important in a 70-200mm Lens?
Here are some of the key features of 70-200mm lenses.
Maximum Aperture
The maximum aperture determines how wide the aperture can open. The lower the f-stop, the wider the aperture. That means you get more light into the sensor. And that gives you better low-light performance.
A fast max aperture also gives you more creative control. Using a fast aperture allows you to achieve a shallow depth of field. And a shallow depth of field gives you a lovely bokeh background. This looks fantastic in portrait and product photography.
The best aperture for a 70-200mm lens is f/2.8. It gives you excellent exposure control. And you can achieve beautiful bokeh. Another common maximum aperture is f/4. It’s not as fast, so you don’t get the same low-light performance. But it still gives you good exposure options.
Image Stabilization
Image stabilization is a must in modern telephoto lenses. This feature counteracts camera shake. And this allows you to use slower shutter speeds without the risk of blurred images. It gives you increased control over your exposure settings. And this improves low-light performance, giving you sharper images.
Different brands have different names for their image stabilization systems. Nikon calls it a Vibration Reduction system. And Sony has their Optical Steady Shot system. But they all do the same thing.
Focus Features
An autofocus motor should be quick, quiet, and smooth. But with such a large focal length range to scan, AF motors can be slow. Manufacturers have solved this in different ways. Some have improved motors for larger lenses. Others use two AF motors for one lens. And other lenses use focus limiters to reduce the scan range.
Conclusion: The Best 70-200mm Lenses
The best 70-200mm lens can change the way you operate as a photographer. They give you incredible versatility. You can shoot many different styles of photography without changing lenses. And the best lenses have features that help you achieve the best results.
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III is our choice as the best 70-200mm lens. The build quality is exceptional. You have a fast f/2.8 max aperture and built-in image stabilization. And it produces images with outstanding sharpness.
