Best Lens for Wildlife Photography: Reach on a Budget

Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary

The most accessible way into serious wildlife reach — flexible framing without the weight or cost of a supertelephoto prime.

Best for: Most wildlife situations, entry-level reach

Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3 VC USD G2

A proven, sharp super-telephoto zoom for enthusiasts who've outgrown a first telephoto lens.

Best for: Serious hobbyist wildlife reach

Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM

Versatile, lightweight super-telephoto reach for professional wildlife and birding work.

Best for: Small birds, distant or skittish animals

Sony FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS

Sony calls it the world's lightest full-frame 400mm at f/4.5 or faster: 994 g without the tripod foot, so it can be shot handheld. It has optical stabilisation, a dust and moisture resistant design, and takes Sony's 1.4x and 2x teleconverters.

Best for: Handheld birds and mammals on Sony E-mount

Sony FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS

600mm in 995 g (without the tripod foot), for wildlife Sony says can't be approached closely. f/6.3 is a stop slower than the 400mm f/4.5, so dawn and woodland shots need a higher ISO; it also takes Sony's 1.4x and 2x teleconverters.

Best for: Small and shy birds, distant animals