8 Best Sony Telephoto Lenses in 2024!

Are you looking to capture stunning, high-quality images from a distance with your Sony camera?

Look no further than this guide on the best Sony telephoto lenses. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a hobbyist, these lenses will elevate your photography game to the next level.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top telephoto lenses available for Sony cameras, including the best overall solution: the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS.

Here are My Top Telephoto Lenses for Sony!

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the products and see what makes them stand out.

Sony FE 70-200 mm F2.8 GM OSS II Full-frame Telephoto Zoom G Master Lens with Optical SteadyShot – The Best Sony Telephoto Lens

Price: $$$$
Focal Length: 70-200 mm
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Filter Diameter: 77 mm
Size: Φ3.5” x 7.875” (88 x 200 mm)
Weight: 36.86 oz. / 2.3 lb / 1045 g

Why buy the Sony FE 70-200 mm F2.8 GM OSS II?

• The best image quality and optical performance
• Superb autofocus system
• Outstanding build quality and weather-sealing
• Versatile focal length range

Sony has done it again with the FE 70-200 mm F2.8 GM OSS II Full-frame Telephoto Zoom G Master Lens. It’s one of the best telephoto lenses Sony has ever made, it’s one of the Sony holy trinity lenses, and it’s packed with advanced features that make it a must-have for professional and amateur photographers alike.

First of all, the image quality is simply outstanding. The lens is built with 17 elements in 14 groups, including 2 ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements, 2 Super ED elements, and 1 ED aspherical element to minimize chromatic aberration. This results in superb sharpness, clarity, and contrast, even at the maximum aperture of f/2.8.

The autofocus system is also top-notch, with a fast and accurate linear motor that ensures quick and precise focusing. It also has 3 customizable focus hold buttons that allow you to lock in your focus and recompose your shot without losing your focus point.

In terms of build quality, the FE 70-200 mm F2.8 GM OSS II is a work of art. It’s made with high-quality materials and has excellent weather sealing, making it resistant to dust and moisture. It’s also equipped with Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, which compensates for camera shake and helps you get sharp images even in low light.

The focal length range of 70-200 mm makes this lens incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for a wide range of photography genres, including sports, wildlife, weddings, portraits, and more. Whether you’re shooting distant subjects or capturing intimate moments, this lens delivers exceptional results.

What you’ll love about the Sony FE 70-200 mm F2.8 GM OSS II

Stunning image quality: This lens is designed to deliver the best image quality possible. The advanced optical design ensures sharpness, clarity, and contrast, even at the maximum aperture of f/2.8.

Fast and accurate autofocus: The linear motor and focus hold button make this lens incredibly fast and precise when focusing. You can trust it to capture the perfect shot every time.

Outstanding build quality: The FE 70-200 mm F2.8 GM OSS II is built to last. It’s made with high-quality materials and has excellent weather sealing, making it resistant to dust and moisture.

Versatile focal length range: Whether you’re shooting sports, wildlife, portraits, or anything in between, the 70-200 mm focal length range makes this lens incredibly versatile.

What you won’t love about the Sony FE 70-200 mm F2.8 GM OSS II

It’s expensive: This lens is not cheap, but if you’re serious about photography and want the best image quality and performance, it’s worth the investment.

It’s heavy: At 2.3 pounds, this lens is not the lightest telephoto lens out there. However, the build quality and image quality more than make up for its weight.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for the best telephoto lens for the Sony e-mount, the FE 70-200 mm F2.8 GM OSS II is the one to get. Its exceptional image quality, fast and accurate autofocus, outstanding build quality, and versatile focal length range make it a must-have for any photographer

Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS Full-frame Telephoto Zoom G Master Lens with Optical SteadyShot – The Best Sony Telephoto Zoom Lenses

If you’re looking for the ultimate telephoto zoom lens for your Sony camera, the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS is the way to go. This lens is packed with features that will make your photography experience the best it can be.

Price: $$$$
Focal Length: 100-400mm
Maximum Aperture: f/4.5-5.6
Filter Diameter: 77 mm
Size: 3.75 x 8.125 in. (93.9 x 205 mm)
Weight: 49.3 oz. / 3.08 lb / 1395g

Why Buy the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS?

The Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS is the ultimate telephoto zoom lens for Sony cameras. With a focal length range of 100-400mm, this lens is perfect for capturing distant subjects such as wildlife, sports, and landscapes. The lens is also equipped with Optical SteadyShot image stabilization (up to 5-axis stabilization becomes available when used with α series bodies that feature in-body stabilization), which helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharper images.

What You’ll Love About the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS

• Exceptional image quality: This lens is part of Sony’s G Master series, which means it is designed to deliver outstanding optical performance. With a maximum aperture of F4.5-5.6 and a minimum aperture of F32-40, this lens is capable of producing sharp, clear images.
• Versatile focal length range: The 100-400mm focal length range of this lens makes it perfect for a wide range of photography subjects. Whether you’re shooting wildlife, sports, or landscapes, this lens has got you covered.
• Fast and accurate autofocus: The Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS is equipped with linear motor and DDSSM (Direct Drive SSM), which provide fast and accurate autofocus performance. This is especially important when shooting fast-moving subjects like wildlife and sports.
• Excellent build quality: This lens is built to last. although, Sony does not guarantee to be 100% dust and moisture-proof.

What You Might Not Love About the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS

• It’s expensive: The Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS is a professional-grade lens, and as such, it comes with a professional-grade price tag. If you’re on a tight budget, this lens may not be for you.
• It’s heavy: Weighing in at 3.08 lbs, this lens is not the lightest option on the market. This can make it difficult to carry around for long periods of time.

Conclusion

Suppose you’re a professional or serious amateur photographer needing a high-quality telephoto zoom lens for your Sony camera. In that case, the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS is an excellent choice. With its versatile focal length range, exceptional image quality, fast and accurate autofocus, and durable build quality, this lens is sure to meet all your photography needs. Just keep in mind that it’s expensive and heavy, so it may not be the best option for everyone.

Sony FE 85 mm F1.4 GM Full-frame Telephoto Prime G Master Lens – The Best Sony Prime Lenses for Portraits

Price: $$$
Focal Length: 85 mm
Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
Filter Diameter: 77 mm
Size: 3.375 x 4.375 in.
Weight: 27.5 oz. / 2.9 pounds

Why buy the Sony FE 85 mm F1.4 GM?

• Stunning bokeh and image quality: The Sony FE 85 mm F1.4 GM is a G Master lens that delivers unparalleled sharpness, clarity, and contrast in images. The lens is perfect for portraits and portrait photographers, weddings, and other situations where you want to create a beautiful bokeh effect.
  
• Fast and precise autofocus: The lens is equipped with a direct drive SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) system that provides fast and accurate autofocus, even in low-light conditions.
  
• Durable and weather-resistant design: The Sony FE 85 mm F1.4 GM lens is built to last with a durable magnesium alloy body that is dust and moisture-resistant. You can use it in almost any weather condition without worrying about damage.
  
• Versatile: The 85 mm focal length makes this lens perfect for a variety of applications. You can use it for portraits, weddings, events, or even for street photography.
  

What you’ll love about the Sony FE 85 mm F1.4 GM

• Beautiful bokeh: The lens produces stunning bokeh that is creamy and smooth. The F1.4 aperture and 11-blade circular diaphragm create a shallow depth of field, isolating your subject and blurring the background beautifully.
  
• Excellent sharpness: The lens is razor-sharp, even when shooting wide open at F1.4. The detail and clarity are outstanding, making it a great lens for professional photographers.
  
• Fast and accurate autofocus: The lens features a direct drive SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) system that provides fast and precise autofocus, even in low light conditions. This makes it easy to capture sharp, in-focus images every time.
  

Related article: Best Sony Prime Lenses

What you won’t love about the Sony FE 85 mm F1.4 GM

• Expensive: The Sony FE 85 mm F1.4 GM lens is a premium lens, and it comes with a premium price tag. It may not be the best option for those on a tight budget.
  
• Heavy and bulky: The lens is quite heavy and bulky, which may make it difficult to carry around for long periods of time. It is best used with a tripod or monopod to reduce hand fatigue.
  

If you’re looking for the ultimate portrait prime lens that delivers stunning image quality, beautiful bokeh, and fast and precise autofocus, the Sony FE 85 mm F1.4 GM is the best option. While it may be expensive, the lens is built to last and will provide you with excellent performance for years to come.

Sony FE 400 mm F2.8 GM OSS Full-frame Super-telephoto Prime G Master Lens with Optical SteadyShot – The best Sony Super Telephoto Lens

Price: $$$$$
Focal Length: 400 mm
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Filter Diameter: 40.5 mm (slot-in)
Size: 6.25 x 14.25″ (158.1 x 359 mm)
Weight: 102.2 oz / 6.38 lb / 2,895 g

The Sony FE 400 mm F2.8 GM OSS Full-frame Super-telephoto Prime G Master Lens is the ultimate choice for professional photographers who demand the highest image quality and performance from their gear. This lens is designed for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras and has a fixed focal length of 400mm and a fast F2.8 aperture, making it ideal for sports, wildlife, and other fast-moving subjects.

Why buy the Sony FE 400 mm F2.8 GM OSS?

• Unmatched image quality: The Sony FE 400 mm F2.8 GM OSS delivers stunning image quality with exceptional sharpness, clarity, and contrast. The lens is built with advanced optical elements, including three fluorite elements, which minimize chromatic aberration and other optical distortions. The result is breathtaking images with outstanding color rendition and detail.
  
• Superb performance: The lens is designed for the most demanding photographers who need the best possible performance from their gear. It features a fast and accurate autofocus system that locks onto subjects quickly and tracks them with precision. The lens also has Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, which minimizes camera shake and allows you to shoot at slower shutter speeds without sacrificing image quality (up to 5-axis image stabilization when comes with a supportive α body).
  
• Rugged and durable: The Sony FE 400 mm F2.8 GM OSS is built to withstand the rigors of professional use. The lens is weather-sealed and dust-resistant, so you can shoot in challenging environments without worrying about damage to your gear. It’s also built with a magnesium alloy body that’s both lightweight and strong.
  

What you’ll love about the Sony FE 400 mm F2.8 GM OSS

• Outstanding bokeh: The lens’s fast F2.8 aperture and 11-blade circular diaphragm create a beautiful bokeh effect that separates the subject from the background and makes it pop.
  
• Exceptional build quality: The lens is built to last with a durable and weather-sealed design that can withstand even the toughest shooting conditions.
  
• Great for sports and wildlife photography: The lens’s long focal length and fast aperture make it perfect for capturing fast-moving subjects with incredible detail and sharpness.
  

What you won’t love about the Sony FE 400 mm F2.8 GM OSS

• It’s expensive: The Sony FE 400 mm F2.8 GM OSS is a premium lens that comes with a high price tag. It’s not the right choice for everyone, but for those who demand the best possible performance from their gear, it’s worth every penny.
  
• It’s heavy: The lens weighs 6.38 pounds, making it a bit cumbersome to carry around for extended periods. But the weight is necessary for the high-quality optics and sturdy build.
  

If you’re a professional photographer who needs the best possible performance from your gear, the Sony FE 400 mm F2.8 GM OSS Full-frame Super-telephoto Prime G Master Lens with Optical SteadyShot is the ultimate choice. It’s built to withstand the most challenging shooting conditions and delivers outstanding image quality with exceptional sharpness and clarity. While it comes with a high price tag, it’s worth every penny for those who demand the best.

Sony FE 600 mm F4 GM OSS Full-frame Super-telephoto Prime G Master Lens with Optical SteadyShot – The best Sony Super Telephoto Prime Lens

Price: $$$$$
Focal Length: 600 mm
Maximum Aperture: f/4
Filter Diameter: 40.5 mm (slot-in)
Size: 6.5 x 17.75 in. (163.6 mm x 449 mm)
Weight: 107.3 oz. / 6.7 lbs / 3,040 g

Why buy the Sony FE 600 mm F4 GM OSS?

• Outstanding image quality with crisp and sharp details
• Advanced autofocus system that is fast and accurate
• Optical SteadyShot technology for stable handheld shooting
• Durable and weather-sealed construction
• Ideal for sports, wildlife, and bird photography

Introducing the Sony FE 600 mm F4 GM OSS, the ultimate telephoto lens for professional photographers. With its exceptional optical performance, advanced autofocus system, and Optical SteadyShot technology, this lens is designed to deliver stunning images of distant subjects.

The lens features a maximum aperture of f/4, allowing you to capture sharp and detailed photos even in low-light conditions. The 600mm focal length provides an incredibly narrow field of view, making it the perfect lens for sports, wildlife, and bird photography.

One of the standout features of the Sony FE 600 mm F4 GM OSS is its advanced autofocus system. With 3 focus hold buttons, full-time manual focus, and a customizable focus range limiter, this lens offers a range of options for focusing on your subject. The autofocus system is also fast and accurate, making it easier to capture the perfect shot.

Another key feature of the Sony FE 600 mm F4 GM OSS is its Optical SteadyShot technology, which provides up to 5-axis Stabilization is available with compatible α bodies. This allows you to shoot with confidence, even in challenging lighting conditions.

The lens is also built to withstand the rigors of professional use. It features a durable, weather-sealed construction that can withstand dust and moisture, making it ideal for outdoor photography.

What you’ll love about the Sony FE 600 mm F4 GM OSS

• Exceptional image quality with sharp and detailed results
• Fast and accurate autofocus system that can be customized to your needs
• Optical SteadyShot technology for stable handheld shooting
• Durable and weather-sealed construction that can withstand the elements
• Beautiful bokeh with creamy out-of-focus areas

What you won’t love about the Sony FE 600 mm F4 GM OSS

• The lens is heavy, weighing in at 6.7 lbs.
• It’s expensive, with a price tag of $$$$$
• Limited versatility due to its specialized telephoto design
• The 40.5mm filter diameter is not a common size, making it harder to find compatible filters

If you’re a professional photographer in need of a specialized telephoto lens for sports, wildlife, and bird photography, the Sony FE 600 mm F4 GM OSS is an excellent choice. With its exceptional image quality, advanced autofocus system, and Optical SteadyShot technology, this lens will help you capture stunning photos that will stand out from the rest. However, if you’re looking for a more versatile lens that can handle a wider range of subjects, you may want to consider other options.

Sony FE 200–600 mm F5.6–6.3 G OSS Full-frame Telephoto Zoom G Lens with Optical SteadyShot – The Best Sony Telephoto Zoom Lens

Price: $$$$
Focal Length: 200-600 mm
Maximum Aperture: f/5.6-6.3
Filter Diameter: 95 mm
Size: 4.5 x 12.625 in. (111.5 x 318 mm)
Weight: 74.7 oz (2,115 g)

Why buy the Sony telephoto lens 200-600mm?

• Perfect for wildlife and sports photography
• Excellent build quality and ergonomics
• Optical SteadyShot ensures sharp images even in low light
• Fast and accurate autofocus
• Super telephoto reach with great image quality

Introducing the Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS Full-frame Telephoto Zoom G Lens – the perfect choice for wildlife and sports photographers. This lens has been designed to provide unparalleled sharpness and clarity, allowing you to capture stunning images of your subject.

One of the standout features of this lens is the excellent build quality and ergonomics. It feels solid in the hand and is weather-sealed, making it perfect for use in harsh outdoor conditions. The lens is also designed with ease of use in mind, with a large zoom ring and a focus ring that are easy to manipulate, even while wearing gloves.

The Optical SteadyShot technology of this lens ensures that your images will be sharp and clear, even in low light conditions. This is essential when photographing fast-moving subjects, such as wildlife or sports, where a blurry image can ruin the shot. The autofocus system of the lens is also fast and accurate, making it easy to capture the perfect moment.

With a focal length of 200-600mm, this lens offers super-telephoto zoom that can reach as far as 840 mm or 1,200 mm with 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters, with full G lens quality and AF performance. The aperture range of f/5.6-6.3 ensures that you can capture stunning images even in some low light conditions.

What you’ll love about the Sony FE 200-600mm

• Super telephoto reach with excellent image quality
• Optical SteadyShot ensures sharp images even in low light
• Fast and accurate autofocus
• Weather-sealed and durable build quality
• Large zoom and focus rings for easy manipulation

What you won’t love about the Sony FE 200-600mm

• It’s not cheap, but worth the investment for professional photographers
• At 2,115 grams, it’s a heavy lens to carry around all-day

If you’re a wildlife or sports photographer looking for a lens that can deliver stunning images with excellent sharpness and clarity, the Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS Full-frame Telephoto Zoom G Lens is an excellent choice. While it may not be the cheapest option on the market, it’s worth the investment for the quality of images it can produce.

Sony FE 24-240mm F3.5-6.3 OSS Full-frame Telephoto Zoom Lens with Optical SteadyShot – The Best Sony Super Zoom Lens

Price: $$$
Focal Length: 24-240 mm
Maximum Aperture: f/3.5-6.3
Filter Diameter: 72 mm
Size: 3.25 x 4.75 in. (80.5 x 118.5 mm)
Weight: 27.6 oz. (780 g)

Why buy the Sony FE 24-240mm?

The Sony FE 24-240mm F3.5-6.3 OSS is the best all-in-one telephoto zoom lens for Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras. It offers an impressive zoom range of 24-240mm, making it a versatile lens that can handle a variety of shooting situations. Plus, the lens comes equipped with Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, which reduces camera shake and blur when shooting handheld.

The lens also boasts fast, precise autofocus and a quiet focus mechanism, making it an ideal choice for capturing both stills and video. And with a durable construction, it’s built to withstand even the toughest shooting conditions.

What you’ll love about the Sony FE 24-240mm

• Incredible versatility: With a 24-240mm zoom range, this lens can handle a wide range of shooting situations. From landscapes and portraits to sports and wildlife, you’ll be able to capture it all with this lens.
• Image stabilization: The Optical SteadyShot image stabilization system helps to reduce camera shake and blur, allowing you to shoot sharp images even in low light conditions.
• Fast and accurate autofocus: The lens features a fast and precise autofocus system that allows you to capture sharp images quickly and easily. Plus, the focus mechanism is virtually silent, making it ideal for shooting video.
• Durable construction: The lens is built to withstand even the toughest shooting conditions. It’s dust and moisture-resistant, so you can take it with you wherever you go.

What you won’t love about the Sony FE 24-240mm

• Pricey: At a price point of $$$, this lens is not cheap. However, if you’re looking for a high-quality all-in-one telephoto zoom lens, the Sony FE 24-240mm is worth the investment.
• Not as fast as other telephoto lenses: With a maximum aperture range of F3.5-6.3, this lens is not as fast as other telephoto lenses. However, the Optical SteadyShot image stabilization system helps to make up for it by allowing you to shoot at slower shutter speeds without introducing a camera shake.

If you’re looking for the best all-in-one telephoto zoom lens for Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras, the Sony FE 24-240mm F3.5-6.3 OSS is the way to go. It offers incredible versatility, image stabilization, fast and accurate autofocus, and durable construction. While it may be a bit pricey, it’s worth the investment if you’re serious about photography.

Sony E 55–210 mm F4.5-6.3 OSS APS-C Telephoto Zoom Lens with Optical SteadyShot – The Best Sony Budget Telephoto Lens

Price: $
Focal Length: 55-210 mm
Maximum Aperture: f/4.5-6.3
Filter Diameter: 49 mm
Size: 2.625 x 4.375 in. (63.8 x 108 mm)
Weight: 12.2 oz (345 g)

The Sony E 55–210 mm F4.5-6.3 OSS APS-C Telephoto Zoom Lens with Optical SteadyShot is one of the best telephoto lenses available for Sony cameras. It is perfect for sports and wildlife photography, as well as portraits and other situations that require a longer focal length. Here’s what makes it stand out:

Why buy the Sony E 55–210 mm F4.5-6.3 OSS?

• Excellent image quality: The lens produces sharp and detailed images, even at the longest focal lengths. It also has good color reproduction and contrast.
  
• Optical SteadyShot: The built-in image stabilization system compensates for camera shake, making it easier to get sharp photos even when shooting handheld.
  
• Compact and lightweight: The lens is small and light, making it easy to carry around and use for extended periods.
  
• Affordable price: Compared to other telephoto lenses, the Sony E 55–210 mm F4.5-6.3 OSS is relatively inexpensive, making it an excellent value for the price.
  

What you’ll love about the Sony E 55–210 mm F4.5-6.3 OSS

• Versatility: The 55-210mm focal length range is perfect for a wide range of shooting situations, from portraits to sports to wildlife.
  
• Fast and quiet autofocus: The autofocus system is fast and accurate, and it works quietly, making it ideal for video as well as stills.
  
• Compact size: The lens is small and light, making it easy to carry around and use for extended periods.
  

What you won’t love about the Sony E 55–210 mm F4.5-6.3 OSS

• Maximum aperture: With a maximum aperture of f/4.5-6.3, this lens may not be the best choice for shooting in low light conditions.
  
• Plastic construction: The lens is made of plastic, which may not be as durable as more expensive lenses.
  
• Not suitable for full-frame cameras: The Sony E 55–210 is designed for APS-C sensor cameras, so it may not be compatible with full-frame Sony cameras.

If you’re looking for an affordable and versatile telephoto lens for your Sony camera, the Sony E 55–210 mm F4.5-6.3 OSS APS-C Telephoto Zoom Lens with Optical SteadyShot is an excellent choice. Its excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and compact size make it an ideal lens for a wide range of shooting situations.

Conclusion

After extensive research and testing, the clear winner of the best Sony telephoto lens roundup is the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS. This lens stands out for its exceptional sharpness, fast and accurate autofocus, and beautiful bokeh. The build quality is also impressive, with weather sealing and a durable design that can withstand heavy use.

Coming in as a close runner-up is the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS, which offers a longer zoom range and a more affordable price point. This lens is also incredibly sharp and produces beautiful images, but may not be as versatile as the 70-200mm lens. Overall, the Sony telephoto lenses we reviewed are all exceptional, but the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS stands out as the best choice for professionals or serious hobbyists. It offers the perfect combination of versatility, image quality, and durability, making it the perfect lens for a wide range of photography needs. Whether shooting sports, wildlife, or portraits, this lens is a top-performing choice that will not disappoint. You can find the full list here.