WILDLIFE

The best Canon cameras and lenses for wildlife photography

Wildlife photographers Marina Cano, Markus Varesvuo and Dani Connor reveal their preferred tools of the trade for producing stunning images of the natural world.
A buzzard, with its wings raised, prepares to take off from a branch, taken on a Canon EOS R7.

The RAW burst option on the Canon EOS R7 can record images up to 0.5 seconds before shooting begins, which makes it easier to capture fleeting or unexpected moments. "It's just incredible for wildlife photography," says Dani Connor. "You can't predict animals, so you don't know when they're going to do something." Taken on a Canon EOS R7 with a Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R and a Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens at 1/6400 sec, f/2.8 and ISO 500. © Dani Connor

Wildlife photography requires patience, persistence and a sound knowledge of animal behaviour and fieldcraft techniques. A very long lens doesn't hurt either. The Canon EOS system has much to offer professional wildlife photographers, with a vast range of telephoto and super-telephoto prime and zoom lenses available, along with high-speed, high-quality camera bodies, built to withstand punishing conditions like those encountered when seeking elusive animals.

But which Canon cameras and lenses are the best for wildlife photography? To help answer that question, African wildlife specialist Marina Cano and bird photographer Markus Varesvuo, along with wildlife photographer and YouTuber Dani Connor, offer an insight into the cameras and lenses they use to capture their own memorable images of the natural world, while Canon Europe product specialists Mike Burnhill and John Maurice share technical highlights.

This guide includes RF lenses for use with Canon's full-frame and APS-C mirrorless EOS R System cameras, plus EF lenses, which can be used with EOS DSLRs and also EOS R System cameras via an EF-EOS R Mount Adapter with no loss of quality or functionality.

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A photo taken on a Canon EOS R3 of a Kentish plover running towards the camera on a sandy beach.

Wildlife photographer Bruno D'Amicis put the Canon EOS R3 to the test photographing the elusive Kentish plover on the seashore in Abruzzo, Italy. With the EOS R3's EVF refresh rate of 120fps and continuous shooting speed of up to 30fps with full AF/AE tracking, it has never been easier to follow and capture fast-moving subjects even in low light. Taken on a Canon EOS R3 with a Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM lens at 1/4000 sec, f/4.5 and ISO 1600. © Bruno D'Amicis

 A photo taken on a Canon EOS R3 of an adult male Kentish plover running along the shoreline.

On the EOS R3, the AF tracking, which includes birds as a priority subject, can be used in conjunction with any AF area mode, including the new Flexi Zone AF, where the AF area size and shape can be customised. This unique combination of capabilities makes the EOS R3 ideal for fast-moving small subjects such as these shore birds. Taken on a Canon EOS R3 with a Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM lens and Canon Extender RF 2x at 1/640 sec, f/8 and ISO 400. © Bruno D’Amicis

1. Best mirrorless camera for high-speed wildlife photography: Canon EOS R3

The Canon EOS R3 full-frame mirrorless camera introduces a new level of performance to professional wildlife photography. Featuring a Canon-developed stacked BSI CMOS, the EOS R3 offers a continuous shooting speed of up to 30fps with full AF/AE tracking. It also features a game-changing Eye Control AF system that enables you to move the focus point by moving your eye.

"If you're photographing a flock of birds, for example, you can isolate a single bird more quickly with Eye Control than you can by changing the AF point or moving the camera around to choose the right bird," explains Mike. "With the EOS R3, you have the ability to look anywhere in the frame to choose the right subject for the system to track, while continuing to maintain your composition."

A Canon EOS R3 camera.

Canon EOS R3

A camera designed to capture the fastest moving action and built to meet the exacting demands of professional shooters, with ultra-responsiveness, high sensitivity, reliability and durability.

Subject tracking AF is supported for all AF area settings, including the animal AF for birds, cats and dogs and the new Flexi Zone AF, through which the AF area size and shape can be customised – ideal for creatures great and small. AF modes are backed up by the world's fastest and lowest-light AF for full-frame, focusing in as little as 0.03 seconds and in light conditions as low as -7.5 EV.1

The EOS R3 is equipped with In-body Image Stabilisation (IBIS) technology, providing up to an industry-leading 8-stops of IS when the EOS R3 is paired with certain RF lenses, giving unparalleled flexibility at long focal lengths.

A black and white image of a male lion with a huge mane standing on a rock, taken on a Canon EOS-1D X Mark III.

Canon Ambassador Marina Cano values the fast, continuous shooting speed and autofocus system of her Canon EOS-1D X Mark III. "Together, these features allow you to be ready quickly and catch the best moment," she says. Taken on a Canon EOS-1D X Mark III with a Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM lens at 1/2000 sec, f/4 and ISO 400. © Marina Cano

A serval wild cat clearly visible behind out-of-focus purple flowers in the foreground, photographed on a Canon EOS-1D X Mark III.

"With wildlife, you never know what kind of action you will face," says Marina. "Animals can run behind bushes or move quickly in between branches. But the EOS-1D X Mark III's tracking system is capable of keeping the focus on the subject." Taken on a Canon EOS-1D X Mark III with a Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM lens at 1/1250 sec, f/9 and ISO 2500. © Marina Cano

2. Best DSLR camera for wildlife photography: Canon EOS-1D X Mark III

With its high-speed autofocus, 20fps continuous shooting speed and robust build, the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III is a natural fit for professional wildlife photography.

"When you are shooting wildlife, in my case in Africa, action happens very quickly, and you don't have time to be gentle with the equipment," says Marina. "I often leave my cameras on the dusty ground or on the muddy car floor, and I frequently have to deal with dust clouds or rain coming inside the car as well – sometimes both during the same day.

"On a recent trip to Tanzania, I photographed a cheetah running from mound to mound under heavy rain. There was no time to be worried about getting wet, and I knew I could totally rely on my EOS-1D X Mark III.”

A Canon EOS-1D X Mark III camera.

Canon EOS-1D X Mark III

A tough, reliable and intuitive DSLR with a 20.2MP full-frame sensor and 61-point AF system, the EOS-1D X Mark III lets you capture winning images before the competition.
 A person looking through the viewfinder of a Canon EOS R7 with a 300mm lens attached.

Equipped with a 32MP APS-C sensor, the Canon EOS R7 effectively increases the focal length of a lens by 1.6x. Attach a 300mm lens to the camera, for example, and you can enjoy the equivalent view of a 480mm lens on a full-frame body. This is a huge benefit when photographing animals that you’re unable to get physically close to.

3. Best APS-C camera for extra reach: Canon EOS R7

As the flagship APS-C camera in the EOS R System, the Canon EOS R7 delivers a combination of blistering shooting speed, animal detection AF and exceptional image quality – wrapped up in a lightweight, weather-resistant body that's perfect for long days in the wilderness.

The EOS R7’s 32MP APS-C sensor gives lenses 1.6x the telephoto reach that they would have on a full-frame camera, making it easier to capture close-up shots of skittish birds and animals.

"The sensor is amazing,” says Dani, who used the EOS R7 to photograph Iberian lynx in Spain. "You can crop into your images and still retain excellent resolution. It's a very clever camera too, with lots of features that are really useful for any wildlife photographer – including the RAW burst mode which starts taking photos before you fully press the shutter release.”

A Canon EOS R7 camera.

Canon EOS R7

A lightweight, weather-resistant APS-C mirrorless camera with a 32MP sensor, Dual Pixel CMOS AF and a RAW burst option that starts recording images up to 0.5 seconds before shooting begins.

With its electronic shutter enabled, the EOS R7 is capable of silently recording full-res RAW files at speeds of up to 30fps. It features a vari-angle touchscreen to assist handheld shooting at difficult angles and shares similar IBIS technology to the Canon EOS R3, providing up to 8-stops of IS when paired with an optically stabilised lens. Able to autofocus down to -5 EV for longer shoots spanning changing lighting conditions, the EOS R7 also benefits from the animal and eye tracking autofocus used in the EOS R3 and EOS R6.

"For wildlife, that's a game-changer," says John. "The EOS R7 has the same characteristics as the EOS R3, so you can specify where you want AF tracking to start and the camera will automatically take over from there. If there are four birds on a branch, for example, you can simply tap the screen to highlight the one that you think is going to fly, and then the camera will track the bird as it moves."

In a photo taken on a Canon EOS R5 with a Canon RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM lens, a large white and grey bird hunts for food in shallow water.

"The Canon RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM is a great all-round wildlife lens," says Mike. "It's just as good for small birds in Europe as it is for a wildlife safari setup, where you just can't get close enough." Taken on a Canon EOS R5 with a Canon RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM lens at 1/640 sec, f/9 and ISO 100.

 In a photo taken on a Canon EOS R5 with a Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM lens, a bird of prey sits on a branch, squawking defiantly.

Both the Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM and the RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM will appeal to a new generation of wildlife filmmakers, suggests Mike. "If you’re using the Canon EOS C70, EOS R5 C or other cameras with an RF mount, I can see these lenses being a big benefit for those assignments to shoot rare animals that are not used to being so close to humans." Taken on a Canon EOS R5 with a Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM lens and a Canon Extender RF 2x at 2400mm, 1/1000 sec, f/16 and ISO 6400.

4. Ultimate Canon lenses for professional wildlife photography: Canon RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM and Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM

With their extreme super-telephoto reach and advanced optical designs, the Canon RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM and Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM deliver exceptional wildlife images in demanding situations.

As the successor to the legendary Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6L USM, the Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM has big boots to fill. It's ironic, then, that it does so in a form that's hugely reduced in size and weight – with a saving of around 13kg compared to the original lens.

A Canon RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM lens.

Canon RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM

Designed for EOS R System cameras, this lens is made for wildlife and sports photographers seeking an uncompromised performance in all conditions.

The Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM focuses much closer, too – right down to 4.3 metres – which makes it possible to track wild animals and birds over a greater range of distances. "You also get 4-stops of IS,” explains Mike, "and you can add 1.4x or 2x extenders on top, so you can effectively get a relatively lightweight 1680mm f/11 or 2400mm f/8 lens. For timid animals and birds, or for work where keeping your distance is beneficial, it gives you that bit more range to get the shot.”

Like the Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM, the Canon RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM is fully weather-sealed and the lightest professional lens in its class. Its 800mm focal length, build quality and outstanding clarity make it ideally suited to high-end wildlife assignments.

"This is a lens that you can handhold quite easily," says Mike. "It can open up opportunities where you would normally have to use a monopod or tripod. It's especially good for bird photography, where trying to use a tripod to photograph birds in flight is almost impossible.”

 In a photo taken with a Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM lens, two swans swim on a lake at dusk. The Moon is reflected in the still water behind them.

The Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM is an excellent choice for low-light photography. "The team working on the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM was also partly working on RF lenses at the same time," says Mike. "So these two actually share a lot of the same technology and circuitry." Taken on a Canon EOS R5 with a Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM lens at 1/4000 sec, f/2.8 and ISO 200.

In a photo taken with a Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM lens, a small dipper bird lands at speed in grey water, causing a big splash.

"The wide maximum aperture of the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM lens makes it my number one tool in low-light conditions," says Markus. "For fast action situations, it's also an unbeatable choice." Taken on a Canon EOS R5 with a Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM lens at 1/4000 sec, f/3.2 and ISO 4000. © Markus Varesvuo

5. Best Canon lenses for low-light wildlife photography: Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM and Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM

With their bright f/2.8 maximum apertures and high-quality glass, the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM lens and its RF counterpart, the Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM, deliver outstanding images in the most demanding situations.

"For bird photography in the Finnish winter, the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM is a vital lens," says Markus. "Taking flight shots in low-light conditions is made possible thanks to its combination of fast focusing and fast maximum aperture.”

A Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM lens.

Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM

A high-performance super-telephoto lens with class-leading portability, performance and image quality.

The isolating power of the telephoto focal length, combined with the f/2.8 maximum aperture, makes these professional 400mm lenses a perfect choice for separating an animal or bird from its environment. "I've used the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM at f/2.8 to photograph meerkats, and the background just melted into pure softness," says Marina.

With comparable technologies and feature sets, the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM and RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM offer a similar level of high performance, so whether you prefer to use the mirrorless EOS R System or a DSLR, you can be sure of great quality shots. "And they're both super-lightweight lenses," adds Mike.

That said, however, the 12-pin RF mount connection in EOS R System cameras provides faster, higher-bandwidth communication between the RF lens and the camera, delivering even better focusing performance when the RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM is used with EOS R System cameras such as the EOS R3.

An African fish eagle just above the water, wings outstretched and talons poised, photographed on a Canon EOS-1D X Mark III with a Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM lens.

The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM lens features a 5-stop Image Stabilizer and rapid, ring-type USM autofocus that's helpful when tracking fast-moving subjects, such as this African fish eagle. "I've used this lens to photograph all kinds of wildlife, including elephants, lions, caracals, eagles and herons," says Marina. Taken on a Canon EOS-1D X Mark III with a Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM lens at 1/3200 sec, f/4 and ISO 640. © Marina Cano

In a photo taken on a Canon EOS R5 with a Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM lens, a great spotted woodpecker peers out from behind a tree.

The Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM super-telephoto lens gets you up close and personal with the most reserved of subjects, delivering sublime image quality whatever the conditions. Taken on a Canon EOS R5 with a Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM lens at 1/800 sec, f/4 and ISO 800.

6. Best Canon lenses for bird photography: Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM and Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM

When asked which lens they couldn't live without, both Marina and Markus selected the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM. "The quality is out of this world," says Marina.

Markus requires as much magnification as possible, so he can keep his distance because many of the bird species he photographs are easily spooked. "The EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM is the lens that I use most," he says. "And I use the Extender EF 1.4x III and Extender EF 2x III when necessary, with both the EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM and my EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM, without losing image quality. The extended reach makes it possible to photograph even the most timid species from a distance.”

A Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM lens.

Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM

A high performance super telephoto lens with class-leading portability and performance.

With class-leading portability and performance, the RF mount Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM is also set to be a kitbag essential for pro nature photographers. When paired with the Canon EOS R3, the RF 600mm F4L IS III USM is enhanced for bird photography via the camera's animal AF setting which prioritises birds, as well as the new Flexi Zone AF, which enables you to customise the AF area size and shape – particularly helpful for shooting smaller birds.

For super-telephoto wildlife photography on a budget, also consider the Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM – or even the Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM. "Up until now, 800mm lenses have been too expensive, and they've just been too big and heavy – you have to plan to go out to shoot with them," explains Mike. "But here's a lens that's lighter than a bottle of water, which you can keep in your bag all of the time.”

Previously under EF design parameters it was only really possible to go to f/5.6, John notes, "but as we've seen with the RF 600mm F11 IS STM, RF 800mm F11 IS STM and RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM lenses, you can now make new types of wildlife lenses within an affordable price range and convenient size. Being able to take advantage of the ability of Dual Pixel CMOS AF to focus down to f/22 makes new lens concepts possible.

"With wildlife photography, you're often focusing on small animals and birds, and it's difficult to create impact because they quite easily blend into the background. But these new lenses can help you fill the frame and capture impressive images."

In a photo taken with a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens, a stag with impressive antlers stands in a field. The colour of the grasses around him matches his auburn coat.

The compact size of the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens makes it a great choice for wildlife photographers, who often need to travel light. Taken on a Canon EOS-1D X (now succeeded by the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III) with a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens at 400mm, 1/125 sec, f/5.6 and ISO 800.

A willow tit perched on a splintered tree stump in evening light, photographed with a Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM lens.

"The Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM is light to hold, produces very good image quality and focuses fast," says Markus. It's also able to focus down to 1.2m at 500mm, which enabled Markus to get close enough to frame this shy willow tit. Taken on a Canon EOS R5 with a Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM lens at 472mm, 1/160 sec, f/7.1 and ISO 250. © Markus Varesvuo

7. Most versatile Canon wildlife photography lenses: Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM and Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

The flexibility provided by their focal length ranges, combined with their excellent optics and portable, weather-sealed designs, make the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM and Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM the go-to lenses for handheld wildlife photography.

Both the EF and RF lenses have effective three-mode Image Stabilizers, with the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM enabling handheld shooting with shutter speeds up to 4-stops slower than lenses without IS, and the RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM going one better, with 5-stops.

A Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM lens.

Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

With a 5-stop Image Stabilizer and L-series build quality, this lens offers performance and image quality like no other thanks to UD lens elements and ASC coatings for unrivalled contrast and sharpness.

"500mm is a great entry point for bird photography," says Mike. "Plus, you can use the RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM with the RF extenders as well. The AF system on the Canon EOS R3, EOS R5 and EOS R6 works at such low light levels that the cameras will happily focus at these smaller apertures."

If you have the budget, then the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x is an even more versatile option. "It gives you the ability to go from 200 to 400mm with a constant f/4 aperture, and you've got the built-in extender as well," says Mike.

A lemur, pictured against a blurred background, turns its head to face the camera. Taken with a Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM lens.

Thanks to its advanced Nano USM focus motor technology, the RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM has fast, quiet autofocus which won't startle shy animals. Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF is able to focus down to f/22, enabling autofocus to be used even when a Canon Extender RF 2x is attached to the lens. Taken on a Canon EOS R6 Mark II with a Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM lens at 742mm, 1/800 sec, f/9 and ISO 25,600.

An Australian pelican with its bill tucked between its wings appears to look directly at the camera. Taken with a Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM lens.

The RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM lens extends as it's zoomed, but there's only a slight change to the weight distribution. "The design means it can be as compact as possible at its smallest size," explains John. "With wildlife photography, having a compact lens is important so you can put it in hand luggage, as is light weight when you've got a lot of other kit to carry." Taken on a Canon EOS R6 Mark II with a Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM lens at 600mm, 1/800 sec, f/8 and ISO 200.

8. Most versatile Canon super-telephoto lens for wildlife photography: Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM

For situations where you need more reach, the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM lens is a compelling option. "Sometimes you just need more than 500mm," says John. Combining exceptional reach with the versatility of a zoom, this is "the ideal explorer's lens," he says. "With prime lenses, the drawback is that you do need to be at exactly the right distance from the subject for the focal length of the lens you've selected. But 200-800mm covers all the bases, really, especially if you're on safari or you're hiking into the wild and you want to carry just one lens."

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

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

Get closer to sports, nature and wildlife with a super-telephoto zoom that gives you greater reach with incredible flexibility wherever you are.

This inexpensive all-rounder is very compact and, at just over 2kg, incredibly lightweight for the reach it offers. With 5.5-stops of image stabilisation at 800mm, it's comfortable to use handheld – but there's a built-in tripod mount for those occasions where you need more support. It shares design characteristics with the popular Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM, including the same weather resistance performance – an important consideration when photographing wildlife in wild and exposed environments.

When it's paired with an APS-C camera such as the Canon EOS R7, then the crop factor of the smaller sensor gives it even greater reach. "On the EOS R7, this lens effectively becomes a 320-1,280mm F6.3-9 zoom," explains John. "That's a hugely powerful range. Not only do you get the effective increase in focal length with the EOS R7, you have the 32MP resolution as well. That's an incredible combination for wildlife photography."

In addition, the RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM is also compatible with Canon RF extenders. "With a 2x extender attached, you can even go up to 1600mm," John notes. "When this combination is paired with an APS-C camera, you get the equivalent to 2,560mm – and still have the ability to use autofocus."

In a photo taken with a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens, a great grey owl swoops close to the ground in a snowy, forested landscape.

"The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM [now succeeded by the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM] is one of my all-time favourite lenses," says Markus. "I have used it regularly and extensively over the years, and it's the lens I choose when I want to photograph birds and the landscape, such as this shot of a great grey owl." Taken on a Canon EOS-1D X Mark III with a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens at 100mm, 1/2000 sec, f/10 and ISO 10,000. © Markus Varesvuo

9. Best Canon lenses for general wildlife photography: Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM and Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM

Shorter telephoto zoom lenses like the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM and EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM are a great addition to a wildlife photographer's kitbag, allowing you to include more of the animal's environment in a shot. The constant f/2.8 aperture of these professional zooms means they're a great choice for low-light wildlife photography too.

The RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has the added advantage of being more compact than its EF counterpart, as well as packing a 5-stop Image Stabilizer.

A Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM lens.

Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM

This high-performance f/2.8 telephoto zoom is the third in the Canon trinity of essential RF lenses offering exceptional image quality in a compact body, designed to work in all conditions.

"When you're travelling by plane, you want to be able to pack as much as you can into your carry-on luggage," adds Mike, "so size and weight make a real difference. The RF version is a lot smaller, a lot lighter, and super-fast at focusing too.”

In a photo taken with a Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM lens, a giraffe in the distance turns its head while walking through the savannah at sunset with dark clouds in the sky above.

Marina took this image with a Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM lens (now succeeded by the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM) in order to capture the towering sky. "Telephotos are great for wildlife photography," says Mike, "but they compress everything. A wide-angle adds depth and opens everything up." Taken on a Canon EOS-1D X Mark II (now succeeded by the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III) with a Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM lens at 1/500, f/5.6 and ISO 1000. © Marina Cano

10. Best Canon lenses for showing wildlife in their environment: Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM and Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM

It can be challenging to get close enough to photograph wildlife with an ultra-wide-angle lens such as the Canon RF 15-35MM F2.8L IS USM, but doing so enables you to place animals in context within a wider scene. The ability to control a Wi-Fi enabled EOS camera at a distance using the Canon Camera Connect app on your smartphone or tablet means these lenses are also perfect for remote wildlife photography.

Marina uses the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM (now succeeded by the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM). "I love the way that you can use this magical lens to record a tiny giraffe or elephant on the horizon against an infinite sky," she says. "It enables you to create a sense of immensity that captures the hugeness of Africa."

A Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM lens.

Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM

Canon's fastest ultra-wide-angle zoom, boasting a Nano USM motor, 5-stops of image stabilisation plus three Aspherical and two UD elements for stunning sharpness.

The advanced optical design of the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM delivers edge-to-edge sharpness, with the RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM offering the same level of performance but with additional improvements. "It's a similar sized lens, with similar image quality, but there's a lot more crammed into the same package, including a 5-stop Image Stabilizer," says Mike.

A close-up of a butterfly with striking black and red markings taken with a Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM lens.

The Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM and EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM feature Hybrid IS. "When you do handheld macro photography, the camera's moving up and down or left and right, rather than pitching and yawing," explains Mike. "The hybrid system is designed to compensate for both types of vibration." Taken on a Canon EOS R5 with a Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM lens at 1/160 sec, f/7.1 and ISO 6400. © Oliver Wright

11. Best Canon lenses for close-up wildlife photography: Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM and Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

For small-scale wildlife photography, nothing beats the convenience and image quality of a dedicated macro lens. The short telephoto focal length of the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM enables 1:1 life-size reproduction to be achieved from a distance that's less likely to scare off dragonflies and other insects.

The RF counterpart of this lens goes even further, offering a class-leading 1.4x magnification. "1.4x doesn't sound a lot compared to 1x magnification," says Mike. "But it gives you nearly a 50% increase in the size of the subject.

A Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM lens.

Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM

The RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM is a professional macro lens with class-leading 1.4x magnification and a variable Spherical Aberration Control to adjust bokeh.

"Another benefit of the Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM is that it has focus breathing suppression," adds Mike. "This makes it easier to line up the images in a focus stack when you want to create macro photos with a much greater depth of field."

And when paired with the Canon EOS R3, the RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM lens offers ultimate flexibility with up to 8-stops of image stabilisation, enabling sharp macro images when shooting handheld at high magnifications. The Canon EOS R7 also offers the benefits of IBIS, along with a smaller APS-C sensor that allows the frame to be filled at a further distance from the subject.


To find the perfect lens for you, try Canon's handy lens finder. It tailors recommendations for you based on your camera, the genre you want to shoot, and lens features that matter most to you.

Marcus Hawkins
  1. For still photos only with an f/1.2 lens, except RF lenses with a Defocus Smoothing (DS) coating, using centre AF point and One-Shot AF used at room temperature and ISO 100.

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