Last Updated on April 8, 2021
Are you searching for the best lens for nature photography?
Shooting nature and wildlife is one of my favorite things to do and having a top quality nature photography lens makes the experience and your picture quality significantly better.
With that in mind I have reviewed the most popular Nikon and Canon nature photography lenses and after reading this article you will know the recommendations for the best lens for nature photography for you and your camera.
Best Camera Lens for Nature Photography Top Picks
Nikon Lens for Nature Photography
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens
The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm lens is incredibly popular with professional and amateur nature photographers, and for good reason. This super telephoto zoom lens offers exceptional image quality perfectly suited for nature and wildlife photography. Featuring a fast f/5.6 constant aperture, this lens can shoot stunning pictures with elegant out of focus backgrounds or crisp and clear detail through the frame. This Nikon nature lens has a silent wave motor autofocus system that produces fast and nearly silent focus performance. Add in vibration reduction image stabilization and this lens will ensure you have steady and sharp picture results. This lens can handle closeup and distance shots and slow moving and fast moving subjects. The performance of this lens is truly unmatched and an exceptional option for the serious nature photographer and anyone seeking the best quality in their shots.
- Best overall Nikon lens for nature photography
- Ideal for wildlife subjects both fast and slow moving
- Super zoom feature
- Exceptional image and video quality
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 300MM f/4E PF ED Vibration Reduction Lens with Auto Focus for DSLR Cameras
This is the best lightweight lens for nature photography. Another very popular lens with wildlife photographers this lens offers excellent performance and value. At only 147.5mm long and weighing just 755g this lightweight lens makes long shooting sessions less fatiguing. If you like to hike out in nature for your shots this is an exceptional lens to go with. The Nikon designed Phase Fresnel lens element provides insanely good image quality and clarity helping you reach new heights in photographic expression. With almost zero chromatic vibration or ghosting this lens is likely to become one of your go to lenses when in the field. Produce pictures with stunning detail and color contrast, this lightweight nature lens is an exceptional performer.
- Best lightweight Nikon nature lens
- Stunning image quality
- Excellent color contrast
- Zoom in for realistic shots at greater distances
Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens
This is one of the most versatile nature lenses for Nikon cameras. It is compatible with all current Nikon cameras and offers excellent nature photography performance. This G type lens offers AF-S and VR modes (always check your particular camera to ensure compatibility). This lens is a medium telephoto model that excels at taking extreme cloesups all the way to medium zoom distances. This lens offers a Silent Wave Motor and Vibration Reduction that helps in macro photography subjects. It has four shutter speeds with an internal focus for fast and quiet shooting. Images are incredibly sharp and realistic with great video quality as well. This lens is a great value offering excellent performance perfect for most nature photography settings except for extreme distance shooting.
- Versatile Nikon nature photography lens
- Excels in close-ups and medium zoom distances
- Excellent image clarity and sharpness
- Great value
Canon Lens For Nature Photography
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens for Digital SLR Camera
This mid telephoto lens is a great option for Canon nature photographers. The macro lens features Canon’s advanced image stabilization technology with their top optics quality for exceptional image sharpness and clarity. This lens will help you capture jaw dropping pictures. It features near silent ultrasonic focus for realistic life sized close up shots. The image stabilization tech will help your images stay sharp even if there is any shaking during the shot. This forgiving macro lens is an exceptional Canon nature photography lens for photographers of all skill levels.
- Best Canon maco lens for nature photography
- Advanced image stabilization technology
- Near silent focus
- Ideal for close-ups
Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Ultra Wide Angle Zoom Lens
This is the top wide angle nature photography lens for Canon cameras. The zoom offers excellent image range and the superior optics provide exceptional image quality and clarity throughout the zoom range. Focus starts at eleven inches making this a very versatile wildlife photography lens. The ultrasonic monitor provides silent and very fast autofocus. You’ll find a significant image quality improvement with this lens as it is designed for the shooting environment found in nature photography. Additionally, this lens is weather resistant making it ideal for being out in the elements so that weather sill not slow your photography sessions down. This is an amazing lens that pro and amateur nature and wildlife photographers will love.
- Focal length of 17-44mm
- Filter size 77mm
- Lightweight
- Exceptional image clarity and sharpness
For more photography guides and tips read these articles
- Best Camera for Nature Photography
- Best Camera Stabilizer
- Best On Camera LED Light
- Best DSLR Shoulder Rig
- Best Mirrorless Camera
Here is the best lens for nature photography picks quick list one more time. To view prices and customer reviews for each nature lens see the links below.
- Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm F/5.6E ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens
- Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 300MM F/4E PF ED Vibration Reduction Lens With Auto Focus For DSLR Cameras
- Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm F/2.8G IF-ED Lens
- Canon EF 100mm F/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens For Digital SLR Camera
- Canon EF 17-40mm F/4L USM Ultra Wide Angle Zoom Lens For SLR Cameras