@photonewspn | photographynews.co.uk
BIRD SPECIAL / 33
Long lens revolution Why 600mm is the new 400mm – and how to choose the right one
Wildlife photographers used to regard 400mm as the benchmark focal length. Today, a new generation of affordable super-telezooms is bringing 600mm and beyond within reach of more photographers than ever before. Recent technological advances in optical design, autofocus and image stabilisation have made these long lenses sharper, lighter and easier to handhold than ever, while prices have become increasingly accessible. The extra reach doesn’t just make distant subjects appear larger but also opens up new creative opportunities, from frame-filling bird portraits to dramatic action shots of birds in flight. If 400mm was once the dream, 600mm has become the new sweet spot. Check out some of the best super-telezooms on the market.
Fly down to Birdfair 2026
The ultimate destination for bird photography fans, Global Birdfair 2026 is here! Returning to Lyndon Top, a stone’s throw from the beautiful shores of Rutland Water, the event runs from 10 to 12 July and offers plenty of gear and inspiration for bird photographers. Check out cameras, lenses and tripods from leading brands or go to an informative lecture from nature and photography experts. globalbirdfair.org
THE LONG GAME Lenses like this Nikon are big but can be handheld, especially if you use image stabilisation
Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM £1924 Packing an 800mm top-end focal range onto full-frame cameras (or 1280mm on APS-C cameras like the R7), this incredible telezoom from Canon not only offers extreme reach but is also light on your wallet, costing less than two grand. With a Nano USM autofocus motor, the lens offers 5.5 stops of optical stabilisation, but it’s heavy at 2050g.
Nikon Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR £1599 This could well be the best-value Z mount telezoom on the market, thanks to a stepping motor for fast AF, 5.5 stops of image stabilisation and an internal zoom design that keeps the lens nicely balanced whatever your focal length. With a keen price tag, the lens also offers a nine-blade aperture diaphragm for naturally circular bokeh.
Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS £1599 While this lens from Sony can offer a decent reach of 200-600mm, that doesn’t tell the whole story. This optic, finished in a ceramic white for better heat management, is compatible with Sony’s 1.4x and 2x teleconverters to boost the focal range. Dust and moisture resistant, the lens has Sony’s Nano AR Coating to suppress unwanted reflections.
Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD £999 So it doesn’t quite reach the magical 600mm figure, it’s still a decent zoom that reaches to 500mm for under a grand. Boasting a VXD linear focus motor and built-in image stabilisation, the Tamron is a little lighter than rivals too, tipping the scales at 1725g. This lens also features an impressive close focusing distance of just 60cm.
Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports £1199 This impressive telezoom from Sigma hits the Goldilocks zone, managing to offer vast reach, impressive features and a value-for-money price tag in one package. As part of Sigma’s Sports line, the lens benefits from four stops of stabilisation, and although it’s a little weighty at 2100g, the build is robust and features protection from dust and moisture.
OM System M Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm f/5-6.3 IS £2499 The 2x crop factor from Micro Four Thirds cameras means this telezoom returns a focal length of 300-1200mm. With IPX1-equivalent weather sealing, the lens has five-axis Sync IS and can be used with OM System’s 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, extending the reach to a max of 2400mm.
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