Best Sports Lens for 2023: Our Top 15 Picks

Sometimes it might be quite difficult to find the best sports lens. With every niche market offering so many different products, it makes sense that this is the case.

Unfortunately, this very fact can make it incredibly difficult to find the item that best suits your needs, which is why we’ve put together this sports lens buying guide.

Our 15 Best Picks:

The 15 Best Sports Lens Reviews:

Bestseller No. 1
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 Sports DG OS HSM for Canon Mount
  • Incorporates 9 FLD and 1 SLD low-dispersion glass element
  • Dust- and splash-proof structure
  • 11-blade rounded diaphragm for ultra-smooth bokeh
  • Magnesium alloy barrel
  • The tripod socket with 90 click stops and Arca Swiss type clamp
SaleBestseller No. 2
Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM Lens for Canon
  • Lightweight and compact in construction for higher useability
  • Water and oil repellent coating on front glass element makes maintenance of the lens surface
  • Filter Size: 95mm
  • Minimum focusing distance : 280 cm/110.2 inches, focal length :150-600mm
  • English (Publication Language)
Bestseller No. 3
Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L is USM Super-Telephoto Lens
  • High Performance L-series versatile Super-Telephoto Zoom RF Lens.
  • Optical Image Stabilization with up to 5 stops* of Shake Correction.
  • Three Image Stabilization Modes (Standard, Panning, and during exposure only) Provided for Creative Versatility.
  • High Speed, Smooth and Quiet Auto Focus with Dual Nano USM.
  • Minimum Focusing Distance of 3.0 ft. / 0.9 m**.
Bestseller No. 4
Sigma 60-600mm f/22-32 Fixed Zoom F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Camera Lenses, Black (730955), Nikon F
  • Incorporating multi-material, such as magnesium. The best balance of portability and durability required by professional photographers
  • With 3 FLD glass elements and 1 SLD glass element, it ensures the uncompromising image quality as a member of the Sigma sports line family.
  • Intelligent OS adopting the last algorithm enables it to deliver an image stabilization effect of 4 stops.
Bestseller No. 5
Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Sports DG OS HSM Lens for Nikon
  • Maximum Aperture Range: f/3.5-6.3
  • One SLD and Four FLD Elements
  • Super Multi-Layer Coating
  • Hyper Sonic Motor AF System
  • Optical Stabilization
SaleBestseller No. 6
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras
  • Compact super telephoto zoom lens for birding, wildlife, motorsports, events and more
  • 500 millimeter of zoom power on fx format DSLR; 750 millimeter equivalent on dx format DSLRs, minimum focus distance: 7.2 feet ( 2.2 meter), focal length range: 200 500 millimeter
  • Fast f/5.6 constant aperture for beautiful out of focus backgrounds and low light performance
  • 4.5 stops of vibration reduction with sports mode. Approx. Weight 81.2 ounce. Approx. Dimensions (diameter x length) 4.2 inch x 10.5 inch( based on CIPA guidelines)
  • Af compatible with optional TC 14e series tele converters and DSLRs that offer f/8 support. Mount type: Nikon f bayonet
Bestseller No. 7
Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 is USM
  • Compact, lightweight and high-image quality RF tele zoom lens, with a versatile zoom range of 100-400mm
  • Optical Image Stabilizer with up to 5.5 Stops of shake correction
  • Up to 6 stops of shake correction when paired with EOS R series cameras featuring In-Body Image Stabilizer (IBIS)
  • Minimum focusing distance of 2.89 feet at 200mm and maximum magnification of 0.41x at 400mm
  • High speed, smooth and quiet autofocus with Canon’s Nano USM
Bestseller No. 8
Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L is USM Lens, Telephoto Zoom Lens, 3792C002
  • High image quality and bright f/2.8 aperture telephoto zoom RF L lens.
  • Compact and lightweight.
  • Optical image stabilization with up to 5 Stops of shake correction
  • High speed, smooth and quiet autofocus with dual Nano USM.
  • Minimum focusing distance of 2.3 ft. by 0.7 M.
SaleBestseller No. 9
Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS Super Telephoto Zoom Lens (SEL200600G)
  • Outstanding g lens resolution throughout the Zoom range
  • 5x ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements Reduces flare & ghosting
  • Direct drive Supersonic Wave Motor for fast, quiet, precise focus
  • Aspherical lens element dramatically reduces spherical aberration
  • Nano AR coating suppresses Reflections, flare and ghosting
Bestseller No. 10
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L is II USM Lens, Lens Only
  • Compact, high performance L-series super-telephoto zoom makes it ideal for sports and wildlife photography
  • Rotation-type zoom ring allows for more precise composition and excellent balance when handholding
  • Improved zoom torque adjustment ring allows easy setting of zoom tension, Focal Length & Maximum Aperture:100-400mm 1:4.5-5.6, Closest Focusing Distance-3.2 ft. / 0.98m
  • New Air Sphere Coating (ASC) helps to significantly reduce backlit flaring and ghosting, Highly resistant to dust and water, and amazing durability enabling shooting even in harsh conditions
  • English (Publication Language)
Bestseller No. 11
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM UD Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras
  • Impressive focal range.Diagonal Angle of View 34° - 8° 15'
  • Travel friendly size, packs small and stays small with a manual lock switch on side of barrel. Note: lens can only be locked at 70mm range as it is for travel only. Focal Length & Maximum Aperture: 70-300mm 1:4-5.6
  • Focus Adjustment Type - lens extension via inner focusing focus cam, plus floating mechanism.Closest Focusing Distance: 1.2m/ 3.9ft
  • Note that when the inner lens is fully extended (300mm) it's approximately 8.25" in overall length. The 5.6" measurement is at the 70mm range when lens is closed/locked.
  • Suitable for Nature/ landscape/ sports/ travel photography
Bestseller No. 12
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Renewed)
  • 500mm of zoom power on FX-format DSLRs; 750mm equivalent on DX-format DSLRS
  • Fast f/5.6 constant aperture for beautiful out-of-focus backgrounds and low-light performance
  • 4 stops of Vibration Reduction with specialized Tripod and Sports modes
  • AF compatible with optional TC-14E series teleconverters and DSLRs that offer f/8 support
  • German (Publication Language)
Bestseller No. 13
Tamron 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 DI-II VC HLD All-In-One Zoom For Nikon APS-C Digital SLR Cameras (6 Year Limited USA Warranty)
  • World?s first 222x ultra-telephoto all-in-one zoom Lens
  • Filter diameter: 79 mm.0.15x (When the macro switching ring is set to "0,3m-?"), 0.26x (When the macro switching ring is set to "0,2m-0,35m").?620mm full-frame equivalent telephoto reach
  • VC for confident telephoto shooting. Focal Length- 18-400mm. Minimum Object Distance- 17.7 inches
  • Moisture-resistant construction; Angle of View (diagonal): 75°33' - 4°
  • 1: 29 max Mag Ratio for versatile close-up capability
Bestseller No. 14
Sigma 60-600mm f/22-32 Fixed Zoom F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Camera Lenses, Black (730954), Canon EF
  • Incorporating multi-material, such as magnesium. The best balance of portability and durability required by professional photographers
  • With 3 FLD glass elements and 1 SLD glass element, it ensures the uncompromising image quality as a member of the Sigma sports line family.
  • Intelligent OS adopting the last algorithm enables it to deliver an image stabilization effect of 4 stops.
SaleBestseller No. 15
KIWI design Upgraded Face Cushion Fitness Accessories Compatible with Quest 2, with Facial Interface Leather Pad 2, Cloth Sports Pad, Glasses Spacer, and Lens Protector, Air-Circulation Design
  • 💡 Upgraded Fitness Facial Interface Fits Quest 2: Based on the KIWI design Version-1.0 facial interface, we made the optimizations focus on two key points - Firstly is the customized glasses spacer added, thanks to our customers' sincere suggestions that the glasses spacer is necessary for gameplay. The second is the improved nosepiece to solve the light-leakage problem around the nose area. KIWI design always pays close attention to your concerns to bring you better experiences
  • 💡 Comfy Leather Pad, Completely Immersive Experience: 1. The 0.63'' thickened face pad performs much better in pressure reduction than others. 2. Made with premium quality PU leather, it's soft and sweatproof, eliminates your worry about allergy or fade. 3. High elasticity sponge can be compacted down to 0.3'' thickness, allows you closer to your display, and brings a better FOV. 4. Sponge is fixed inside the leather, avoids sliding even longtime gameplay
  • 💡 Sports Cloth Pad, Enhanced Hygiene Improvement: Except for the 2pcs sweatproof face pad for you to share with others, there is also a fast sweat-absorbing foam pad for VR fitness use. The sports pad is made of special absorbent sponge and sportswear fabric. In one side, it ensures the breathbality and sweat-absortion, no worry about the steaming anymore. On the other side, it's machine-washable, enhanced hygiene made easier. Absolutely a better choice for VR fitness
  • 💡 Unique Patent L-shaped Vents Interface Bracket: There are full-width grills located on the top and bottom of the interface, even underneath the lower foam padding area. Good ventilation to keep the face cool during high-intensity sessions, such as working out. To ensure the light block meanwhile, we make the grills L-shaped and much narrow, also the ergonomic design perfectly fits your face, no worry about the light leakage anymore
  • 💡 6 in 1 Set and 18-Month Hassle-free Warranty: 0.63'' Lether face pad * 2, 0.63'' sports foam pad * 1, facial bracket with updated noseguard * 1, glasses spacer * 1, and lens protector* 1, 1 set meets all your needs. The simple and effective lens protector is dust-proof, scratch-proof, and sun-proof, as an extra gift for you. For any pre-sale or after-sales issues, an 18-month hassle-free warranty is guaranteed, feel free to contact us. KIWI design will be your trusted game companion

Last update on 2023-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to find the best sports lens?

Here, we’ll be going over a number of factors that you can use to ensure that you’re purchasing the best sports lens for you.

Regardless of which type of item you’re looking to buy, chances are that there are existing buying guides on the internet, all of which aim to give you good sports lens recommendations.

Despite these recommendations, however, it’s always a good idea to do your own research. In addition to this research, asking yourself the following questions is also super helpful:

  • What features does the sports lens need to have to be perfect for my needs?
  • What is my budget?
  • Do I need to purchase a certain brand?

Once you’ve answered these questions and have a good idea of what you’re looking for and the buying process becomes much easier. Keep in mind that when looking for the best product, there’s no need to rush. In fact, very rarely are the ideal products found by choosing the first one you see or by basing your decisions on only one factor. Take your time and enjoy the process!

Now, with the answers to the previous questions in mind, we urge you to use our upcoming buying guide for sports lens to find what you’re looking for:

Brand

In some cases, the brand of sports lens is very important. For example, if you’re looking for an item that works in tandem with another, you might very well need both products to be the same brand. If this is the case, it’s vital to pay attention to this factor, as choosing the wrong product can mean the difference between wasting your money and buying a great product that functions as it should.

Features

The features in any given sports lens are important because they can dictate which version of an item you need and how much money you need to spend. Consider all the key features that you want your item to have and don’t settle for anything that doesn’t check at least ¾ of your boxes.

Reviews

Customer reviews about sports lens are crucial – especially when you’re buying a product that costs a lot of money or serves a big importance. Luckily, most products can be found online, which means that it’s common for there to be scores of customer reviews from those who have already purchased any given product.

Pay attention to these reviews. Take note of the pros and cons that they mention, and factor these into your big decision. In some cases, you’ll be forced to sacrifice one con in order to gain a particular pro, but being aware of the potential con is going to be beneficial in either case.

Quality

Of course, quality is key. You don’t want to purchase a low-quality product. If you do, you run the risk of your item breaking, not working properly, or otherwise proving to be very disappointing, as well as a waste of money.

You can compare sports lens quality by researching what your potential purchases are made from, contrasting the individual items against each other to discern which one is made of the best materials.

Warranty

Warranty isn’t always going to be important, but it definitely can be. This is especially true if the item in question is tech-related or expensive. A good warranty will be valid for an extended time after purchase and cover a variety of problems ranging from item defects to random accidents, water damage, and other miscellaneous events that could ruin your product.

Conclusion

The quest to find the best sports lens can be daunting – but it doesn’t have to be. It can be made much easier by asking yourself a few simple questions and then thinking critically about the items you want to buy. Consider their features, quality, brand, warranty, and customer reviews and you’re more likely to make a great purchase.