The best 150-600mm lens gives you a super-wide focal range, incredible magnification, and sharp optical quality. They aren’t the most common of lenses. And not many camera manufacturers make them. But they are fantastic telephoto lenses for photographers who need a large zoom.
The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM is our top 150-600mm lens. The optical quality is strong throughout the zoom range. It has a fast and responsive AF motor. And it’s one of the best-value super telephoto lenses on the market. It’s also available for Canon, Nikon, and Sigma cameras.
What Is the Best 150-600mm Lens?
The best 150-600mm lens gives you an incredibly wide zoom range and delivers sharp images. Image quality can be sub-par with inferior super-telephoto lenses. But that’s why you need to look for the best options for your camera.
There isn’t a wide range of 150-600mm lenses available. It isn’t a common focal length range. Very few of the top manufacturers make them. The majority of our list is made up of third-party lenses, with many entries from Sigma. Fujifilm has the only lens from a top camera brand.
There used to be a stigma in the photography community about using third-party lenses. But the likes of Sigma have raised the profile of third-party glass, providing quality lenses at reasonable prices. You only need to look at Sigma’s best Art lenses to see how great they are.
Here’s a quick overview of the best 150-600mm lenses. Scroll down to see a more detailed description of each lens. And we have an FAQ section at the end if you need more information on this topic.
- Sharp optics and super-fast autofocus (AF)
- Optical Stabilization (OS) for better panning
- Water- and oil-repellent coating
- Good for Canon, Nikon, and Sigma cameras
- Super-sharp images throughout zoom range
- Hyper Sonic Motor AF for quick focusing
- OS system for improved panning
- Available for Canon, Nikon, and Sigma SLR mounts
- Exceptional optical performance for crisp shots
- Up to 4 stops of optical stabilization
- Focus limiter for fast subject recognistion
- Custom function button to assign settings
- Quality glass and high-speed AF
- 5 stops of optical image stabilization
- Lens maintains it's size with inner zoom construction
- Completely weather-sealed for outdoor use
- Budget-friendly, sharp-optics lens
- Award-winning, with enhanced vibration compensation
- Special lens coatings for flare and ghosting
- Flex Zoom Lock to keep zoom from slipping
5 Best 150-600mm Lenses
Let’s look at all the best 150-600mm lenses in more detail. We mainly look at third-party options. The good thing about this is you can often get the same lens with different camera mounts. You can get the same lens for Canon, Nikon, and Sigma. We’ve included links to find the best lens for your camera.
1. Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM
| Brand |
Brand
Sigma
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 5-6.3
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
150-600 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
 |
| Weight |
Weight
4.3 lb / 1.9 kg
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
HSM AF system, optical stabilization, manual focus override switch, water- and oil-repellent coating,
|
| Best For |
Best For
Sports and wildlife photographers looking for a quality telephoto at a reasonable price
|
The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM is a sensational lens. Of course, you have an incredible zoom range and powerful magnification. But you also get sharp optics, stabilization, and fast autofocus (AF). And to make the deal even sweeter, it’s one of the best-value lenses in its category.
Optical quality is always important with camera lenses. And zoom lenses with such a large range can be prone to distortion. But lens distortion is minimal thanks to the pristine quality of glass elements. It isn’t perfect. You might see some visual defects at the extremes. But the overall quality is excellent for a lens of this size.
With a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) driving the AF, the lens delivers high-speed focusing. That’s exactly what you need when shooting fast-moving subjects like athletes, motorcars, or animals. And despite the fast focusing, the motor is also whisper quiet.
The lens doesn’t have the fastest maximum aperture. It’s limited to f/5 at the widest end and f/6.3 when fully zoomed in.
Thankfully, the lens has built-in image stabilization to help compensate. It allows you to use slower shutter speeds with less risk of motion blur. And it’s a great feature that ensures sharp images when panning.
With manual controls on the barrel, the lens gives you a hands-on experience. There’s a focal length lock switch. When you flip that, the lens holds the focal length in position. It lets you focus on other aspects of the process.
It also has three focus modes. You have AF for automatic focusing. There’s a full-time Manual Focus (MF) mode. And you get a Manual Override (MO) mode. This gives you the power of manual override. If you don’t like the results of the AF, you can take control by turning the focus ring.
The 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Contemporary is lightweight for this size lens. And it has features that make it more durable. The lens mount is dustproof and splashproof. And the outer elements have a water and oil-resistant coating. The lens isn’t fully weather-sealed, so you need to take care in bad weather. But it isn’t a fragile piece of kit.
If 600mm isn’t enough magnification, the lens is compatible with teleconverters. They give you even more telephoto magnification.
The lens version we link to above is compatible with Canon EF-mount cameras. It’s also available for Nikon F-mount and Sigma SA-mount cameras:
- Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM for Nikon
- Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM for Sigma
2. Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Sports DG OS HSM
| Brand |
Brand
Sigma
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Canon EF
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 6.3
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
150-600 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
 |
| Weight |
Weight
6.3 lb / 2.8 kg
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
HSM AF system, optical stabilization, manual focus override
|
| Best For |
Best For
Serious sports photographers
|
The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Sports DG OS HSM is the best lens for sports photography. As one of Sigma’s best lenses from their Sports line, it has the features and performance to capture action at the highest standard. It is pricier than the previous Sigma lens. But with the extra cost comes enhanced performance.
It has sensational optical quality for such a large zoom lens. The barrel contains a total of 24 elements arranged into 16 groups. Included in the 24 are two “F” Low Dispersion (FLD) and three Special Low Dispersion (SLD) elements. These reduce chromatic aberration down to a minimum, giving you super-sharp images.
When shooting sports photography, you’re subjects are often moving quickly. And that’s why this lens has a super-fast Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) driving the autofocus. It’s fast and responsive even though it covers a large focal length. It’s close to silent in operation, so you don’t disturb the athletes when they’re in the zone.
With a handy switch on the barrel, it’s easy to change between focus modes. You have fully automatic and fully manual modes. But you also get a Manual Override (MO) mode. This allows you to take control of focusing by turning the focus ring. This is ideal for when things take an unexpected turn.
The f/5-6.3 max aperture is decent for a large focal length lens. But you have extra help thanks to the Optical Stabilization (OS) system. It gives you more freedom with exposure settings, with better low-light and panning results.
It has two stabilization modes. Mode 1 is for standard photography, and Mode 2 helps you shoot tracking shots, which is great for motorsports and other types of racing.
The 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Sports DG OS HSM is a robust lens for outdoor use. It’s dustproof and fully weather-sealed. And the outer glass elements have a coating that protects against scratches, smudges, and water.
That’s also a positive for wildlife photographers working out in the bush. It’s a fantastic sports lens that’s great for wildlife photography, too.
The lens version listed above has a Canon EF mount and is compatible with Canon DSLR cameras. The same lens is also available for Nikon F mount and Sigma SA mount:
- Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Sports DG OS HSM for Nikon
- Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Sports DG OS HSM for Sigma
3. Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN
| Brand |
Brand
Sigma
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 5-6.3
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
150-600 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
| Weight |
Weight
4.6 lb / 2.1 kg
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Optical stabilization, focus limiter, custom function button
|
| Best For |
Best For
Sports photographers with a Sony camera.
|
The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN is Sigma’s first Sports lens for mirrorless cameras. It has the Sony FE-mount, so it’s compatible with all their full-frame mirrorless cameras. Sony cameras are powerful, high-performance machines. And thankfully, this Sigma lens is the perfect match.
The large lens barrel is packed with glass. It contains 25 elements arranged in 15 groups. These include special high-performance elements that reduce chromatic aberration and other types of distortion. That’s why you get sharp images at all points in the focal length range.
You don’t expect the brightest maximum apertures with super-telephoto lenses. But the f/5-6.3 of this lens isn’t bad at all. And to make the situation even more favorable, the lens also has optical stabilization (OS). This gives you up to four stops of shake compensation. You get sharper images even in low light and when panning.
Thanks to the on-lens functions, you get excellent control. You have fully automatic and fully manual focusing. You also get a Manual Override (MO) mode. And you can even adjust the torque of the zoom ring. The barrel also has a custom function button which you can assign any number of settings.
With a state-of-the-art stepping motor, the lens delivers fast focusing with little noise. It’s ideal for tracking subjects, perfectly matching Sony’s advanced AF tracking modes. And it has a focus limiter, allowing for even faster subject recognition.
The 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN has a dust- and splash-resistant structure. You can use it in dry and wet conditions, shooting the Dakar Rally or the All-Ireland Hurling Final in the rain. The front elements also have a water- and oil-repellent coating that helps maintain quality. It’s a tough lens built for shooting outdoors.
4. Fujifilm XF 150-600mm f/5.6-8 R LM OIS WR
| Brand |
Brand
Fujifilm
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Fujifilm X
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 8.0
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
150-600 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
| Weight |
Weight
5.3 lb / 2.4 kg
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Optical stabilization, four super ED elements, weather-resistant
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers with Fujifilm cameras
|
The XF 150-600mm f/5.6-8 R LM OIS WR is Fujifilm’s most powerful lens. Fujifilm is the only top camera brand with a 150-600mm lens. And it’s an incredible piece of equipment for sports or wildlife photographers. You’ll need a big camera bag and an even bigger budget. But it’s the best option if you want powerful magnification.
Fujifilm doesn’t have a wide lens catalog like Nikon and Canon. But Fujifilm lenses are consistently exquisite. And this super-telephoto zoom is no exception. It contains 24 glass elements arranged in 16 groups.
These include three Extra-low Dispersion (ED) and four super ED elements. That means distortion of all kinds is practically non-existent.
With a max aperture of f/5.6 at the widest angle and f/8 when zoomed in, exposure settings are limited. But Fujifilm has compensated for this with the Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) system. By reducing the effects of camera shake, it gives you five stops of compensation.
Photographers with an artistic eye will also appreciate the mechanics of the lens aperture. It’s a nine-blade aperture with a rounded diaphragm. This gives you an enhanced bokeh effect that results in a smooth, blurred background. It’s great for isolating your subject in the image.
The autofocus system has been optimized for the demands of sports and wildlife photography. The internal focusing system gives you split-second results. And it makes very little noise when finding focus or tracking. They’ve also kept focus breathing to a minimum, so it’s also a great lens for filmmakers.
Thanks to the inner zoom construction, the lens keeps its shape and size when you zoom in or out. This makes it easier to hold when shooting by hand. But it also means you don’t have to rebalance using a tripod.
The Fujifilm XF 150-600mm f/5.6-8 is weather-sealed for outdoor use. The weather is something you can’t control. But thanks to the durability of this lens, it’s not something you have to worry about. It’s a fantastic lens and the best super-telephoto zoom for Fujifilm cameras.
5. Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2
| Brand |
Brand
Tamron
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 5-6.3
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
150-600 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
| Weight |
Weight
4.4 lb / 2 kg
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Vibration compensation, lens coatings, zoom locking
|
| Best For |
Best For
Nikon or Canon users looking for a great-value super telephoto
|
The Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 is a high-quality super-telephoto at a reasonable price. It gives you incredible magnification, sharp optical quality, and stabilization. It’s a big lens, so you’ll need a spacious camera bag. But it’s well worth considering if you have a Nikon or Canon DSLR camera.
Out of the 21 optical glass elements, the lens has three ED elements that reduce distortion and aberration. The glass also has two special coatings that help improve image quality. Its Extended Bandwidth Angular-Dependency (eBAND) and Broadband Anti-Reflection (BBAR) coatings eliminate lens flare and ghosting.
You get rapid focusing with an Ultrasonic Silent Drive (USD) ring-type AF motor. It’s reliable even with fast-moving subjects. And as the name suggests, it’s practically silent in operation. This means you won’t startle the animals or distract athletes.
For sharper results, the lens uses a Vibration Compensation (VC) stabilization system. It gives you 4.5 stops of compensation, giving you more freedom with your exposure settings.
There are three modes to choose from. VC mode 1 is for standard photography. VC mode 2 is for panning and tracking shots. The third mode prioritizes the captured image, forgoing the viewfinder image. That means composing the shot is more difficult, but the result is sharper.
You don’t need to worry about losing the zoom position. The lens has a Flex Zoom Lock mechanism that keeps the zoom lens in position. It lets you focus on capturing the shot without the zoom slipping.
You can use the SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 outdoors. It has a moisture-resistant construction that’s splashproof. A bit of rain is no problem, but you must be careful in heavier downpours. The glass also has a fluorine coating to protect against smudges and scratches. It’s a brilliant lens with a budget-friendly price tag.
The lens version linked above is compatible with Nikon DSLR cameras. If you’re a Canon DSLR user, buy the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 for Canon.
Best 150-600mm Lens FAQs
To provide more information, we’ve answered some of the most frequently answered questions about the best 150-600mm lenses.
What Types of Photography are 150-600mm Lenses Good For?
Thanks to their wide focal range, 150-600mm super-telephoto lenses are versatile and used for many types of photography. Their scope includes sports, wildlife, landscape, concert, portrait, and outdoor photography.
1. Sports Photography
These 150-600mm lenses are popular in sports photography. Relegated to the sidelines and unable to get up close to their subjects, sports photographers need excellent magnification. And that’s exactly what the 600mm focal length gives you. You can get detailed close-ups pitchside.
The wide zoom range lets them capture different shots from the same position. They can get close-ups of the players. Or they can capture wider shots of the stadium or area. And they can do all that from the confines of the delegated press pit.
2. Wildlife Photography
Photographers who shoot wildlife photography love these lenses for similar reasons. They can capture detailed close-ups of animals from great distances. That means they won’t startle the animal or put themselves in danger by getting too close.
Animals are a tricky subject. They are unpredictable and never stay still for long. That’s why wildlife photographers appreciate the large focal range of a 150-600mm lens. They can track their wild subjects as they move across the landscape.
3. Other Types of Photography
While telephotos aren’t often associated with landscape photography, this lens type can be useful. They are excellent for shooting specific elements within a broader landscape, especially when you can’t get close to it.
The 150-600mm lens is also a good outdoor event photography option. They can be used for concerts and festivals if you don’t have a press access pass. And you can use the wider end for product and portrait photography.
Which 150-600mm Lens Is Best for DSLR Cameras?
If you’re still using a DSLR camera, you have the biggest selection of 150-600mm lenses. They are all third-party lenses only available for Nikon, Canon, and Sigma SLR mounts. But you can choose between some excellent options:
- Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM: This is a great lens for DSLRs. It delivers incredible magnification with sharp optical quality. And it’s one of the most affordable super-telephoto lenses on the market. There’s little surprise it’s our top choice.
- Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Sports DG OS HSM: Sports photographers can use this lens. You need to stretch your budget a little more. But lenses from Sigma’s Sports range are optimized for the demands of sports photography. And if that’s your specialty, the lens is worth the cost.
- Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2: This is another good choice for DSLR users. You can buy the lens for Canon EF or Nikon F-mount cameras. And it’s one of the more affordable super-telephoto lenses. You get a large zoom range for your money. Plus, it delivers sharp images, fast focusing, and has some weather resistance.
Can I Use a Mirrorless Camera Lens Adapter With a 150-600mm Lens?
Yes, you can use a DSLR-to-mirrorless adapter if you want to use a DSLR lens with a mirrorless camera. Adapters can have a negative effect on image quality, especially with larger lenses like these. But you can still get great results if you buy the branded options.
Nikon and Canon both produce excellent DSLR-to-mirrorless adapters, which you can see below. The Nikon FTZ adapter allows you to use F-mount lenses with their mirrorless Z-series cameras. The Canon adapter allows you to use EF-mount lenses with their R-series mirrorless cameras:
Which 150-600mm Lenses Are Best for Mirrorless Cameras
Options are limited for mirrorless camera users. And your options are reduced to zero if you don’t have a Sony or Fujifilm camera. Unfortunately, there is no 150-600mm lens for Canon or Nikon mirrorless cameras (unless you use a lens adapter as mentioned above).
- Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN: Sony users have reason to celebrate with this Sony FE-mount lens. This is the first Sigma Sports lens for mirrorless cameras. And it’s a special piece of equipment. The optical quality is spectacular for a lens of this size. And the features are tailor-made for sports photography. You get rapid AF and image stabilization.
- Fujifilm XF 150-600mm f/5.6-8 R LM OIS WR: Fujifilm is the only major camera brand to release its home-grown 150-600mm lens. This is their most powerful telephoto zoom lens. And it upholds the standard set by other Fujifilm lenses. The results are consistently sharp. The AF motor is fast, smooth, and quiet. And it’s weather-sealed for outdoor shooting.
What if 600mm isn’t Enough?
A 600mm focal length gives you incredible magnification. But for some photographers, that still isn’t enough. If you’re a photographer needing an even bigger focal length, you can use teleconverters to expand the focal length of your lens.
Sigma makes a 1.4x and a 2.0x teleconverter compatible with their 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM and 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Sports DG OS HSM.
A 1.4x converter gives you an extra 40% on the native focal length. And a 2.0x teleconverter doubles your focal length. That means a 600mm lens becomes a 1200mm lens! That’s incredible magnification.
You must ensure your teleconverter is compatible with your camera and lens. We’ve provided all the links to find the exact one you need.
- Sigma 1.4x Teleconverter for Canon SLR
- Sigma 2.0x Teleconverter for Canon SLR
- Sigma 1.4x Teleconverter for Nikon SLR
- Sigma 2.0x Teleconverter for Nikon SLR
Conclusion: The Best 150-600mm Lens
The best 150-600mm lens gives you powerful magnification and versatility. But you also need them to have excellent optical quality, fast AF, and image stabilization. When a lens hits all these marks, you know it’s ideal for wildlife and sports photography.
There aren’t many 150-600mm lenses available. But the ones we do have are excellent. We’ve seen lenses from Sigma’s Contemporary and Sports lines. There’s a new Sigma lens for Sony cameras. And now Fujifilm has an incredible 150-600mm lens.
The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM is our top choice. It’s a sensational lens that delivers everything you need for this type of super telephoto. It’s available for Canon and Nikon cameras. And it’s one of the most affordable lenses in its category.
