8 Best Sony lens for wildlife photography: (2024 Guide & Reviews)

Last Updated on December 5, 2023 by Sharon Advik

Wildlife shooting is a challenging hobby that takes time, patience, skill, and commitment.

Sony has risen to the challenge and is now the leader in making great lenses for wildlife photographers.

Single-lens kits can get the job done, but different focal lengths give shooters more options to stay out of the way and still get natural shots in the wild.

Longer focus lengths also make it possible to soften the background to make the subject stand out.

Join me as I take you into wildlife photography, where the focal length you choose is often the most important part of making amazing pictures.

What is the ultimate Sony FE (full-frame, E-mount) wildlife photography lens

Sony has a variety of high-quality FE (full-frame E-mount) lenses that are appropriate for photographing animals.

The “ultimate” lens for photographing wildlife may change based on the photographer’s requirements.

However, there are a few excellent options available.

The best Sony FE (full-frame, E-mount) lens for wildlife photography can vary based on personal preferences and specific requirements.

Still, from my point of view, it is the famous Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens because of its exceptional telephoto reach and image quality, making it perfect for photographing far-off or elusive wildlife subjects.

Which are the Best Sony lens for wildlife photography?

Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS Lens: (Best Sony lens for wildlife Photography)

I went deep into the jungle on a frigid morning in China’s Qinling mountains.

The woodland floor was covered in frost, and the area was serenely quiet.

A little monkey swung down from the treetops as I set up my camera, wondering about my presence.

I concentrated on the monkey’s expressive eyes with my go-to Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS Lens.

The famous wildlife lens flawlessly captured every nuance of the primate’s curious look.

In that peaceful moment, I realized I had the ideal equipment for capturing nature’s raw beauty.

Let’s discuss how I find the best Sony lens for wildlife Photography.

Speedy autofocus:

I like its fast autofocus—that sets it apart from the competition.

Its focusing is extremely quick and accurate because it uses two XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors.

This talent is crucial when photographing wildlife since it allows me to capture creatures that are always on the move easily.

At 20 frames per second, it can keep up with the world’s quickest cameras, like the 24-megapixel.

With high-resolution cameras like the Sony a7R III (42.4MP) and the a7 III (24.2MP), it manages a respectable 10fps.

On-lens controls:

The lens’s on-lens controls are helpful since I don’t have to take my eye off the viewfinder to adjust.

This function is invaluable when photographing animals since it allows rapid changes to get the exact image without scaring the creature.

Magnesium alloy and carbon fiber build:

The lens’s magnesium alloy and carbon fiber composition make it solid and lightweight without sacrificing durability.

Because of its sturdiness, it can handle the harsh environments that nature photography requires, such as rain, snow, and mud.

Its portability and ease of use make it a great partner on extended wildlife shooting treks into the jungle.

Why is this Sony lens Best for wildlife photography?

This lens is protected from dust and liquid spills by a special seal.

Shooting in the field often puts you at the mercy of the elements, making this function essential.

Thanks to the lens’s shielding, I can concentrate on capturing nature’s splendor without worrying about whether or not I’ll ruin my gear.

One of the best features I like is its maximum aperture of F4.0.

It allows maximum light entry while keeping exposure and depth of field constant.

This is crucial in wildlife photography, especially when shooting in low light or during the dawn and dusk hours when animals are most active.

The large aperture of the lens allows me to take beautiful pictures in low light.

Conclusion:

In Summary, the Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS Lens is the undisputed champion in wildlife photography.

It is a flexible and dependable instrument for capturing the wild beauty of nature because of its fast autofocus, on-lens controls, sturdy build, weather sealing, and large aperture.

It’s more than a lens; it’s a collaborator in documenting the breathtaking scenes I witness in nature.

Pros
  • Magnesium alloy and carbon fiber build.
  • It is sealed against dust and splashes.
  • Speedy autofocus.
  • On-lens controls.
Cons
  • Big.

Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens: (Best Sony lens for wildlife Photography)

The Peringuey’s adder is a smart snake that lives in the Namib Desert.

It hides in a “S” shape in the sand, ready to catch its meal by surprise.

It’s interesting because it can see and breathe even when hiding.

I took pictures of this snake’s impressive moves with my Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens with my camera.

I wanted to show everyone how cool it is because it looks like a desert ninja.

Long telephoto reach / Fast focus:

I used to photograph the Peringuey’s adder in the Namib Desert using an incredibly long telephoto reach of 200-600mm.

It also has a quick-focus capability.

As a result, I could photograph the snake up close and personal while staying well away from its typical environment.

Additionally, the lens’s ability to focus rapidly allowed me to capture the snake’s movements swiftly, which is essential for wildlife photography because elusive animals may be a problem.

Internal zoom design:

I liked the lens’s internal zoom design when photographing the quick Peringuey’s adder.

This meant that the lens didn’t get bigger or smaller on the outside while zooming, so the camera stayed small and balanced.

It supported me and made it easy to move around while I took pictures of the snake’s “S”-shaped movements in the sand.

Teleconverter compatibility:

A teleconverter compatible with my camera is essential as a wildlife photographer.

The Sony FE 200-600mm lens is teleconverter-compatible, so I may increase its focal length without reducing the quality of my photos.

This flexibility helped me get the shot when I needed to get farther away from the snake to capture its elusive movements and complicated patterns.

Why is this Sony lens Best for wildlife photography?

Sand and dust are ordinary in the Namib Desert, but the lens’s dust and splash resistance offered wearers peace of mind.

Since extraneous circumstances didn’t affect the lens’ performance, I could focus on taking good images.

The 11-blade circular aperture’s creamy bokeh highlights the snake against the landscape.

The internal zoom mechanism kept grit and dust out of the lens, making it helpful in challenging conditions.

Conclusion:

I captured the beautiful Peringuey’s adder in the Namib Desert using the Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens, my perfect travel partner for wildlife photography.

Its long telephoto reach, rapid focus, internal zoom, teleconverter compatibility, and solid structure made it ideal for shooting this desert ninja.

It helped me capture the snake’s unique behavior and adapt to arid conditions, resulting in stunning wildlife photos.

Pros
  • Long telephoto reach.
  • Fast focus.
  • Internal zoom design.
  • Dust and splash resistance.
  • Teleconverter compatibility.
Cons
  • Narrow maximum aperture.

Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS Lens: (Best Sony lens for wildlife Photography)

The faraway Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, where the golden grassland extends forever, saw a unique event.

Under the African sun, two graceful cheetahs rested atop a termite mound, symbolizing strength and grace.

As a seasoned wildlife photographer using the Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS Lens, I set out to capture these secretive creatures in their most personal moments.

Unknowingly, I would witness a compelling show of companionship, a narrative of two cheetahs comfortable with one other and their lovely grooming routine, eternally imprinted in my camera.

The telephoto angle of view / F2.8 aperture:

The crown jewel of my collection, this lens provides an unmatched super telephoto field of view, allowing me to photograph animals even in the most distant areas of Masai Mara.

From the gleaming coats of those cheetahs to the Savannah’s vivid colors, every detail is captured with astounding clarity because of its lightning-fast F2.8 aperture.

This lens is my dependable ally in maintaining the wild’s original character.

Sublime optics / Balances well:

The superb optics of this Sony lens are what make it unique.

With this quality lens, I can retain accuracy and stability while easily balancing it for handheld photographs or mounting it on a monopod.

This adaptability is essential for recording honest moments, such as the sensitive cheetah grooming routine, without skipping a beat.

All-weather, magnesium alloy construction

Taking wildlife pictures is like going on an adventure, with weather and subject matter that are just as likely to be a surprise as you are.

This Lens is constructed from durable, all-weather magnesium alloy, capable of withstanding these conditions.

This lens guarantees I can follow my subjects in any weather, always prepared to snap the right photo.

Why is this Sony lens Best for wildlife photography?

This Sony lens works with teleconverters, making it the best choice for wildlife photos.

These tools help me reach farther, so I can get closer to shy or faraway animals without scaring them.

When used with Sony’s a1 and a9 line cameras, this lens lets me take photos at full speed, so I never miss a split-second moment of natural beauty.

This makes it the best Sony lens for wildlife photography.

Conclusion:

The Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS is a lens that captures the spirit of wildlife with its extreme telephoto perspective, magnificent optics, weather resistance, and smooth compatibility.

Follow the link below to get this lens and start your adventure to capture nature’s raw splendor.

Pros
  • Super telephoto angle of view
  • Bright F2.8 aperture
  • Sublime optics
  • Balances well for handheld and monopod use
  • All-weather, magnesium alloy construction
  • Supports teleconverters
  • Full-speed capture with Sony’s a1 and a9 series
Cons
  • Tripod foot isn’t Arca compatible

Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens: (Best Sony lens for wildlife Photography)

I grabbed my Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens and headed out into the wild world of photography as the first rays of the sun bathed the sky in shades of gold.

When photographing wildlife at the world-famous Jungle Haven Zoo, I learned that time is everything.

The warm, alluring light of dawn and dusk was a gift to me.

But right before dinner, I had a significant epiphany.

Animals sprang to life in the tense atmosphere.

For an hour before and throughout the meal, I waved my camera around like a wand.

I used my Sony camera to capture some unforgettable moments in the middle of the Jungle Haven Zoo.

Solid telephoto zoom range / In-lens stabilization:

I like my lens’s reliable telephoto zoom range when equipped with it.

It was my diverse companion, from far-off species to up-close details.

Thanks to the in-lens stabilization, my images were clear and stable even in the middle of the wilderness.

Adjustable zoom tension / Focus hold and limit functions:

The lens’s adjustable zoom tension, a Sony first, was welcomed by me.

I accurately captured those brief moments by customizing the zoom to my shooting technique.

My animal interactions were easy to capture in a photo and freeze in time thanks to focus hold and limit features.

Zoom torque adjustment ring:

My hidden weapon has been the unique zoom torque adjustment ring.

I could regulate the zoom’s speed to follow the cyclical patterns of nature.

I always had this lens and was prepared to take the opportunity.

Why is this Sony lens Best for wildlife photography?

It all comes down to being ready.

I would love to say this Sony lens is built to last and is resistant to dust and water, making it great for the wild outdoors.

Its ability to work with teleconverters gave me a longer reach, and the removable tripod foot supported me during those long hours in the wild.

Conclusion:

The Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens became my trusted partner in the Jungle Haven Zoo, where every second counts.

It was the best partner for recording the wild beauty of wildlife because it was accurate, flexible, and challenging.

Don’t miss the chance to improve your wildlife photos

Pros
  • Solid telephoto zoom range.
  • In-lens stabilization.
  • Adjustable zoom tension.
  • Focus hold and limit functions.
  • Compact, lightweight design.
  • Sturdy, dust- and moisture-resistant construction.
  • Removable tripod foot.
  • Teleconverter compatibility.
Cons
  • It extends when zoomed in.
  • Dim corners when shot wide open.

Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens: (Best Sony lens for wildlife Photography)

Under Africa’s vast sky, I went on a trip with my favorite game lens, the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens.

I looked closer at the lions in the Serengeti as the sun turned them gold.

At night, the magic of this lens lets people see secretive leopards.

Even in the dust, its technology kept my shots steady.

I went deeper, recording the secrets of nature with each click.

The Sigma lens was my way to see the wild.

Each picture I took told a wild story and captured a moment that would last forever.

Sharp results across zoom range:

The fantastic zoom range of this Sigma sports lens allowed me to capture the fine details of the beautiful lions in the Serengeti, even as the sun showered them in golden tones.

Thanks to this lens’s superb optics, I could capture every photo of Africa’s untamed splendor.

Tripod collar with Arca foot:

During my tour to capture animals, the presence of a tripod collar with an Arca-compatible foot proved helpful.

It offered stability and ease of mounting, allowing me to get close-up images of elusive leopards at night and ensure I didn’t miss any of Africa’s nocturnal enchantment.

Outstanding stabilization:

Exceptional image stabilization technology made my Sigma lens my secret weapon against camera shaking in the sandy, unpredictable outdoors.

By keeping the camera steady, I could get clear images of Africa’s animals and preserve these moments forever.

Why is this Sony lens Best for wildlife photography?

There are several reasons why this Sigma lens is the ideal option for wildlife photography with Sony cameras.

The dust, splash, and fluorine protection built into its sturdy frame ensures it will survive the harsh conditions it will face in the wild.

As a bonus, the lens has two zoom tension settings for speedy customization on the field.

It’s adaptable to various Sony cameras because of its full-frame coverage for E and L mirrorless bodies.

Conclusion:

The Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens was my faithful friend in Africa’s wilds, capturing the Serengeti’s untamed beauty and inhabitants.

My photos with this lens conveyed intriguing stories and recorded moments that will last forever.

You must buy this lens and start your wildlife photography adventure.

Pros
  • Sharp results across zoom range
  • Dust, splash, and fluorine protection
  • Two zoom tension settings
  • Tripod collar with Arca foot
  • Outstanding stabilization
  • Full-frame coverage for E and L mirrorless cameras
Cons
  • Only works with L-mount teleconverters

Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens: (Best Sony lens for wildlife Photography)

I set out on a wonderful wildlife photography journey with the fantastic Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens, praised as the finest Sony lens for capturing the beauties of nature deep into Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.

One bright day, a tiger family, strangely situated in Africa yet indisputably appealing, came into focus through my lens.

My lens captured every movement of these magnificent animals, immortalizing this once-in-a-lifetime meeting and contrasting their vivid stripes with the plains of the Serengeti.

Unique standard-to-super-telephoto coverage:

I get an unmatched zoom range thanks to this Lens, which allows me to move between wide-angle and super-telephoto photos with ease.

This adaptability was essential for understanding the faraway tiger family in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park without switching lenses.

Quick, quiet autofocus:

The lens’ quick and nearly silent focus was a game-changer for viewing the tigers.

It was simple for me to follow where they went, even when the animals were on the move or the lighting was poor, so I didn’t miss anything.

7-stop optical stabilization:

The lens’s superb 7-stop optical stabilization was helpful, especially when shooting under challenging circumstances like wildlife photography.

I kept my photos clean and clear while employing extended focal lengths and handheld shooting.

This was crucial for accurately capturing the tiger family’s activities.

Why is this Sony lens Best for wildlife photography?

Its durable, all-weather build was a necessity in the harsh Serengeti climate.

Dust, wetness, and sudden shifts in temperature didn’t pose any problems for my lens.

The high-resolution Sony camera I used with it regularly produced crisp images, allowing me to capture every nuance of the tigers’ stripes.

The manufacturer included an Arca tripod foot to further improve its wildlife photography capabilities.

Conclusion:

The Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens is the finest Sony wildlife lens.

Its unique coverage, fast and quiet autofocus, and excellent optical stabilization are essential for shooting rare wildlife situations.

Nature and wildlife photographers looking for high-quality and versatile gear will love its durable design, high-pixel camera compatibility, and tripod foot.

Pros
  • Unique standard-to-super-telephoto coverage
  • Sturdy, all-weather construction
  • Sharp results on high-pixel cameras
  • Quick, quiet autofocus
  • 7-stop optical stabilization
  • Integrated Arca tripod foot
Cons
  • Heavy at 5.5 pounds
  • Teleconverters not available for E-mount

Tamron 150-500mm F5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens: (Best Sony lens for wildlife Photography)

I went on a deep journey in the African Savannah’s peaceful wildness to get my animal photography degree.

With my trusty Sony camera and the flexible Tamron 150-500mm F5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens, I went deep into green ecosystems to capture timeless moments of different animals in their natural habitats, often with their young.

This fantastic lens, known for its long reach and sharpness, was on this wild trip with me the whole time.

It helped me get my degree and drew me back to these wild places as my professional career took off.

Every time a shutter clicks in the Savannah, it tells an exciting story about the animal world.

Excellent telephoto optics:

During my wildlife photography trip, I counted on this Lens’s excellent telephoto optics.

Its excellent focal length range lets me take beautiful close-up pictures of animals from a safe distance, so I didn’t change how they usually behave.

The fantastic specs of the lens let it take sharp, detailed pictures that showed off the beauty of the animals in the African Savannah.

Lockable zoom clutch:

This lens’ locking zoom clutch was a game-changer.

I could easily swap between focal lengths while the zoom was safely locked at my desired position.

THIS CAPABILITY CAME IN HANDY when I wanted to quickly switch my focus from a far-off topic to a nearby one.

It ensured I never missed a snap, especially while capturing moving, lively creatures.

Superb stabilization / Full-frame optics:

I wouldn’t have been able to get my degree in wildlife photography without this lens’ outstanding stabilization and full-frame optics.

Its image stabilization technology reduced the blur caused by my shaky hands, so even in low light, I got sharp photos.

The full-frame optics of the lens produced stunning photos, capturing the actual colors and textures of the animals.

Even under challenging situations, its image stabilization technology kept my images crisp and stable by reducing hand tremors and vibrations.

The lens’s full-frame optics captured wildlife’s inherent beauty with brilliant hues and rich details.

Why is this Sony lens Best for wildlife photography?

I initially captured animals in their natural habitats without disturbing them using its wide reach.

I could see every animal detail from afar because of the lens’s sharpness.

Its stabilizing feature prevented blur when shooting handheld in the field.

The lens’s tripod collar with an Arca foot and dust- and moisture-resistant coating make it trustworthy under challenging conditions.

The lens survived the African Savannah because of its dust, moisture, and fluorine resistance.

Knowing my stuff was protected let me picture in terrible weather.

Tripod collars with Arca feet stabilized and made vertical and horizontal adjustments easy.

These attributes enable me to shoot without worrying about lens durability and performance.

Conclusion:

The Tamron 150-500mm F5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens is my ideal wildlife lens.

This lens captures animal stories well with its exceptional telephoto optics, locking zoom clutch, stabilization, and full-frame optics.

Durability, dust, moisture, fluorine protection, and the tripod collar are ideal for wildlife photographers.

It proved that it is the best Sony lens for wildlife photography.

Pros
  • Excellent telephoto optics
  • Dust, moisture, and fluorine protection
  • Lockable zoom clutch
  • Tripod collar with Arca foot
  • Superb stabilization
  • Full-frame optics
Cons
  • Doesn’t work with teleconverters

Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Lens: (Best Sony lens for wildlife Photography)

For nearly five years, I lived in Russia, where the snowy terrain presented an enormous obstacle to my hobby of animal photography.

During one particularly enchanted snowfall, I saw two little red peacocks playing on a mountaintop.

I hurriedly reached for the best Sony lens for wildlife photography, the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Lens.

My adrenaline was pumping as I tried to get a shot of their beautiful dance, which will remain etched in my memory of the Russian tundra.

Stabilized optics:

I vividly remember using stabilized optics to get the ideal photo during that spectacular snowstorm encounter with the red peacocks.

I could keep a stable focus on those brief moments because of the optical stabilization of the Sigma Contemporary Lens.

I was sure this lens would reduce blur and provide crisp, breathtaking photographs even in the difficult Russian tundra.

Quick, quiet autofocus:

Autofocus on my Sigma lens was crucial as I nervously aimed my camera at the exquisite dance of the red peacocks.

I could catch their joyous motions in their natural rhythm because of your method of quiet perfection.

Because of this lens ‘ excellent focusing performance, I could capture the majesty of the moment without being distracted by mechanical sounds.

Useful on-lens controls:

My adventures in wildlife photography would not have been the same without the on-lens settings of this Lens.

I could keep my eye on the viewfinder while making quick adjustments because of the proximity of these controls.

This user-friendly layout allowed me to quickly adjust to varying lighting conditions and animal activity, allowing me to capture every opportunity.

Why is this Sony lens Best for wildlife photography?

Due to its high quality and mirrorless design, this Contemporary Lens has become my favorite Sony wildlife lens.

Its sturdy design made it weatherproof, like the Russian tundra.

It also worked well with my Sony setup because it was designed for mirrorless cameras.

This lens captures meaningful wildlife scenes with the perfect blend of artistry and technology, making it the best Sony lens for wildlife photography.

Conclusion:

For wildlife photography in Russia, I relied on the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Lens.

Its stabilized optics, fast focusing, and on-lens settings let me capture the crimson peacocks’ beautiful dance forever.

The lens’s high-quality construction and mirrorless design in the harsh yet beautiful Russian countryside made it the ideal Sony wildlife lens.

Along with those animal experiences, this lens stays with me.

Pros
  • High-quality build
  • Stabilized optics
  • Quick, quiet autofocus
  • Useful on-lens controls
  • Built-for-mirrorless design
Cons
  • Teleconverters not available for E-mount version
  • Not fully protected from dust and splashes

CONCLUSION:

Alright, guys, that concludes all the lenses we will discuss today in this article.

Do you guys have any experience with these lenses? What are your thoughts on them?

Which is your best Sony lens for wildlife photography?

Is there a lens I didn’t mention in this article that you love using for wildlife photography?

Would you please leave your thoughts and comments below?

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