Group Test

Telephoto

reveal the best DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, drone, lenses, software, tripod, accessories, lighting and innovation zooms are among the first extra lenses most photographers buy. Find yours as we test eight budget options

The first extra lens a photographer buys for their cameras is

usually a telephoto. We’ve rounded up eight reasonably priced alternatives competing for your cash. They include lenses designed for full-frame cameras and some made specifically for smaller ‘crop sensor’ cameras with APS-C or Micro Four Thirds sensors.

A full-frame lens will give you more ‘reach’ on a cropsensor camera, but lenses designed specifically for these smaller sensor sizes will tend to be cheaper and lighter, so if you own a Nikon, Pentax or Canon DSLR, you will need to decide which to go for.

If you have a Fujifilm X-mount camera or an Olympus or Panasonic mirrorless camera, the choice is easier because these stick to a single sensor size.

The other question is how much you’re prepared to pay! Our winner may prove controversial, but it does highlight the dilemma between value and quality.