Best Canon lens for surf photography
What are the best canon lens for surf photography?
In this article I will mention Canon lenses that I recommend for surfing photography from the beach.
How to choose the best Canon lens for surf and water sports photography?
As a surf and water sport photographer, I use a range of canon lenses that enables me to photograph the best images and videos on varius scenes and in different scenarios.
So what is the best canon lens for beach and surf photography?
When we film on land, whether at sports competitions, surfing sessions or any other event where we find ourselves distant from the surfer: We may be standing on the beach or on a cliff, boulder or boat at a distance that requires us to use Telephoto lenses, which are mostly intended to bring very distant objects up close.
There are two types of telephoto lenses:
1. Zoom Telephoto lenses
2. Prime Telephoto lenses (fixed focal length)
Best CANON Zoom Telephoto lenses
The advantage in these Canon lenses lies in their varying zoom, so we can catch different situations more quickly without having to change lenses.
Sometimes this is very important when we filming water sport events and action sport like surfing.
The best versatility Canon telephoto lens for surf
Below are the most versatile and comfortable canon telephoto lenses for shooting surfing without a tripod , hand-held. see below from the cheapest to expensive option.
Short on budget? check out this lens -
If you are really short on budget but you don’t care to compromise on quality, this Canon lens is a good option for you.
Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM I View on Amazon
The advantage of this lens is its lightweight and compact design – perfect for travel, and relatively affordable compared to other telephoto options.
Canon best choice for hand-held and versatility
These Canon lenses are the most popular for there versatility, maintaining a good quality as well as not heavy – suitable for working without a tripod markedly are great for surfing and sport photography
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM I 👉 See current price on Amazon
This EF lens is highly versatile, allowing for handheld shooting while maintaining excellent image quality.
Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM I View on Amazon
The upgraded RF version, designed for mirrorless cameras, is equally versatile and delivers outstanding image quality – even when shooting handheld. I personally use this lens, and it consistently delivers excellent results.
The best range - for canon telephoto zoom lens
Eventually when we talk about range – getting closer to the object, it usually come with heavy budget and heavy on hand. not in this case! this Canon RF 200-800 is the best choice for range and versatility when you shooting surfing or even wildlife without selling your house.
Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM I Vew on Amazon
The best choice in terms of zoom range and price – this lens is ideal for shooting from beaches with distant breaks, and equally suited for wildlife photography.
Expensive - High quality Canon telephoto zoom Lens
These lenses do not compromise on quality and also allow versatility. But they will cost you in the budget.
**As has been noted these lenses have excellent image quality**
Telephoto zoom lens CANON RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM I View on Amazon
A premium telephoto zoom lens that delivers outstanding optical performance. Its constant f/2.8 aperture provides beautiful shallow depth of field and excellent low-light capabilities – all packed into a versatile focal range.
CANON EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x I View on Amazon
With built-in 1.4x extender is a high-end EF lens offering superb optical quality and a weather-sealed internal zoom – ideal for challenging outdoor conditions. The integrated 1.4x extender pushes the focal range even further, making it exceptionally versatile for surf, sport and wildlife photography.
Canon best economy budget Lightweight Super Telephoto RF Lens
The advantage of these Canon super telephoto lenses are:
- Compact and Lightweight
- Excellent range
- Economy budget
Their biggest drawback is the closed aperture that does not allow photography with a shallow depth of field and is less suitable for photography in low light
Canon RF600mm F11 IS STM I View on Amazon
A compact and lightweight super-telephoto lens offering impressive reach at an entry-level price point. A great choice for beginners or travel photographers looking for long-range capability without the weight or cost of pro glass.
Canon RF800mm F11 IS STM I View on Amazon
offers extreme telephoto reach in a surprisingly compact and affordable package. Like the 600mm version, it’s lightweight and travel-friendly – but gives you even more range for distant.
Best Canon Prime Telephoto Lens For Surf
A prime telephoto lenses are the major quality, recommended for low lighting on cloudy winter days or when we are distant from our object and still have no need to use varying zooms. use this lens to get the best bokeh images and low light condition.
These canon lenses are expensive. excellent for surf and sport photography, Wildlife as well.
Prime Super-telephoto Lens CANON RF 400mm F2.8 L IS USM I View on Amazon
A prime super-telephoto lens built for uncompromising image quality. Its fast f/2.8 aperture delivers exceptional sharpness, beautiful background separation, and outstanding performance in low-light conditions – making it a top choice for professional surf and action photography.
RF 600mm F4 L IS USM I View on Amazon
A prime lens with uncompromising optical quality and a focal length highly favored by professional surf, sports, and wildlife photographers. Its sharpness, reach, and fast f/4 aperture make it a go-to choice for demanding outdoor work.
CANON RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM Lens I View on Amazon
A prime super-telephoto lens with a fixed f/5.6 aperture and an impressive 800mm reach. Designed for extreme distance shooting, it delivers exceptional clarity, contrast, and detail – perfect for capturing surf from afar, wildlife, and fast action.
CANON RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM Lens I View on Amazon
The Canon RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM is Canon’s longest native telephoto lens, offering unmatched reach for extreme -distance photography. With superb L series optics, built-in stabilization, and surprisingly portable construction for its class, it’s a specialized tool for professional surf, wildlife, and aerospace photographers who need maximum range without compromise.
In conclusion
Canon has many lenses that can be suitable for surfing and sports photography. In the end, everyone chooses the lens that suits them according to the budget and the type of photography
Personal tip
I recommend trying and renting a lens before you buy it, so you can understand if it fits your needs.
check out my last article about choosing the right lens for surf and water sport photography.
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