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9 Best Lenses for Moon Photography in 2024

Christopher Bryan-Smith
Last updated: March 13, 2024 - 12 min read
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Capturing the moon in all its glory isn’t easy, even if you have a great camera. That’s why finding the best lenses for moon photography is so important.

This article guides you through the nine best lenses that will help you take stunning lunar images, ensuring you have the tools needed to bring out the moon’s intricate details.

Our top pick is the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM. It stands out for its impressive focal length range and image stabilization, making it ideal for detailed moon shots. But if that’s not the lens you need, keep reading to see the best moon photography lenses from Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, and more.

Our Top 3 Lenses for Moon Photography
Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
Canon RF 100-400mm F/5.6-8 IS USM
Canon RF 100-400mm F/5.6-8 IS USM
Canon RF 100-400mm F/5.6-8 IS USM
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm F/4.5-5.6G ED VR
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm F/4.5-5.6G ED VR
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm F/4.5-5.6G ED VR

What Is the Best Lens for Moon Photography?

Focal length, sharpness, and the ability to reduce glare are some of the key features to consider when choosing the best lens for moon photography.

Our list includes top picks from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Pentax, Sigma, and Tamron, all chosen for their long focal lengths and optical quality. These fantastic lenses ensure detailed lunar images, minimizing chromatic aberration and enhancing night sky captures.

Our Top Pick
Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
  • Versatile 100-400mm zoom for dynamic framing
  • Superior sharpness and contrast across zoom range
  • Robust, weather-sealed construction for reliability
  • Effective 4-stop image stabilization system
  • Quick, accurate autofocus with manual override option
Best Canon Mirrorless Lens
Canon RF 100-400mm F/5.6-8 IS USM
Canon RF 100-400mm F/5.6-8 IS USM
Canon RF 100-400mm F/5.6-8 IS USM
  • Compact, lightweight design enhances portability
  • 5.5-stop IS for sharp handheld shots
  • Quick, silent autofocus with Nano USM motor
  • Pleasing bokeh with 9-blade circular aperture
  • Optimized for Canon's full-frame mirrorless cameras
Best Nikon DSLR Lens
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm F/4.5-5.6G ED VR
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm F/4.5-5.6G ED VR
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm F/4.5-5.6G ED VR
  • Broad 80-400mm range for versatile shooting scenarios
  • 4 ED elements reduce chromatic aberration effectively
  • Vibration Reduction for steady shots at 400mm
  • Swift, silent autofocus with Silent Wave Motor
  • Durable build with ergonomic handling features
Best Nikon Mirrorless Lens
Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 VR S
Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 VR S
Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 VR S
  • Exceptional reach with 100-400mm zoom range
  • Dual motor autofocus system for rapid focusing
  • Up to 5.5 stops of Vibration Reduction
  • Superior optical design minimizes aberrations
  • Robust build with comprehensive weather sealing
Best Sony Lens
Sony FE 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 GM OSS
Sony FE 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 GM OSS
Sony FE 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 GM OSS
  • G Master optics ensure peak image clarity
  • Fast, precise autofocus with Direct Drive SSM
  • Optical SteadyShot stabilizes at extreme zooms
  • Lightweight design for its class enhances portability
  • Dust and moisture resistance for outdoor reliability
Best Fujifilm Lens
Fujifilm FUJINON XF 150-600mm F/5.6-8 R LM OIS WR
Fujifilm FUJINON XF 150-600mm F/5.6-8 R LM OIS WR
Fujifilm FUJINON XF 150-600mm F/5.6-8 R LM OIS WR
  • Unmatched 150-600mm range for extreme telephoto shots
  • Optical Image Stabilization for sharp images at 600mm
  • Weather-resistant build for reliable outdoor use
  • Fast, quiet autofocus with Linear Motor technology
  • Designed for Fujifilm X-series mirrorless cameras
Best Pentax Lens
HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F/4.5-5.6 ED DC AW
HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F/4.5-5.6 ED DC AW
HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F/4.5-5.6 ED DC AW
  • Expansive 150-450mm range for versatile telephoto shooting
  • Robust, weather-sealed design for outdoor reliability
  • Advanced optics reduce aberrations, enhance image clarity
  • Quick-Shift Focus System for seamless manual override
  • HD coating minimizes flare and ghosting effects
Best Sigma Lens
Sigma 150-600mm F/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C
Sigma 150-600mm F/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C
Sigma 150-600mm F/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C
  • Extensive 150-600mm zoom for distant subject capture
  • Optical Stabilization enhances handheld shooting capabilities
  • Contemporary design balances performance and portability
  • Hyper Sonic Motor ensures fast, silent autofocus
  • Compatible with Sigma teleconverters for extended reach
Best Tamron Lens
Tamron 100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD A035
Tamron 100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD A035
Tamron 100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD A035
  • Lightweight design enhances portability for fieldwork
  • Vibration Compensation stabilizes images at long distances
  • Ultrasonic Silent Drive for fast, quiet autofocus
  • Moisture-resistant construction for outdoor shooting confidence
  • Exceptional image quality across the zoom range
 

Our Favorite Lenses for Moon Photography

Let’s take a closer look at our favorite lenses for moon photography. From powerful zooms to sharp image quality, there’s a lens here for moon enthusiasts of all kinds. With options across all the major brands, finding the perfect lens to bring the lunar landscape closer has never been easier.

1. Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

Our Top Pick
Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
Brand
Brand
Canon
Lens Weight
Lens Weight
1570 g
Maximum Aperture
Maximum Aperture
f/ 5.6
Focal Length Range
Focal Length Range
100-400 mm
Image Stabilization
Image Stabilization
Yes

The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM is the perfect lens for moon photography. Compatible with Canon DSLR cameras, it’s a classic lens that has everything you need to capture stunning lunar images.

The wide telephoto zoom range allows photographers to capture detailed images of the moon, filling the frame without needing to crop the photo in post-processing.

Its optical performance is enhanced by one fluorite and one Super UD element. These reduce chromatic aberration and distortion, ensuring sharp, high-contrast images of the lunar surface.

An Air Sphere Coating (ASC) reduces glare for clearer images. This is helpful when moonlight is shooting straight into your lens. 

The lens’s variable aperture of f/4.5-5.6 doesn’t give you the best low-light performance. But that’s less of a concern for moon photography, as you’ll likely be using a narrow aperture for better sharpness. Moon photographers also like to use tripods for better stability and exposure control.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a tripod, the lens has an excellent Image Stabilization (IS) system. Giving you extra stops of exposure compensation, you get sharper shots when shooting from hand. 

The lens’s weight (3.46 lbs / 1.5 kg) could make it challenging to manage for handheld shooting.

Compared it to the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM, the EF lens offers a slightly faster maximum aperture, which can be beneficial for achieving faster shutter speeds in dim conditions.

The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM is a superb piece of kit, and it’s the best Canon DSLR lens for moon photography. 

 

2. Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM

Best Canon Mirrorless Lens
Canon RF 100-400mm F/5.6-8 IS USM
Brand
Brand
Canon
Lens Weight
Lens Weight
635 g
Maximum Aperture
Maximum Aperture
f/ 8.0
Focal Length Range
Focal Length Range
100-400 mm
Image Stabilization
Image Stabilization
Yes

The Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is a great choice for moon photography with a mirrorless Canon camera. 

The 100-400mm focal length gives you the magnification you need to capture detailed lunar shots. You also have plenty of flexibility with composition thanks to the zoom functionality.

The lens is sharp even at the edges, ensuring the moon’s surface is captured in detail. The lens’s UD elements keep images clear by reducing chromatic aberration, which is important for the high-contrast edges of the moon. Its coatings also cut down on glare and lens flare, ensuring the moon’s surface details are crisp and not washed out.

While its aperture range of f/5.6-8 might seem limiting, it’s not a major concern for moon photography, where a smaller aperture is used to achieve better sharpness.

Weighing only 1.4 lbs (635 g), this lens is easier to handle, allowing you to shoot from hand. It also has a built-in image stabilization system that gives you 5.5 stops of shake reduction. You’ll be able to capture sharp moon shots without a tripod. 

The Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is surprisingly affordable considering the telephoto zoom range. The edge-to-edge sharpness and image stabilization add even more to the value of this Canon RF lens. It’s a bargain for moon photographers. 

 

3. Nikon AF-S 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

Best Nikon DSLR Lens
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm F/4.5-5.6G ED VR
Brand
Brand
Nikon
Lens Weight
Lens Weight
1570 g
Maximum Aperture
Maximum Aperture
f/ 5.6
Focal Length Range
Focal Length Range
80-400 mm
Image Stabilization
Image Stabilization
Yes

The Nikon AF-S 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is a brilliant lens for moon photography due to its extensive focal length and stabilization. Its zoom range is crucial for capturing the moon in great detail, making it appear large and clear in the frame.

Its optical design includes elements that reduce chromatic aberration, ensuring the edges of the moon are sharp against the dark sky.

Special lens coatings also play a significant role in minimizing glare and lens flare, which is essential when photographing such a bright object.

While its maximum aperture might not be the widest, it does have Nikon’s reliable Vibration Reduction (VR) system. It’s still best to use a tripod when shooting the moon, but it does give you better handheld results. 

Weighing in at 3.5 lbs (1.5 kg), this lens is relatively easy to manage on a tripod, which is vital for the long exposures typically used in moon photography.

Providing edge-to-edge sharpness and versatility, the Nikon AF-S 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is the best moon photography lens for Nikon DSLR cameras. 

 

4. Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

Best Nikon Mirrorless Lens
Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 VR S
Brand
Brand
Nikon
Lens Weight
Lens Weight
1355 g
Maximum Aperture
Maximum Aperture
f/ 5.6
Focal Length Range
Focal Length Range
100-400 mm
Image Stabilization
Image Stabilization
Yes

If you’re a Nikon mirrorless user, the Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S is your best choice for moon photography. The focal length is ideal for capturing detailed lunar images.

Its optical design features low dispersion elements that ensure sharp, high-contrast shots of the moon and minimizing chromatic aberration at the edges. The lens’s glass coatings are effectively reduce glare and lens flare, which is crucial for shooting the bright lunar surface against a dark sky.

A variable aperture isn’t a problem when shooting lunar images, though it does dent the lens’s overall versatility. The VR also gives you more exposure control when shooting from hand, which is handy for all kinds of photographers. 

Weighing 3.1 lbs (1.4 g), this lens is manageable for long-duration shoots, especially when mounted on a tripod.

A superb telephoto zoom lens, the Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S is a brilliant choice for lunar photographers. 

 

5. Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS

Best Sony Lens
Sony FE 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 GM OSS
Brand
Brand
Sony
Lens Weight
Lens Weight
1395 g
Maximum Aperture
Maximum Aperture
f/ 5.6
Focal Length Range
Focal Length Range
100-400 mm
Image Stabilization
Image Stabilization
Yes

The Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS is the best Sony lens for moon photography. 

One Super Extra-low Dispersion (ED) and two ED elements minimize distortion and chromatic aberration, giving you sharp images throughout the zoom range. A Nano AR coating also combats glare, giving you clean images of the moon. 

Sony’s Optical SteadyShot (OSS) stabilization system is a handy feature that gives you sharper shots in low light. This feature is a godsend when you don’t have a tripod with you. 

The lens is moderately heavy, but you’ll be able to shoot handheld for extended periods without much trouble. It’s also weather-resistant, so you’ll have no problem using it outdoors. 

When capturing stunning lunar images, the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS is the best partner for Sony’s high-resolution cameras. 

 

6. Fujifilm XF 150-600mm f/5.6-8 R LM OIS WR

Best Fujifilm Lens
Fujifilm FUJINON XF 150-600mm F/5.6-8 R LM OIS WR
Brand
Brand
Fujifilm
Lens Weight
Lens Weight
1605 g
Maximum Aperture
Maximum Aperture
f/ 8.0
Focal Length Range
Focal Length Range
150-600 mm
Image Stabilization
Image Stabilization
Yes

The Fujifilm XF 150-600mm f/5.6-8 R LM OIS WR lens is a powerhouse for moon photography, offering an impressive focal length that’s perfect for capturing detailed lunar images. The magnification at 600mm allows you to capture incredible details from the moon’s surface. 

Optically superb, you get sharp, clear images at all points in the focal length range. The three ED and four Super ED elements have to take some of the credit for that. 

A maximum aperture of f/8 at 600mm isn’t ideal. But the lens does have Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for extra support in low light. 

This lens is both big and heavy, which might be a concern for some users. But if you have a Fujifilm camera, the Fujifilm XF 150-600mm f/5.6-8 R LM OIS WR is head and shoulders above any other lens for moon photography. 

 

7. Pentax-D FA 150-450mm f/4.5-5.6 ED DC AW

Best Pentax Lens
HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F/4.5-5.6 ED DC AW
Brand
Brand
Pentax
Lens Weight
Lens Weight
2000 g
Maximum Aperture
Maximum Aperture
f/ 5.6
Focal Length Range
Focal Length Range
150-450 mm
Image Stabilization
Image Stabilization
No

The HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm f/4.5-5.6 ED DC AW is a great lens for Pentax DSLR cameras. The 450mm magnification gives you enough reach to capture detailed shots, and the zoom range allows you to experiment with composition. 

Three ED and one Super ED element ensure distortion-free images from any point in the zoom range. The outer glass elements have also been treated with an HD coating that reduces lens flare and ghosting, helping you capture clean shots of the moon. 

With a weight of  nearly 2 kg, this is a hefty lens. The plus side is that the build quality is excellent and it has thorough weather sealing for outdoor use. 

A brilliant example of Pentax’s incredible engineering, the Pentax-D FA 150-450mm f/4.5-5.6 ED DC AW is worth every penny. It’s also surprisingly affordable for a telephoto zoom lens of this quality. 

 

8. Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C

Best Sigma Lens
Sigma 150-600mm F/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C
Brand
Brand
Sigma
Lens Weight
Lens Weight
1930 g
Maximum Aperture
Maximum Aperture
f/ 6.3
Focal Length Range
Focal Length Range
150-600 mm
Image Stabilization
Image Stabilization
Yes

The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C is a versatile super-telephoto lens for moon photography. The 600mm focal length gives you wonderful magnification, allowing you to see clearly see details on the moon’s surface. And as a zoom lens, you can play with composition for dramatic lunar images. 

The lens isn’t quite as sharp as some of the other lenses on this list, especially when using the widest apertures. But it still delivers good clarity and sharpness when stopped down. 

An Optical Stabilizer (OS) gives you extra exposure control when shooting from hand. But, due to the size and weight, we recommend using a tripod when using this lens for moon photography. 

The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C is an affordable option that’s available for Canon EF and Nikon F cameras. It’s a great alternative if you don’t want a tight budget getting in the way of your moon photography mission.

 

9. Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD

Best Tamron Lens
Tamron 100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD A035
Brand
Brand
Tamron
Lens Weight
Lens Weight
1135 g
Maximum Aperture
Maximum Aperture
f/ 6.3
Focal Length Range
Focal Length Range
100-400 mm
Image Stabilization
Image Stabilization
Yes

The Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD is another fanastic telephoto lens for moon photography, offering the essential long focal length needed to capture detailed lunar images. 

Thanks to three Low-Dispersion (LD) elements, you get excellent picture quality at nearly every focal length. You might experience some minor distortion at the extremes, but this is barely noticeable when shooting moon photography. 

A special eBAND (Extended Bandwidth and Angular-Dependency) coating improves image quality by reducing light reflections that cause glare. The outer elements also have a fluorine coating that protects the glass against scratches and smudges. 

It’s relatively light for its class (2.5 lbs (1.3 g), making it easy to handle even without a tripod. It’s also dust and moisture-resistant, so you’ll have no trouble using it outdoors. 

Built-in Vibration Compensation (VC) is always helpful with a lens of this size, especially when shooting from hand or in low light. 

The Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD is a great alternative to pricier lenses, and it’s available for Nikon F-mount and Canon EF-mount cameras. 

 

Conclusion: The Best Lenses for Moon Photography

Choosing the right lenses for moon photography is key to capturing breathtaking lunar images. The article reviewed nine lenses all offering unique features to improve moon photography. With long focal lengths and sharpness across the frame, these lenses help photographers capture the moon in stunning detail.

Our top choice is the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM, chosen for its impressive focal range and optical performance. It’s the best for detailed lunar images with a Canon DSLR camera. But as we’ve seen, there’s a brilliant moon photography lens for any photographers.

Our Top 3 Lenses for Moon Photography
Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
Canon RF 100-400mm F/5.6-8 IS USM
Canon RF 100-400mm F/5.6-8 IS USM
Canon RF 100-400mm F/5.6-8 IS USM
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm F/4.5-5.6G ED VR
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm F/4.5-5.6G ED VR
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm F/4.5-5.6G ED VR