10 Best Lens for Moon Photography Review and Complete Guide

Capturing the moon in all its glowing glory isn’t just about having a camera—it’s about using the right lens. Whether you’re an astrophotography enthusiast, a nature lover with a zoom obsession, or a beginner who simply wants to photograph a supermoon, investing in the best lens for moon photography is key.

From super-telephoto zooms to prime performers with incredible image stabilization, we’ve rounded up the top 10 lenses that bring the lunar surface into vivid detail. These options span Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, and more—so no matter your camera brand, your perfect moon lens awaits.

How to Choose the Best Lens for Moon Photography

Capturing stunning shots of the moon isn’t just about owning a camera—it’s about pairing it with the right lens. Moon photography requires a lens that offers reach, clarity, and the ability to perform well in low-light conditions. Here’s what to look for when choosing the best lens for moon photography:

Focal Length Matters (400mm and Up Recommended)

To fill your frame with the moon’s surface, you’ll need a telephoto lens. A focal length of at least 300mm is the bare minimum, but 400mm or longer is ideal. The more you zoom in, the more details you’ll be able to capture—like craters, shadows, and ridges. For cropped-sensor cameras, even a 300mm lens might give a tighter field of view.

Aperture Size (Lower f-number is Better)

A wide aperture (like f/4 or f/5.6) allows more light to enter the lens, helping you shoot in dim conditions like dusk or at night. While the moon itself is bright, the sky around it is not. A wide aperture also enables faster shutter speeds, reducing motion blur due to camera shake.

Image Stabilization (IS / VR / OSS)

Long focal lengths magnify not just the moon—but also your hand movements. Image stabilization (IS, VR, OSS depending on brand) is crucial when shooting handheld or even with a tripod in windy conditions. It helps reduce camera shake and keeps your images sharp.

Autofocus vs Manual Focus

While many photographers prefer autofocus for speed and ease, manual focus gives you more control—especially useful when capturing precise lunar details. If your lens has focus peaking (often available on mirrorless cameras), manual focus becomes even more effective.

Lens Compatibility

Make sure the lens you choose is compatible with your camera’s mount and sensor format. Full-frame lenses can be used on crop sensors (with increased effective focal length), but not all lenses work across systems like Canon EF, Nikon Z, Sony E, or Fujifilm X.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

If you plan to shoot outdoors frequently, choose a lens that’s weather-sealed and built to withstand cold or humid nights. This ensures reliability and extends the lifespan of your gear—especially important during long sessions under the stars.

Budget and Value

You don’t need to spend a fortune to shoot great moon photos. There are excellent budget lenses (like the Sigma or Tamron 150-600mm), as well as high-end pro options. Consider how often you’ll use the lens and whether you might want it for wildlife or sports photography too. Pro Tip: A tripod and remote shutter release will dramatically improve your moon shots—regardless of the lens you use.

Comparison Table for The Best Lenses for Moon Photography

Image	Name	Details	Price
	Canon EF IS II USM	* 100–400mm * 4-stop IS system  * Professional L-series Optical  * Canon EF-mount DSLRs and EOS R (compatibility)	Check Price
	Nikon AF-S NIKKOR ED VR	* 200–500m * 4.5-stop VR * ED glass * Nikon F-mount DSLRs (Compatibility)	Check Price
	Sony FE G OSS	* 200–600mm * Built-in OSS * G-series glass * Sony E-mount full-frame and APS-C (Compatibility)	Check Price
	Sigma DG OS HSM	* 150–600mm * Optical Stabilizer (OS) * Sharp, super-tele option * Canon EF, Nikon F, and Sigma SA mounts (Compatibility)	Check Price
	Tamron SP Di VC USD G2	* 150–600mm * Powerful VC * Excellent sharpness * Canon EF and Nikon F-mount (Compatibility)	Check Price
	Canon EF DO IS II USM	* Prime 400mm telephoto * 4-stop IS * Lightweight DO (Diffractive Optics) * Canon EF-mount DSLRs and mirrorless (Compatibility)	Check Price
	Nikon Z VR S	* 100–400mm * Powerful VR * Edge-to-edge sharpness * Nikon Z-mount mirrorless (Compatibility)	Check Price
	Sony FE GM OSS	* 100–400mm * Optical SteadyShot * Pro-grade sharpness and bokeh * Sony full-frame and APS-C E-mount (Compatibility)	Check Price
	Fujifilm XF R LM OIS WR	* 100–400mm * Up to 5 stops OIS * Super ED elements * Fujifilm X-mount mirrorless (Compatibility)	Check Price
	TTArtisan Telephoto	* Fixed 500mm * Bright f/6.3 * Manual focus only * Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, Fuji X mounts (Compatibility)	Check Price

Best Overall Lens for Moon Photography: Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS

The Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS stands out as the best overall lens for moon photography because it offers an unbeatable combination of reach, sharpness, image stabilization, and autofocus performance—all in one solidly built package. With its native 600mm focal length, you can capture the moon’s surface with extraordinary clarity and detail without needing an additional teleconverter. The built-in Optical SteadyShot helps minimize shake during long exposures, and its autofocus is fast and reliable for sharp, focused results even at night.

Why it’s the best: It hits the sweet spot for both professional quality and usability, offering outstanding image quality and flexibility for serious moon photographers, all while being compatible with Sony’s mirrorless systems.

Top 10 Best Lenses for Moon Photography 2025- Expert Reviewed and Tested

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

Best for Versatile Long-Range Moon Shots with Superb Sharpness

⭐ Rating: 4.8/5

With its wide 100-400mm focal range and fast autofocus, the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM delivers tack-sharp images of the moon—even handheld.

Its 4-stop image stabilization helps you shoot in low light or at longer exposures without blur.

This lens is ideal for Canon full-frame and APS-C DSLRs, this lens offers weather-sealed durability for outdoor stargazing nights.

Bottom Line: If you’re serious about moon photography and want a pro-grade zoom that performs in any condition, this lens hits the mark.

2. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR

Best for Super-Telephoto Reach on a Budget

⭐ Rating: 4.7/5

This 200-500mm Nikon powerhouse gives you incredible reach and sharpness at an unbeatable price.

It’s perfect for moon shots with full-frame and crop-sensor Nikon DSLRs. It also includes VR Technology to stabilize the zoom

The Vibration Reduction (VR) helps stabilize long exposures, and the fixed f/5.6 aperture ensures consistent brightness throughout the zoom range.

Bottom Line: A top-tier option for Nikon users who want long reach without spending a fortune.

3. Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS

Best for Sony Users Who Want Jaw-Dropping Detail

⭐ Rating: 4.8/5

This lens features a massive 200-600mm focal length, bringing distant subjects incredibly close. It delivers impressive edge-to-edge sharpness and stunning clarity throughout the zoom range, making it ideal for capturing fine details in wildlife, sports, or the moon.

To combat camera shake at these long focal lengths, the lens has built-in Optical SteadyShot (OSS). This image stabilization is highly effective for both handheld shooting and when using a tripod, helping you achieve sharp images consistently. The fast and quiet Direct Drive SSM (DDSSM) autofocus system ensures you can quickly and accurately track moving subjects.

Designed for durability, the FE 200-600mm G OSS has a weather-sealed construction and a non-extending internal zoom mechanism. This build quality allows for reliable performance in various outdoor conditions and provides stable handling. It’s compatible with both full-frame and APS-C Sony E-mount cameras, offering versatility for Sony system users.

Bottom Line: A dream lens for Sony shooters who want professional-level moon photography without compromise.

4. Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary

Best Budget Super-Telephoto for Beginners

⭐ Rating: 4.6/5

The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is a versatile super-telephoto zoom lens designed to be a portable and high-performing option for photographers seeking extended reach. Its 150-600mm focal range makes it well-suited for a variety of distant subjects, from wildlife and birds to sports and even astrophotography. The lens incorporates FLD and SLD glass elements to help minimize chromatic aberrations and achieve good image quality throughout its zoom range.  

Equipped with an Optical Stabilizer (OS), this lens effectively reduces the effects of camera shake, which is vital when shooting at longer focal lengths. The OS system features updated algorithms for improved performance, including modes for standard shooting and panning. The Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) provides fast and quiet autofocus, allowing for quick and accurate subject acquisition.  

As part of Sigma’s Contemporary line, this lens balances performance with a compact and relatively lightweight build for a lens of this type. It features a dust and splash-resistant mount to offer some protection in challenging conditions. With its solid feature set and accessible price point, the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary is a popular choice for photographers looking for a capable super-telephoto zoom.  

Bottom Line: A great starter lens for aspiring moon photographers wanting long range on a budget.

5. Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2

Best for Image Stabilization and Build Quality

⭐ Rating: 4.7/5

The Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 is a popular telephoto zoom lens offering a versatile 150-600mm range, great for getting close to distant subjects like wildlife and action. It’s an updated version with improved performance over its predecessor.  

This lens features Tamron’s Vibration Compensation (VC) image stabilization, which is highly effective in reducing camera shake for sharper handheld shots, especially at the longer end of the zoom. It includes multiple VC modes to suit different shooting scenarios.

Autofocus is handled by a USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) motor, providing fast and quiet focusing crucial for capturing moving subjects. The lens also boasts an improved optical design with specialized glass elements to enhance sharpness and control aberrations. Its build includes moisture-resistant construction for outdoor use.

Bottom Line: A reliable and rugged long-zoom lens for serious lunar shooting under any condition.

6. Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM

Best Lightweight Prime for Serious Moon Shots

⭐ Rating: 4.8/5

The Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM is a high-performance telephoto prime lens known for its relatively compact size and light weight, made possible by Canon’s
Diffractive Optics (DO) technology. This makes it easier to handle and carry for extended periods compared to traditional 400mm lenses, a significant advantage for wildlife and sports photographers.  

Despite its reduced size, this lens delivers exceptional image quality. The DO element, combined with other advanced optics, effectively minimizes chromatic aberration and contributes to impressive sharpness and clarity across the frame, even at its wide f/4 aperture.

Equipped with a highly effective Image Stabilizer (IS) offering multiple modes, the lens allows for sharp handheld shots at slower shutter speeds. The ring-type USM autofocus motor provides fast, quiet, and accurate focusing, essential for capturing fast-moving subjects. It also features dust and water resistance for use in challenging conditions.  

Bottom Line: Ideal for advanced Canon users seeking pro results with a compact setup.

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

Best Native Z-Mount Lens for Nikon Mirrorless

⭐ Rating: 4.9/5

The Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S is a telephoto zoom lens designed for Nikon’s Z-mount mirrorless cameras, offering a versatile 100-400mm focal range. As an S-Line lens, it promises high optical performance, delivering sharp images with excellent detail and clarity throughout the zoom range, suitable for wildlife, sports, and distant subjects.  

This lens features impressive Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization, providing up to 5.5 stops of correction to minimize camera shake. This makes it significantly easier to capture sharp photos and stable video when shooting handheld, especially at the longer telephoto focal lengths.  

The autofocus system utilizes a multi-focus stepping motor for fast, quiet, and accurate subject acquisition, beneficial for both stills and video. The lens also boasts a weather-sealed design to protect against dust and moisture, along with a fluorine coating on the front element for easy cleaning, making it a robust option for outdoor photography.

Bottom Line: The best option for Z-mount users who want premium moon photography performance.

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

Best Compact Zoom for Travel-Friendly Moon Shots

⭐ Rating: 4.8/5

The Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS is a premium G Master series telephoto zoom lens for Sony E-mount cameras, offering a versatile 100-400mm range. It’s engineered for outstanding sharpness and clarity, meeting the demanding standards of professional wildlife and sports photographers.  

Featuring a built-in Optical SteadyShot (OSS) image stabilization system, this lens helps to significantly reduce the impact of camera shake, allowing for sharper images when shooting handheld at longer focal lengths. The stabilization is effective for both stills and video.  

The lens utilizes a combination of linear motor and Direct Drive SSM (DDSSM) for fast, precise, and quiet autofocus performance, crucial for tracking fast-moving subjects. Its durable, dust and moisture-resistant construction ensures reliability in various shooting conditions, making it a robust choice for outdoor assignments.  

Bottom Line: A fantastic pick for Sony users who prioritize image quality and portability.

9. Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR

Best for Fujifilm Mirrorless Shooters

⭐ Rating: 4.7/5

The Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR is a super-telephoto zoom lens designed for the Fujifilm X-mount system, providing a versatile 152-609mm equivalent focal range on APS-C cameras. It’s a strong performer for capturing distant subjects, ideal for wildlife, sports, and aviation photography.

Equipped with a 5.0-stop effective Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) system, this lens significantly minimizes camera shake. This is crucial for achieving sharp images when shooting handheld at long focal lengths, allowing photographers to work in a variety of conditions.  

The lens features a twin Linear Motor (LM) for fast, quiet, and highly accurate autofocus, essential for tracking fast-moving subjects. Its weather-resistant (WR) construction, with seals at multiple points, protects against dust and moisture, making it a reliable lens for challenging outdoor environments.

Bottom Line: A must-have for Fuji users craving powerful zoom and portability.

10. TTArtisan 500mm f/6.3 Manual Focus Telephoto Lens

Best Manual Focus Budget Pick

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5

The TTArtisan 500mm f/6.3 is a manual focus super-telephoto prime lens that offers significant reach at an accessible price point. Designed for various mirrorless and DSLR mounts, it provides a fixed 500mm focal length, ideal for isolating distant subjects.  

This lens features an optical design that includes Extra-low Dispersion (ED) and high-index glass elements to help manage chromatic aberration and improve image quality. While manual focus requires a deliberate approach, the lens is aimed at photographers who enjoy precise control and are working with subjects where autofocus isn’t critical or possible.  

Built with a sturdy metal body, the TTArtisan 500mm f/6.3 includes a rotatable tripod collar for balanced mounting. Its relatively bright f/6.3 aperture for a 500mm lens can be advantageous in decent light, making it suitable for subjects like stationary wildlife, moon photography, or distant landscapes for photographers on a budget.

Bottom Line: A fun, creative lens for moon photographers who enjoy manual control and a tight budget.

Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in a Moon Photography Lens

Capturing the moon’s craters, shadows, and glow isn’t just about pointing a camera skyward—it’s about choosing the right lens that brings those celestial details into focus. Here’s what to consider:

• Focal Length: For lunar photography, longer is better. A focal length of at least 300mm is recommended, but 400mm to 600mm (or more) will get you tighter, more detailed shots of the moon’s surface. If you’re using an APS-C camera, your effective focal length increases by 1.5x, which is a bonus!
• Sharpness: Not all lenses are created equal. Look for lenses with sharp center and edge performance, especially at longer focal lengths where atmospheric distortion can reduce clarity.
• Image Stabilization (IS/VR/OSS): Long telephoto lenses magnify not only the moon—but also every shake or wobble. Image stabilization helps you shoot handheld or at slower shutter speeds without blur.
• Autofocus vs Manual Focus: While autofocus is helpful, it’s not always reliable in low-light sky shots. Many astrophotographers prefer manual focus for precision. If your lens has focus peaking or a smooth focus ring, that’s a big plus.
• Weight & Portability: Super-telephoto lenses can be heavy. If you plan to hike or travel for your shots, consider a compact or lightweight option—or be sure to bring a sturdy tripod.
• Build Quality: Weather-sealed lenses are essential if you’re venturing outdoors at night, especially in humid or foggy conditions. A rugged construction ensures longevity and performance in the field.

Pro Tip: Use a tripod, remote shutter, and mirror lock-up mode (for DSLRs) to minimize vibrations and improve sharpness when photographing the moon.

FAQ – Moon Photography Lens Questions, Answered

Q: What lens size is best for photographing the moon?

A: A focal length of at least 300mm is ideal. For close-up shots with more detail, 400mm to 600mm lenses work best—especially when paired with a crop-sensor camera.

Q: Can I shoot the moon with a kit lens?

A: Yes, but you’ll only capture a small, less detailed version of the moon in the frame. A telephoto zoom or super-telephoto lens provides significantly better results.

Q: Do I need image stabilization for moon photography?

A: It’s highly recommended, especially if you’re shooting handheld. However, if you’re using a tripod, stabilization isn’t as critical and is sometimes better turned off.

Q: Is a prime or zoom lens better for moon photography?

A: Both can work well. Prime lenses typically offer better sharpness and wider apertures, while zooms provide flexibility in framing and composition.

Q: Can I use teleconverters for more reach?

A: Yes! Teleconverters can extend your focal length, but be aware they also reduce light and may impact image quality and autofocus performance.

Conclusion: The Moon Is Waiting—Are You Ready to Capture It?

With the right lens in hand, moon photography transforms from a distant curiosity into a stunning visual experience. Whether you’re a beginner with a budget-friendly manual lens or a pro using a flagship 600mm telephoto, each of the options on our list offers something unique for photographing Earth’s glowing neighbor. From Canon and Nikon to Sony, Fujifilm, and beyond, there’s a lens here that fits your gear, your skill level, and your lunar ambitions. So grab your camera, check the moon phase, and start shooting—your next breathtaking moon photo is just one click away.