Best Lenses under £400 for sports and wildlife

Best Pick

Sigma Art 135/1.8S 135mm F/1.8 DG HSM F/Sony 135mm

51.3 Wildlife/Sports Score
135mmf/1.8Sony (E mount for NEX)IS
Why we recommend this

The f/1.8 aperture and specialized FLD/SLD glass elements deliver exceptional sharpness and subject isolation, making it a standout portrait lens. Its Hyper Sonic Motor provides fast, quiet autofocus, while the durable brass bayonet mount and TSC material ensure long-term reliability. This lens is best for portrait photographers who need uncompromising optical performance and smooth bokeh in a full-frame E-mount system.

View Details & Prices

Best Lenses under £800 for sports and wildlife

Best Pick

Sigma Contemporary 796969 20-200mm

70.1 Wildlife/Sports Score
20-200mmf/3.5L-MountWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A 10x wide-to-telephoto zoom with a 1:2 magnification ratio and weather-sealed, 544g build makes this an unusually versatile single-lens solution for full-frame L-Mount. The HLA-driven autofocus motor delivers fast, quiet performance, while the water and oil-repellent front coating aids in harsh conditions. This lens is best for travel and outdoor photographers who need a lightweight, all-in-one optic that can capture landscapes, portraits, and near-macro details without swapping glass.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Sigma Art 28mm f/1.4 DG HSM

61.3 Wildlife/Sports Score
28mmf/1.4Nikon FWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The f/1.4 maximum aperture and an optical design with three aspherical and five SLD/FLD elements deliver exceptional sharpness and contrast control for low-light scenes. Its weather-sealed, robust build and Super Multi-Layer Coating ensure reliable, flare-resistant performance in demanding conditions. This lens is best for professional landscape and street photographers needing a fast, wide-angle prime with uncompromising optical clarity.

View Details & Prices

No Lenses under £1,000 yet. See our top picks under £2,000

Best Lenses under £2,000 for sports and wildlife

Best Pick

Sigma Art 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN 28-45mm

55 Wildlife/Sports Score
28-45mmf/16Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Delivering a constant f/1.8 aperture across its 28-45mm zoom range, this lens eliminates the need for multiple fast primes in a kit. Its robust, weather-sealed build and de-clickable aperture ring make it equally suited for hybrid video work, while the HLA motor provides fast, quiet autofocus. This lens is best for event photographers and gimbal operators who need prime-level light gathering in a single, flexible zoom.

View Details & Prices

Premium Lenses for sports and wildlife

Best Pick

Sigma Sports 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM 500mm

41.7 Wildlife/Sports Score
500mmf/32Nikon FISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The constant f/4 aperture combined with two FLD and one SLD element delivers exceptional clarity and chromatic aberration correction, while the magnesium alloy body provides a dust- and splash-proof build at 3310g. Its optical stabilization offers a 4-stop advantage, and the Hyper Sonic Motor provides fast, accurate autofocus that excels in challenging low-light conditions. This lens is best for wildlife and sports photographers who need a durable, hand-holdable 500mm prime with full-frame coverage and reliable weather sealing for extended outdoor shoots.

View Details & Prices