Were you searching for the best lens for sports photography in 2025? This article ends your search as we break down here the best of the best in one article.
If you are into sports photography (you clicked this article, so we presume you are), then you might have learned that you need to have a seriously good telephoto lens in your photographic arsenal to capture that super-fast action of any sport.
These actions can vary from big but speedy objects like rally cars to smaller objects like a cricket ball racing through the boundary from the fielder's hands. To make sure you capture all such action, read along our guide to select the best lens for sports photography.
But before you get into that, first let's point out what needs to be checked in the list to get your photo passed by media agencies. First, your lens should be able to react quickly, i.e., it should have telephoto reach with ample zoom range for you to capture the desired frames of action. That should be paired with image stabilization so that you can capture crisp shots and fast aperture with proper lighting, along with other things to look for in your lens and your camera body.
Keeping that in mind and a mid-range budget preference, the general rule of thumb here should be that you should always go for the highest aperture possible, as it will give you more and more flexibility in different situations. Also, the camera mount to go with these lenses influences the price. But as far as the type goes, different sports typically demand different focal lengths to get accurate shots.
For example, in basketball and tennis, you will be better off with shorter zooms or prime lenses because their autofocusing is much faster. But sports like football demand zoom lenses ranging from 200 to 500mm because they cover a large field. Also, as the focal length goes up, the price increases significantly. Below are your top 3 recommendations, which fall in our list of the best lenses for sports photography in the year 2025:
1. SIRUI AURORA 85mm F1.4 Lens:
The SIRUI AURORA 85mm F1.4 lens is an excellent choice for capturing fast-moving subjects, thanks to its combination of precision, speed, and optical quality. Weighing only 540g, its lightweight yet all-metal compact design ensures easy handling, making it ideal for photographers who need to move quickly when tracking action. The fast and accurate autofocus, along with reliable eye-tracking, keeps moving subjects in sharp focus, whether you're photographing a sprinter in mid-stride or a skateboarder executing a trick. The F1.4 large aperture allows for fast shutter speeds, freezing motion while delivering beautifully blurred backgrounds that make the subject pop. Additionally, the lens features one ED (extra-low dispersion) element and three high-refractive elements, ensuring high sharpness and minimal distortion, crucial for capturing crisp details in dynamic sports scenes. While primarily known as the "golden portrait focal length," the 85mm also excels at isolating subjects with stunning clarity, making it a powerful tool for sports and action photography.
2. SIRUI Sniper 16/75mm F1.2 Lens:
The SIRUI Sniper 16mm and 75mm F1.2 lens also are excellent choices for capturing fast-moving subjects, offering both versatility and outstanding optical performance. Designed for APS-C and full-frame mirrorless cameras, these lenses cater to photographers, content creators, and independent filmmakers who frequently shoot portraits, objects, and low-light scenes. For those who struggle with manual focus, the fast and precise autofocus system ensures sharp and accurate tracking, making it ideal for capturing playful children or energetic pets in motion. Travelers and street photographers will appreciate the ability to quickly snap fleeting moments, whether it's a dynamic cityscape, a street performer mid-action, or an athlete in full sprint. The ultra-wide F1.2 aperture not only allows for excellent low-light performance but also creates stunning background separation, making subjects stand out with an impressive bokeh effect. Whether you're capturing fast-paced action or atmospheric portraits, the SIRUI Sniper series delivers speed, precision, and exceptional image quality.
In addition to lenses, we can further explore the use of photography accessories to enhance sports shooting performance. For instance, the SIRUI SVM series monopod allows photographers to quickly extend or retract the monopod by simply rotating its twist lock mechanism, enabling immediate stable shooting setup. This ensures photographers won't miss any thrilling sports moments during fast-paced shooting sessions.
Ultimate Strategy for Sports Photography:
Tbh, there is no single lens to put on top when ranking the best lens for sports photography. Also, not everyone can spend thousands of dollars on professional-grade lenses, especially when they are just starting to get into sports photography. For beginners, we recommend two lenses: a shorter focal length from 35/50/75mm and, for more focused shots on players above 100mm, lenses.