How to Shoot with a Telephoto Lens

The Bergreens November 14, 2025
Video Thumbnail
The Bergreens Logo

The Bergreens

@thebergreens

About

Welcome to our channel—your go-to source for practical photography education and honest gear reviews from adventurous professional photographers and filmmakers. We’re Marc and Brenda Bergreen, a husband-and-wife team specializing in capturing people in nature and sharing real-world insights to help you grow creatively. Learn how to shoot professional-quality photos and videos with step-by-step tutorials, in-depth guides, and practical tips for using cameras, lenses, drones, backpacks, and more. Whether you’re exploring landscapes, shooting portraits, vlogging your travels, or building a creative business, we’re here to help. Subscribe for weekly videos (Fridays at 6am) packed with tutorials, gear reviews, and inspiration to elevate your work behind the lens. Education + adventure to help you rise higher, live deeper, and create with purpose.

Latest Posts

No results found. Try different keywords.

Video Description

Want to capture dreamy portraits, epic mountains, or wildlife from afar? In this video, I’ll show you how to shoot with a telephoto lens like a pro — whether you’re using an 85mm, 70–200mm, or 100–400mm. Learn how to get creamy background blur, flattering compression, and cinematic shots that pop. READ MORE ON THE BLOG: https://www.bergreenphotography.com/how-to-shoot-with-a-telephoto-lens-complete-guide/ 🧠 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN How to use a telephoto lens for portraits, landscapes, and action shots The difference between 85mm, 70–200mm, and 100–400mm lenses When to choose a zoom vs. a prime lens How to get creamy bokeh and flattering compression Essential telephoto shooting techniques for sharp, cinematic results 🛒 MY FAVORITE TELEPHOTO LENSES (Affiliate Links) 📷 85mm Prime Lenses: – Viltrox 85mm f/1.4 → https://viltrox.com/?ref=marcbergreen (use "bergreen5" for discount) – Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS → https://amzn.to/45RkpjA – Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S → https://amzn.to/4o7nAsV 📷 70–200mm Zoom Lenses: – Sony 70–200mm f/4 G II → https://amzn.to/3DUeXQV – Canon RF 70–200mm f/4 → https://amzn.to/3FkhX9K – Nikon Z 70–180mm f/2.8 → https://amzn.to/4nJO0jV 📷 100–400mm / Super Telephoto: – Sony 100–400mm GM → https://amzn.to/4iuYroR – Canon RF 100–400mm → https://amzn.to/3LvqNVq – Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 → https://amzn.to/444AekX 🧳 Support Gear: – Peak Design Camera Strap → https://amzn.to/4jhmWaY – Solid Full Size Tripod → https://amzn.to/3ZQH37V – Best Camera Backpack → https://amzn.to/3DVNbU3 (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases — thanks for supporting the channel!) Check out This Video on Deciding what Focal Length You Need: https://youtu.be/_7VUjjrRgiY Get Our Travel Photography Guide: https://www.bergreenphotography.com/product/shoot-your-adventures-travel-photography-guide/ Get Our FREE Money and Gear Guide: https://www.bergreenphotography.com/money/ Best AI Editing Software: https://aftershoot.com/friends?ref=marc36 Building a portfolio website? Try Pixpa! It’s easy to use and looks great: https://www.pixpa.com/?via=brenda39 💌 Subscribe for More Photography Tips We are Marc and Brenda Bergreen, professional photographers + videographers helping you learn, create, and elevate your photography. Subscribe for weekly videos: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBergreens 🔥 Let’s Connect: Instagram – https://instagram.com/bergreenphotography Website – https://www.bergreenphotography.com.com Free Money & Gear Guide – https://www.bergreenphotography.com/money/ 🕒 TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — Why telephoto lenses are amazing 01:12 — What makes telephoto lenses special (compression, blur, reach) 01:35 — Why telephotos are great for weddings & landscapes 02:12 — Choosing the right telephoto lens for your needs 03:14 — Macro & specialty telephotos 04:01 — Budget and lens comparisons 04:47 — Telephoto vs. wide & standard lenses 05:13 — Practical telephoto shooting tips 05:37 — Using compression to your advantage 05:57 — Managing the weight and fatigue 06:37 — Creative framing techniques (shoot through foregrounds) 06:58 — Exposure, shutter speed & autofocus tips 07:18 — Tracking action and anticipating moments 07:38 — Recap: pros, cons & best use cases 08:26 — Closing & subscribe reminder 🔑 SEO KEYWORDS how to shoot with a telephoto lens, telephoto lens photography tips, 70-200mm lens tutorial, 85mm lens photography, telephoto vs wide angle, portrait photography tips, lens compression explained, bokeh background tips, how to photograph wildlife with telephoto, best telephoto lens for Sony Canon Nikon, photography tutorials, how to shoot portraits with telephoto, photography for beginners, telephoto lens tricks

You May Also Like

Upgrade Your Everyday

AI-recommended products based on this video

Loading...
Amazon Echo Show 8 (newest model), With Spatial Audio, Smart Home Hub, and Alexa, Charcoal

Amazon Echo Show 8 (newest model), With Spatial Audio, Smart Home Hub, and Alexa, Charcoal

(21,817)
149.99
PrimeFREE delivery Saturday, June 14
9K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, with Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging Case, Wireless Charging, H2 Chip
Best Seller

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, with Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging Case, Wireless Charging, H2 Chip

(26,751)
$118.98$114.22
FREE delivery Fri, Oct 17
10K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 Headphones, True Wireless Stereo Earphones with IPX7 Waterproof, Noise Cancelling Mic, Fast Charging and Comfort Fit Ear Buds for Sports/Workouts - Black

Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 Headphones, True Wireless Stereo Earphones with IPX7 Waterproof, Noise Cancelling Mic, Fast Charging and Comfort Fit Ear Buds for Sports/Workouts - Black

(1,741)
$19.99
FREE delivery Sun, Jun 22 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon
10K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, Personalized Spatial Audio, Sweat and Water Resistant, USB-C Charging Case, H2 Chip, Up to 30 Hours of Battery Life, Effortless Setup for iPhone
Best Seller

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, Personalized Spatial Audio, Sweat and Water Resistant, USB-C Charging Case, H2 Chip, Up to 30 Hours of Battery Life, Effortless Setup for iPhone

(23,152)
$89.99$83.69
FREE delivery Thu, Sep 4
10K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Hearing Aid Feature, Bluetooth Headphones, Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, H2 Chip, USB-C Charging

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Hearing Aid Feature, Bluetooth Headphones, Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, H2 Chip, USB-C Charging

(38,487)
$199.00$187.32
FREE delivery Fri, Oct 3
10K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Smart Watch for Men/Women, 1.95" AMOLED Fitness Tracker Watches with Bluetooth Calls/Flashlight/100+ Sport Modes Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor Ultra Lightweight Ultrathin Design

Smart Watch for Men/Women, 1.95" AMOLED Fitness Tracker Watches with Bluetooth Calls/Flashlight/100+ Sport Modes Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor Ultra Lightweight Ultrathin Design

(0)
17.99
PrimeFREE delivery Saturday, June 14 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Loading...
Smart Watch for Men Women (Answer/Make Call), 1.96" HD Smartwatch Fitness Activity Tracker, 110+ Sports IP68 Waterproof, Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor/Pedometer/Calories, Fitness Watch for Android iOS

Smart Watch for Men Women (Answer/Make Call), 1.96" HD Smartwatch Fitness Activity Tracker, 110+ Sports IP68 Waterproof, Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor/Pedometer/Calories, Fitness Watch for Android iOS

(550)
24.99
PrimeFREE delivery Saturday, June 14 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
100+ bought in past month
Loading...
Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm case] Smartwatch with Rose Gold Aluminium Case with Light Blush Sport Band - M/L. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant
Best Seller

Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm case] Smartwatch with Rose Gold Aluminium Case with Light Blush Sport Band - M/L. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant

(7,994)
$329.00$296.10
FREE delivery Thu, Jul 3
1K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 42mm case] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminium Case with Black Sport Band - S/M. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant
Best Seller

Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 42mm case] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminium Case with Black Sport Band - S/M. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant

(7,993)
$299.00$269.10
FREE delivery Thu, Jul 3
8K+ bought in past month
Loading...
NOCO Boost GB40: 1000A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack, Portable Jump Box, Power Bank & Jumper Cables - for 6.0L Gas and 3.0L Diesel Engines
Best Seller

NOCO Boost GB40: 1000A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack, Portable Jump Box, Power Bank & Jumper Cables - for 6.0L Gas and 3.0L Diesel Engines

(117,789)
$99.95$75.43
FREE delivery Sun, Sep 21
30K+ bought in past month
Loading...
UGREEN Nexode Power Bank 20000mAh 130W Portable Charger 72Wh PD Fast Charging 3-Port USB C Battery Pack with TFT Smart Display for MacBook/iPad/iPhone 16/Samsung S24 and More

UGREEN Nexode Power Bank 20000mAh 130W Portable Charger 72Wh PD Fast Charging 3-Port USB C Battery Pack with TFT Smart Display for MacBook/iPad/iPhone 16/Samsung S24 and More

(1,903)
69.99
PrimeFREE delivery Saturday, June 14
500+ bought in past month
Loading...
ANKER 737 Power Bank, 24,000mAh 3-Port Laptop Portable Charger with 140W Fast Charging, Smart Display, for Outdoor Work, Compatible with iPhone 16/15/14 Series, Vision Pro, Samsung, MacBook, and More

ANKER 737 Power Bank, 24,000mAh 3-Port Laptop Portable Charger with 140W Fast Charging, Smart Display, for Outdoor Work, Compatible with iPhone 16/15/14 Series, Vision Pro, Samsung, MacBook, and More

(13,939)
109.99
FREE delivery Saturday, June 14
9K+ bought in past month
Loading...
VOLTME Portable Charger, Slim 10000mAh 5V/3A Power Bank, USB C in&Out High-Speed Charging Battery Pack, Travel Essentials Dual Output Compatible with iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 Samsung Google iPad etc

VOLTME Portable Charger, Slim 10000mAh 5V/3A Power Bank, USB C in&Out High-Speed Charging Battery Pack, Travel Essentials Dual Output Compatible with iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 Samsung Google iPad etc

(51)
19.99
PrimeFREE delivery Saturday, June 14 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Loading...
Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, with Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging Case, Wireless Charging, H2 Chip
Best Seller

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, with Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging Case, Wireless Charging, H2 Chip

(26,751)
$118.98$114.22
FREE delivery Fri, Oct 17
10K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, Personalized Spatial Audio, Sweat and Water Resistant, USB-C Charging Case, H2 Chip, Up to 30 Hours of Battery Life, Effortless Setup for iPhone
Best Seller

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, Personalized Spatial Audio, Sweat and Water Resistant, USB-C Charging Case, H2 Chip, Up to 30 Hours of Battery Life, Effortless Setup for iPhone

(23,152)
$89.99$83.69
FREE delivery Thu, Sep 4
10K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Hearing Aid Feature, Bluetooth Headphones, Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, H2 Chip, USB-C Charging

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Hearing Aid Feature, Bluetooth Headphones, Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, H2 Chip, USB-C Charging

(38,487)
$199.00$187.32
FREE delivery Fri, Oct 3
10K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones with Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, White Smoke

Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones with Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, White Smoke

(10,961)
249.00
FREE delivery Wednesday, June 11.
1K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Barnyard Designs Indoor Herb Garden Planter Set with Tray, Metal Windowsill Plant Pots with Drainage for Outdoor or Indoor Plants, Set/3 (Black)

Barnyard Designs Indoor Herb Garden Planter Set with Tray, Metal Windowsill Plant Pots with Drainage for Outdoor or Indoor Plants, Set/3 (Black)

(3,684)
26.95
PrimeFREE delivery Saturday, June 14 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
100+ bought in past month
Loading...
Eye Contact Web Camera for Desktop Computer – 1080P USB Camera with Microphone & Stand, Center Cam for Laptop or Desktop, Manual Focus, Plug & Play for macOS & Windows(Black)

Eye Contact Web Camera for Desktop Computer – 1080P USB Camera with Microphone & Stand, Center Cam for Laptop or Desktop, Manual Focus, Plug & Play for macOS & Windows(Black)

(96)
37.39
PrimeFREE delivery Saturday, June 14
100+ bought in past month
Loading...
PEHAEL 3+3Pack for iPhone 17 Pro Max Privacy Screen Protector with Camera Lens Protector Full Coverage Anti-Spy Tempered Glass Film 9H Hardness Easy Installation Bubble Free [6.9 inch]

PEHAEL 3+3Pack for iPhone 17 Pro Max Privacy Screen Protector with Camera Lens Protector Full Coverage Anti-Spy Tempered Glass Film 9H Hardness Easy Installation Bubble Free [6.9 inch]

(151,641)
$7.99$6.39
FREE delivery Mon, Sep 29 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon
New on Amazon in past month
Loading...
Ailun 3 Pack Screen Protector for iPhone 16 Pro Max [6.9 inch] + 3 Pack Camera Lens Protector with Installation Frame,Sensor Protection,Dynamic Island Compatible,Case Friendly Tempered Glass Film

Ailun 3 Pack Screen Protector for iPhone 16 Pro Max [6.9 inch] + 3 Pack Camera Lens Protector with Installation Frame,Sensor Protection,Dynamic Island Compatible,Case Friendly Tempered Glass Film

(362,029)
$7.63
FREE delivery Wed, Aug 20 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon
10K+ bought in past month
Loading...
2025 AI Portable Fan Rechargeable, 4 Speeds 6600RPM Strong Airflow, Personal Waist Fan with up to 25H of Working Time, Hands-Free Hanging Neck Fan, Wearable Belt Fan for Camping, Outdoor, Jobsite

2025 AI Portable Fan Rechargeable, 4 Speeds 6600RPM Strong Airflow, Personal Waist Fan with up to 25H of Working Time, Hands-Free Hanging Neck Fan, Wearable Belt Fan for Camping, Outdoor, Jobsite

(1,636)
$19.98
FREE delivery Thu, Jul 3 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon
40K+ bought in past month