Other features include an OLED display, plus a customisable function button. Get the best camera deals, reviews, product advice, competitions, unmissable photography news and more! 7 Best Camera for Bird Photography. The Nikon 200-600mm lens in particular will be the generalist wildlife lens suitable for most shooters who need the versatility of a zoom. A lens that can vary between focal lengths. (Libor wrote a separate article on why thats his favorite budget combo.). These large animals often need much wider focal lengths around 200mm and it would be difficult to capture them with a fixed prime in all situations. Bought it because it can be hand held. Find out more about how we test. Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2, 16. Corner-to-corner sharpness and vivid colors are essential for bird photography. Its also the sharper lens at 400mm, although the 100-400mm is no slouch. Usually, hobbyist photographers are happy with a good bird in natural surroundings. They are reporting the actual lens specifications, 16mm f1.4, 30mm f1.4, and 56mm f1.4, which is irrespective of the sensor size they are to be used with. 17. Sigma also has two similar versions of the same focal range, Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary and Sigma 150-600mm Sports. The speed of continuous shooting is not compromised with modern cameras like D4S. It also lets you play with selective focus to highlight the birds in your shot, due to the aperture opening and the amount of light it lets in. Works well with Nikon Z6 using FTZ lens adapter. This is the first ultra-telephoto lens made for the APS-C format. The Nikon 500mm f/4E VR is sort of a sweet middle between the 400mm and 600mm lenses. Not only does its resolving power drop with the teleconverter engaged, but it will be a 560 f/5.6 at its longest end and hence not provide an advantage over the Nikon 500mm f/5.6 lens, which is nearly four times cheaper. A full set of weather seals is incorporated, and a fluorine coating on the front element helps to repel moisture and fingerprints. Its also plausible that Nikon will eventually release a 300mm f/2.8 and 500mm f/4 to match the F-mount lenses it already makes. The Nikon 70 300mm telephoto lens with f/4.5 -5.6 maximum aperture is best for Nikon digital SLR cameras. Nikon Lenses for Bird Photography Nikon 200-500 mm Telephoto. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Upgrades over the original Tamron lens include a revamped 4.5-stop optical stabilizer with three switchable options for static, panning and exposure-only modes, the last of which leaves the viewfinder image unadulterated, and makes it easier to track erratic movement. I used the Nikon 300mm f/2.8G VR II for several months and I was very impressed by its performance, especially when coupled with teleconverters. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. It is capable of producing relatively good bokeh, especially on its longest end, although its sharpness performance also drops quite a bit at 300mm. Its also not quite as sharp, but it comes very close and its overall image quality is pleasing. A unique Sport-VR helps take sharper images even while panning and using continuous shooting mode. On your Nikon, the 300mm is 450mm equivalent (35mm), i.e. Extending the focal length gives it even more reach, though the trade-off is a pretty modest maximum aperture of f/7.1 at the long end. He is also an encyclopedia when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. Or would you prefer the 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S, which is a 400mm f/2.8 and a 560mm f/4? Im the owner and editor of Photography-RAW. With birding, you will likely be using the lens with its built-in teleconverter all the time. There will barely be anything you cant catch that you cant see with the iconic Nikkor 500mm F4G ED R. It is rugged, having a magnesium die-cast barrel which makes it highly resistant to dust and moisture. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Sigma stops developing Micro Four Thirds lenses; APS-C "also in decline", Every issue is packed with photo tips, kit reviews and inspiration. At 1,260g, its perfectly viable for long periods of handheld shooting, aided by a highly effective optical image stabilizer. Additionally, some good wildlife lenses simply are not available for Z-mount, such as a 300mm f/2.8 or 500mm f/4. Reviews - The Best Wildlife Photography Budget Lens Sigma 60 - 600mm f/4.5 - 6.3 Specs Type: Zoom Aperture: f/4.5 - 6.3 Dimensions: 4.7 x 12.7 x 10.6 in Focal Length: 60 - 600mm Weight: 4 lbs. In fact, this lens is only 775g, which is almost twice as light as the Olympus 300mm f/4 lens for micro four thirds, and this is a full-frame lens! Fujifilm XF150-600mm F5.6-8 R LM OIS WR, 12. Learn more about the Panasonic Lumix S5 at Adorama, Amazon, and B&H. FUJIFILM's X-T4 is the only APS-C sensor type in our round-up. How to Improve your Bee Photography and Capture Amazing Photos? What is the best one you would suggest for wild life (perched birds) with Z6 and FTZ adapter ? Let us know which is your favorite lens for bird photography. Canon: Canon EOS R7. I am a wildlife photographer, started in the 70s. The Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm is a great introductory telephoto lens for bird photography at a very good price point. Sony a7 III ILCE7M3/B Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera. When engaged, it turns the lens into an 840mm f/5.6. It is a massive lens for a reason its large aperture of f/2.8 requires huge glass elements to transmit so much light into the camera. One of my favorite lenses for photographing birds at my feeders is the AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED. Download our FREE Macro Photography Quick Start Guide. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Many hobbyists are foraying into this field who start with a crop frame body. the best birds in flight photography lenses cost thousands of dollars, which just doesn't make sense for a beginner. This is especially true for mammals that are often active during these dark periods. However, the modest f/11 rating enables a relatively compact and lightweight build with smaller-diameter lens elements. The upgraded VR II provides three stops of image stabilization. This is a very specialized tool. Autofocus is fast and image quality is impressive in all respects, making this lens great value for an own-brand Nikon. For Nikon, a good choice is the Nikon 200-500mm lens for DSLR cameras. Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR The Nikkor 70-300 f4.5-5.6G VR must be on the list of bird photography lenses purely to provide an entry. It is a great buy that will get you to 300mm at just under $600 USD. Continuous high-speed photography is achievable through this type of AE control. The cost difference between the two is significant. Theres also lens lightness that helps them enjoy the process and learn the art of bird photography. The optical image stabilizer is effective on its own and even better when coupled with in-body stabilization, featured in later Sony Alpha A7 and A9 mirrorless cameras. Scouting for birds in national parks and bird sanctuaries is accessible with this range. It is the lightest native 800mm lens that Nikon makes. The electro-mechanics diaphragm mechanism works in conjunction with the cameras shutter. The Canon EF . But it will come in handy on a third camera at some point on some wildlife expedition. The camera makes the images. For bird photography, the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 Contemporary is the perfect complement to the S5's light and streamlined ergonomics perfect for the hand-held photographer on the go. A prime lens that excels for bird photography, the telephoto Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm is a quality addition to your camera kit. Featured key specs: Notable reviews: 5. I have a personal sweet spot for the 200-500 mm for its versatility as well as sharpness as also for the 500 mm PF for its lightweight as well as sharpness. It offers the quality and construction of Nikon, a top-notch auto-focus, and unparalleled versatility. The Sports model is a superior lens for photographing birds. Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency (eBAND) coating and Broad-Band Anti-Reflection (BBAR) coating make the optics even more refined. For most wildlife, the move from f/4 to f/5.6 will not impact image quality, and it is a fair trade for the increased versatility of never needing a tripod. A prime lens may force you to, though, unless you know the exact bird locations and schedule. Nikon has one more wildlife lens on its roadmap: a 200-600mm zoom, which competes directly with the Sony 200-600mm lens. The Nikon TC-17E II nor the new Nikon TC-20E III can work but not as reliably. For longer reach, you can use the Nikon TC-14E III, which will give you 840mm of effective focal length to work with at f/5.6, although it certainly does not reach the insane resolving power of the native 800mm f/5.6 as we have shown in our tests on Photography Life. The effects of camera shake are minimized by vibration reduction VRII. I would say a much longer lens would be significantly harder to aim. If you are in situations where you only shoot larger animals at dusk or dawn, and you really need the shorter focal lengths, then I can see a case for this lens. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C (opens in new tab) is more manageable for long periods of handheld shooting, without the aid of a monopod or tripod, and easier to carrier around. Canons original EF 100-400mm zoom was something of a classic, but wasnt to everybodys taste, especially in regard to its trombone-style push-pull zoom mechanism. lighter. Then again, for maximum image quality at the longer focal lengths, the 600mm f/4 TC VR S would be the one to beat. And what about probably the most popular Nikon lens the 500 f5.6 PF, why would you not include this as it is actually sharper than the 200-500, 1/3 of the price and so much lighter than the f4 500mm which you would need a mono all the time. Very informative write up, What about 200-500 mm lens? Some of the features that one needs to keep track of for bird photography lenses are: The above lenses cover a variety of focal length ranges and lens features, covering both hobbyists, semi-professionals, and professionals along the way. The opening in the lens that allows light to pass through. View at Amazon. Its wide range and 0.38x magnification (minimum focus distance of 75cm) make this lens well-suited to larger wildlife and pseudo-macro shots of insects. This is a lens you'll want to partner with a sturdy monopod for long periods of shooting. If you like the idea of a 300mm f/2.8G II but in a zoom, this is your lens. We also have bird lenses for Nikon and Canon. Sharpness is really impressive throughout the zoom range, so you can push it to 600mm with confidence that you're still going to get some great images. Sporting a clever retractable design, this lens collapses down to 200mm. The Silent Wave Motor further boosts this ability, helping create stable and dramatic images in the wild. Being around for much longer than the Z-mount, the F-mount currently has more lenses suitable for wildlife. This lens will let you shoot birds up close, and although the zoom isn't the longest out there, it will still allow you to capture birds in the distance. Birds are often tiny, very fast, and since it happens in the wild, theres no control over the light. But it is only half part of the story. The NIKKOR 200-500mm also features an autofocus system that you can override by turning the manual focus ring. Sophisticated controls include switchable dual-mode autofocus options with priority given to autofocus or manual override, static/panning stabilization modes and dual custom setups. A fixed f/11 aperture isn't quite as limiting as it might first appear as thanks to the Dual Pixel AF sensor-based autofocus systems of EOS R-series cameras. Read the full Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C review (opens in new tab). This helps you to change the settings quickly. Id love to hear in the comments! In fact, Nikon specifically released the TC-20E III together with this lens, which makes this lens almost like a reference lens for use with teleconverters (with the TC-20E III, the lens becomes a 600mm f/5.6 lens). The lens is meant to be used with fast Nikon DSLRs from the high-end range. Getting a gently used model could save you many thousands of dollars, which would go a long way towards other gear. So you conclude with what you have- The article is intended for ALL.. judging and justifying availability with a Brand? Birds are tricky subjects for even the most experienced wildlife photographers; they move quickly, don't stay still for long, and they generally won't let you get very close without flying off. That is all the reach you will need. I agree with all the conclusions, my thoughts are the same, why and how. It is more compact than the flagship gripped cameras like the Z9 and D6, and yet it still is very capable in the autofocus department. Further anti-reflection technologies help create even sharper pictures with great picture quality. Although the very light 500mm f/5.6 PF has replaced it for many shooters, and the 400mm f/4.5 in an attractive alternative for Z-mount users, it is still lest costly than both (especially used), and so it is worth considering if you need quality in a very small package. The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 is our choice as the best lens for bird photography. The best bird photography lenses help you grab those moments. Surprisingly u didnt included Nikon 200-500 /f5.6 lens one of the best selling lens for wildlife photography. Our Top Picks Best Price: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR Best Choice: Nikon 300mm f/4E PF VR AF-S ED-IF Telephoto Nikkor Lens Best Overall: Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 80-400mm f.4.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens Most Durable: Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II AF-S Nikkor Zoom Lens When looking at lenses, consider how they'll interact with your camera sensor. The Nikon 500mm f/4G VR works well with the TC-14E III teleconverter, giving an effective focal length of 700mm at f/5.6. The lens has 11 elements (3ED) in 8 groups. It provides an edge-to-edge sharpness and compatibility with all Nikon teleconverters for greater reach. It's the NIKKOR VR 70-300mm /4.5-5.6 for the Nikon 1 system. It also helps reduce weight and is ideal for outdoor shooting. Do you have any recommendations or questions? It is about $550 more expensive than the 100-400mm, so why would you get this lens instead? Because this lens is so new, its the only one here that our team at Photography Life hasnt used yet. Because the 300mm f/4 is so small and takes a 1.4X TC teleconverter reasonably well, it is a perfect lens for wildlife shooters who absolutely do not want to carry a huge lens. but the lens you're using will quite obviously play an important part of the equation as well. Nanocrystal provides for even better construction. This lens is somewhat on the heavy side, although it still can be used handheld, and the vibration reduction reduces camera shake whether you have it on a tripod or are holding it. Yet, professional bird photographers prefer prime. Whatever kind of wildlife you like to photograph, whether it be large mammals or small birds, you are sure to find the right Nikon lens. Do you want a zoom lens that offers a focal range from up close to far in the distance? It comes at half the price of a decent 300mm prime. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. An accurate, high-quality focus powered by an upgraded Ultra Silent Drive (USD) motor results from fine engineering.