First off, this lens has twin linear motors, meaning that the performance of autofocus is much better, and more equipped for quick birds. Consequently, your camera needs to be good at doing just that: focusing. Weather-sealed lenses are protected against dust, moisture, and light rain. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect at different price points when searching for a camera lens specific to bird and wildlife photography: $500 – $1,000 – Lenses in this range will typically offer minimal focal length–300mm or less. Here are some key things to look out for: The stabilization reduces camera shake to make it seem like you were shooting with a higher shutter speed. What’s the best lens for bird photography? Check the price of Sony FE 100-400mm Lens here, Matching Camera Body for Birding: Sony a7 III, Focal length: 100-400mmAperture: f/4.5-5.6Autofocus: Yes, using a Double-linear, Direct-drive SSM motor.Image Stabilization: Yes, using Optical SteadyShot IS.Close Focus: 8.43 ftElements: 22, including 2 ED (Extra-low Dispersion) and 1 Super ED glass elements.Weight: 3.08 lbs. Since it’s a mirrorless camera, the body is more compact than typical DSLR’s, which is an advantage if you value portability. The lens also has a built-in vibration reduction system. Another notable feature is stabilization. WorldBirds.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. A quality camera lens will go a long way when it comes to image quality, particularly with bird photography. Finding a camera that can shoot continuously at full resolution is essential to capturing great bird shots. This lens offers excellent focal length at a reasonable price. If you are using a 500mm lens on 7D Mark II, then the sufficient focal length becomes 800mm. Speed and capacity to shoot grain-free pictures in low-light are what you pay for. The 600mm focal length also offers wider exposure in your shots. The Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM Lens is one of the best options for beginner bird photographers. While we all have cameras in our smartphones, they lack the quality over long distances due to poor lenses. If you decide to splurge in pro-lens, keep in mind that on top of having to carry it everywhere, you may need a tripod to mount it on. The best Sony lens for bird photography is Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5/5.6 OSS lens, offering great value for the price. Check the price of Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED Vibration Reduction Fixed Zoom Lens here, Focal length: 600mmAperture: f/4EFormat: Nikon F-BayonetType: TelephotoAutofocus: YesStabilization: YesWeight: 8.40 lbsWarranty: Yes. You can also customize the focal length based on the photo you are trying to capture. For instance, go for a lighter, smaller and cheaper 400mm lens with this Canon camera that functions like a 640mm lens rather than going for a real 600mm lens. Bird photographers may choose to use a camera with a smaller sensor so that they can take advantage of these crop factors. A special coating has also been included to prevent lens flare and blur. Panasonic Lumix FZ300 Long Zoom Digital Camera Features 12.1 Megapixel, 1/2.3-Inch Sensor, 4K Video, WiFi, Splash & Dustproof Camera Body, Leica DC 24X F2.8 Zoom Lens - DMC-FZ300K - (Black) USA 9/10 We have selected this product as being #4 in Best Bird Photography Lens of 2020 As the name suggests, this is a fixed zoom lens – you will not be able to adjust the focal length as with some of the other options on the market. Always consider the background of the shot and choose a good angle. The benefit is that it is much easier to use the lens since it will always give you the same fixed zoom and angle. However, the VR lens has dispersion elements in its optic design. The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens forms part of the L-series from the Canon brand. For birds-in-flight, a shutter speed of 1/2000 is the ideal way. Check the price of Nikkor 200-500mm Lens here, Matching Camera Body for Birding: Nikon D500, Focal length: 200-500mmAperture: f/5.6Autofocus: Yes, high-speed, near-silent AF using Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor.Image Stabilization: Yes, using Nikon’s in-lens Vibration Reduction.Close Focus: 7.2 ftElements: 19, including 3 ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements.Weight: 5.07 lbs. So even though your first thought should be to look at a lens’ focal length, be sure to consider the other components such as the quality of the AF and IS systems and the quality of the glass elements used in the lens. It has an electromagnetic aperture mechanism that provides a lot of control and stability over the exposure of the image. Another noteworthy point is that it is compatible with Fujifilm mirrorless cameras. If you want to experiment with background blurring, the lens has an impressive aperture diaphragm with 11 blades. It allows you to customize the aperture based on the environment you are taking the shot in. And, no, the M.Zuiko 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 is not all that great a birding lens. Shutter Speeds for Bird Photography. Because camera settings determine whether your bird photos look blurry or sharp, well-exposed or lacking details. The lens has an aperture that can be set from F/5 to F/6.3. If you have a certain budget, make a list of compatible lenses that are in your price range. Hopefully, between our reviews and buyer’s guide, you feel prepared to go and pick the best camera to accompany you on your bird-seeking adventures. Stabilization, Touch Enabled 3-Inch LCD, Wi-Fi, DC-FZ80K (Black) These are professional grade lenses that feature the best glass, the best AF motors, and the best IS systems. Since you’ll be spending a lot of time shooting in the outdoors, consider investing in a weather-sealed lens. Firstly, the Sigma 70-300 is designed to reproduce colors as realistically as possible, reducing to a minimum the risk of aberration. While this does mean that it won’t be able to photograph subjects as far away as a 300mm lens can, this GM OSS has a better aperture range, giving you faster shutter speeds up to f/2.8. While it is a great Nikon telephoto lens for bird photography, you can also use it to capture wildlife, sports events, portraits, and more. In fact, this range would make some people consider it the best lens ever for bird photography. This allows you to zoom in and out on an object from a stationary position. When you're in nature with nothing but the pack on your back and a camera in-hand, and you come across one of those perfect moments, you'll want to be carrying one of the best wildlife photography lenses.One of the primary reasons to use a DSLR for wildlife photography is the interchangeable lens … F/4.5 … The VC system provides 4.5 stops. 7. Birds truly are majestic creatures, but it can be difficult to get a good picture of them. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. The best camera for wildlife photography will have a great autofocus system. It has a Super Spectra Coating to help reduce flaring. Its zoom covers the ground from portrait and wide-angle scenes to impressive telephoto shots. The Panasonic Lumix G II Vario 100-300mm Lens is a decent lens that fits nicely with the compact Panasonic Lumix GX85. Best camera for bird photography 1. Check the price of Nikon Z 50 DX-Format Mirrorless Camera here. When choosing a lens, some obvious things should be considered, such as brand and budget. The Canon EOS-1DX Mark II is among the fastest DSLR cameras available and therefore an excellent choice as the best camera for bird photography. Another member of the G Master series, the FE 70-200mm has a similar optical design than the previous lens but with a set of different features. Most cameras will offer a … ... usually require an expensive camera lens. Zoom lenses will typically have a smaller aperture, starting around f/4.5. Great autofocus works on a variety of levels, such as the camera sensor, the mechanics of the lens, and internal computing. Birdwatchers who are interested in bird photography will quickly find that taking pictures of birds is not as simple as a point and click. While all this sounds good, this lens is heavy, weighing 5 pounds, and it is not weather-sealed. There are three different VC modes that you can choose from too. The Canon 100-400mm IS II lens has an advanced build, incorporating special elements that reduce distortion that often creep into zoomed images. If you own a Canon or a Nikon or a Sony, you’ll want to purchase a lens that is compatible with your camera. It offers a Super Spectra coating that reduces flare and corrects color, and a lens hood that prevents too much light from entering the shot. Ethics statement: All opinions expressed in this article are based on our real-world experience with each camera and lens. The lens does have a relatively high weight to it. The lens makes it easy to set the focal length from 150mm all the way up to 600mm. If you are looking to get the best telephoto lens for bird photography and your budget allows for the purchase of professional equipment, then you want to take a closer look at the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens. The lens comes with an adjustable aperture too. It’s good enough but not perfect. If you have the money and, It features a Nikon DX mount and offers APS-C format capabilities. Based on my 25+ years of experience, the main issues I have noticed is that no lens is long enough when it comes to bird photography. They allow you to get fairly close to the animals and shoot excellent pictures if enough light is available. There is also an adjustable setting for the aperture, which you can set from F/4.5 to F/5.6. Budget telephoto lenses are a valid option if you are just starting out as a bird photographer. Professional lenses can cost much more than a camera body and the difference between a cheap and an expensive lens can be seen clearly in their output. Check the price of Tamron 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 DI-II VC HLD All-In-One Zoom here, Focal length: 18-400mmAperture: F/3.5-6.3Format: APS-CType: Nikon DXAutofocus: YesStabilization: NoWeight: 1.55 lbsWarranty: Yes. This particular lens comes with a wide range of features that make it an ideal option for the professional photographer. Best Canon Lens for Bird Photography The Canon EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 would be an excellent choice. For most beginner bird photographers, a zoom lens is the best option. Check out our, Quick Answer - The Best Lenses for Bird Photography, Comparison Table - Best Lens for Bird Photography, Reviews - The Best Bird Photography Lenses, Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR, THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A LENS FOR BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY, For more of our top wildlife photography gear recommendations, check out the. Another great option when looking at the best lenses for bird photography is the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens for Canon EF. Relatively Compact Considering the 100-400mm Telephoto Zoom, Features may not be great for professionals, Focus distance not good for close up shots (again, not meant for this), Higher weight than more expensive alternatives, Some photographers may prefer a higher aperture, Focal length may be too low for wide shots. And the linear motor is great for fast-moving subjects like birds. The product comes with both an aperture and focal length system that can be adjusted according to your environment. The best lens for bird photography Nikon can offer you is the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 300MM f/4E PF ED. 2.0.Close Focus: 4.92 ftElements: 17, including 1 ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element.Weight: 1.15 lbs. But it’s still possible to take great shots of birds that you can post online. The camera features a 20.2 MP CMOS APS-C sensor. t also offers a nonstick fluorine coating on the lens. When searching for a lens for birding, there are 2 main types: prime and zoom. Shortly after the A7R IV has been released, many professional & well-known photographers have been reporting that the will begin using the A7R IV for wildlife & bird photography. Check the price of Sigma 150-600mm Lens here, Focal length: 150-600mmAperture: f/5-6.3 Autofocus: Yes, using Sigma’s Hyper Sonic Motor to reduce noise and increase speed.Image Stabilization: Yes, using Sigma’s Optical Stabilizer system.Close Focus: 9.2 ft Glass Elements: 20, 1 FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) and 3 SLD (Special Low Dispersion)Weight: 4.25 lbsMatching Camera Body for Birding: A variety of Canon, Nikon, and Sony Cameras. Wildlife photography kit list: tripod and bean bag. The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED Vibration Reduction Fixed Zoom Lens comes with a built-in advanced autofocus system. Canon 100-400mm lens is too short for bird photography. The most popular and best brands for bird photography include Nikon, Canon, and Sony cameras. The metering modes can only give you the exposure values based on some algorithms. It is compatible with a range of cameras that features a Canon EF mount. Canon 400mm f/5.6L – the only prime lens on this list – integrates efficiency and light weight in its design. As already mentioned, this lens provides sharp and clean photos that catch a professional’s eye. Thus, you can capture images of fast-moving birds in all their details. It is compatible with a wide range of Nikon DSLR cameras. There are body and lens options available from each of these brands that will help you capture professional quality images once you are familiar with the camera. Secondly, the lens has better image stabilization, reaching 5 stops for even sharper photos. This aperture range is also an asset in low-light conditions and hand-held photography. We've taken all these things into consideration when constructing our list of the best cameras for wildlife photography, so you're sure to find a product to suit your requirements. Multiple layers of coating protect your images from flare and improve contrast. When picking a camera for bird photography, there’s almost as much to keep in mind as there are avian species! If you are worried about lens flare since you want to photograph birds in the sky, the lens has that covered. Even at 55mm with a crop sensor APS-C sized sensor DSLR like the Xs was not nearly enough “reach” to … Copyright © 2020 by WorldBirds.org. This is also the best budget lens for bird photography if you own a Nikon DSLR camera. Our bird photography gear includes a modern DSLR camera and a prime telephoto lens. Anything from 300mm can work too, however. This lens also features 3 ED glass elements ensuring images will be vibrant and sharp. Thus, it is not too comfortable for outdoor shooting in non-dry conditions. For more of our top outdoor photography gear recommendations, check out these popular articles: Angelo Zinna is a freelance writer based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Professional lenses can cost much more than a camera body and the difference between a cheap and an expensive lens can be seen clearly in their output. For bird photographers who prioritize image quality, find a camera that features a full-frame sensor. Check the price of Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 300MM f/4E PF ED Vibration Reduction Lens here, Focal length: 300mmAperture: f/4EFormat: AF-SType: Fixed zoom telephoto lensAutofocus: YesStabilization: YesWeight: 1.66 lbsWarranty: Yes. Wildlife photography is a genre that DSLR cameras have dominated for decades. Birds are among the most interesting subjects in nature photography, but capturing them in their environment can be tricky. Name brand prime lenses with a wide aperture, and a focal length of 400mm or 600mm will cost over $10,000. When looking for a camera for wildlife photography, there are some key features you need to consider: 1. It's always about the lens in any type of photography. But that “fast lens” will have a wide aperture (low f-stop number, such as f/2.8) which is allowing a lot of light to hit the sensor in your camera. For bird photography, this lens will be limited because of its lower focal length. The focal length of the lens can be adjusted between 100mm and 400mm. The best camera lenses for bird photography are telephoto zoom lenses of 400mm or more. The Air Sphere Coating also helps to limit ghosting that may appear on your shots. It has a built-in autofocus system, along with advanced image stabilization technology. Today, there’s a much wider range of cameras that can meet the needs of wildlife photographers, including mirrorless systems that have some advantages over traditional DSLRs. Check the price of Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens here, Matching Camera Body for Birding: Canon EOS-1D X Mark II, Focal length: 100-400mmAperture: F/4.5-5.6LFormat: USM LensType: Super-Telephoto Zoom LensAutofocus: YesStabilization: YesWeight: 3.46 lbsWarranty: Yes. As for more standard specifications, the lens has an anti-smudging coating, SteadyShot image stabilization, and anti-flare coatings. It’s bright and refreshes at a rate of 120 fps, for the closest approximation of an optical viewfinder in our experience.” Pro shooter Richard Seeley sums it up, saying the a9 is “the best camera body … We’ve rounded up the best lenses for bird photography in order to help you get closer to your little (or not so little) subjects without being intrusive. The lens does have a heavier weight than some of the alternatives, however. Not only these, but many other features as well make your photos detailed and rich. In order to capture images of birds, you’ll want to purchase a lens 300mm or higher. Some birds may be slower than others, though. While the price tag is high, the features give you the ability to take superior shots. Bokeh is the background blur effect resulting from images with a shallow depth of field. The lens has a focus limiter switch, letting you choose how far you want to focus. It does not matter if you have a Nikon or a Canon, this lens is compatible with many cameras since it has a built-in autofocus motor. Check the price of Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens for Canon EF here, Focal length: 100-400mmAperture: f/5-6.3Format: Canon EFType: TelephotoAutofocus: YesStabilization: NoWeight: 3.00 lbsWarranty: Yes. The fact that this is a zoom lens makes it even more user-friendly. They will allow you to keep shooting even if conditions are not ideal, with the opportunity of capturing unique images that are normally unseen. This is a multi-purpose lens. Sony a7 III Full-Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera. If you have professional Canon 1D Mk IV with EF 24-105 L zoom, and a very basic Canon 1000D with Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM, for example, the chances of getting awesome bird capture is much higher with 1000D. The Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS is a standard telephoto lens that can be mounted onto mirrorless Fujifilm cameras and is fairly affordable. There are other considerations too. The higher focal length will give you even better glimpses of the birds you are trying to capture in a frame. Here are four different systems to check out. This measure will be shown as either a fixed measure (such as 400mm) or a range (such as 150mm-600mm). That's why, in my opinion, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is the best bird photography lens for the money at a touch over $2000 (or significantly cheaper pre-owned). 400mm is generally considered adequate when looking at the best lens for bird photography. If you are looking for a third-party lens with great color fidelity, then the Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO is the one for you. The lens also offers an f/4L constant maximum aperture exposure. To ensure the best possible image quality in all shooting conditions, it combines redesigned optics, improved data communication between lens and camera and enhanced environmental protection. If you plan to print your photos, you will want to choose a lens with greater zoom capabilities. Plus, the lens is weather-sealed and protected against smudges – perfect for shooting outdoor scenes and subjects besides birds. Trevor uses a Canon EOS 7D with a 300mm F/4L lens and 1.4X teleconverter.Ashley uses a Canon EOS 7D Mark II with a 400mm F/5.6L lens. Overall, this lens is a great value for its price. This lens, paired with a solid mirrorless camera offers a lightweight option for travelers hoping to maintain a higher focal length. Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM and versatile Canon EF 100-400L f/4.5-5.6L IS USM are very popular birding lenses too. It has a built-in autofocus system, along with advanced image stabilization technology. Also, check out our guide on best cameras for bird photography. Flying birds need a fast shutter speed. Bird Photography Practical Field Guide. Beginners can opt for an affordable third-party lens to. This helps you focus on the subject, even while it is moving. View the Canon EOS M6 (Black) 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Kit on Amazon. RELATED: Best Canon Lenses for Landscape Photography in 2020. A telephoto lens is a type of lens designed to capture distant subjects. It has a built-in Ultrasonic motor that helps ensure autofocus is no problem to use. This makes it easier to capture moving birds as the lens can focus on the subject automatically. The fact that this is a zoom lens makes it even more user-friendly. The lens is compatible with the Canon EF mount system. The Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD is the lens with the biggest zoom on this list. Overall the Sigma 150-600mm performs quite well considering its price. A higher focal length allows for shooting distant subjects without getting closer. The lens offers a fixed 600mm focal length. When we talk about lenses there is really no limit in terms of pricing. Thus, Sony F4.5-5.6 GM OSS has a few focus-related features just for that. You’ll see a drastic improvement in your bird photography once you start using it. As a birding camera, its focal length may not reach the lengths of the higher zoom cameras, but the quality of the images taken at the max 400mm are superb and don’t appear to lose any sharpness. For bird photography, a quality lens is a priority, but you’ll also want a camera that can keep up with the birds that you are photographing. Plus, you can take macro photos of birds, emphasizing their feathers, eyes, and so on. Canon 1DX Mark II is the best wildlife camera from Canon in their full-frame DSLR series. There are many bodies that can work, but few lenses. Photography and bird watching are ever-growing hobbies around the world and this article will aim to explain everything you need to know about the best bird watching camera on the market today! The camera’s electronic viewfinder “is the best we’ve used. Let’s start with the focal length: 500mm. The camera also has a flip-down LCD for taking selfies. Naturally, it has vibration reduction that is effective enough to support long shutter speeds, small apertures, hand-held shooting, and low-light conditions. Even for the Nikon photographers, it’s not an easy choice between Nikon 200-500 vs Tamron 150-600mm G2 lens. A vibration reduction system helps to reduce the effect of movement from the camera on the final shot. The downside is that they tend to be less effective in low light conditions. Shot in JPEG fine and handheld utilizing the lens’ vibration reduction system. Quality sensors directly correlate to size: the bigger the sensor, the better the photos. Another feature of the lens is its Ultrasonic motor that makes autofocus fast and nearly silent. Canon PowerShot SX710 HS. The lens also comes with a fixed aperture rating of f/4L. This makes autofocus much faster and more efficient, especially with distant subjects like birds. Wildlife photography is a lot more than capturing wildlife using a camera. Photographers who use the Sigma 150-600mm will enjoy the amount of zoom that is available to them. It gives an appropriate angle to capture birds in action. Although there are brands, such as Tamron and Sigma, that offer a focal length of up to 600mm in this price range. Just be sure to purchase the correct version for your camera, or, in the case of Sony, make sure to buy the right mount. Telephoto lenses allow you to shoot small animals even from far away. Birds are among the most interesting subjects in nature photography, but capturing them in their environment can be tricky. It has a built-in Ultrasonic motor that helps ensure autofocus is no problem to use. If you are looking for a travel zoom lens that can double as a birding lens, the Panasonic Lumix G II Vario 100-300mm Lens might be the right choice for you. Shot with a Nikon D7100 and an AF-S Nikkor 55-300 mm lens.