It all depends on the budget, the shooting style, prime or telephoto choice, and brand preference. Buy Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens: $2,696.95 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama. This is especially true with mammals, which like to come out during such times. One caveat is the video recording button is located a bit oddly. Then there's the full frame pro or serious enthusiast DSLR body with a Canon or Nikon 400mm, 500mm, 600mm, or even an 800mm prime lens. Best Lens For Wildlife Photography Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR Zoom Lens Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 SP Di VC USD XLD Best Lens For Sports Photography Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 DG OS HSM Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD Best Budget Telephoto Lens For Nikon Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR Image quality wise: an entry level Nikon DSLR matches the image quality you can get from any other camera in Nikon's line up . And if you need an 800mm equivalent lens, you could always put a 2x TC on the 400mm f/2.8. 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. For example, the best 100-400mm lenses (opens in new tab) on a full-frame sensor will cover 150-600mm on APS-C and 200-800mm on Micro Four Thirds! A 600mm f/4 is the gold standard for birding and other types of wildlife, and its a lens that still does not exist in Z-mount. It is a great buy that will get you to 300mm at just under $600 USD. Panasonic DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 Asph. Costing $6500, this lens is the cheapest way to reach this focal length. If you like the idea of a 300mm f/2.8G II but in a zoom, this is your lens. A camera that takes high-definition images and comes with a lens for up-close shots of subjects. Bird photography is now much more accessible than it used to be, and that's because long telephoto lenses that were once almost impossible to use and carry around have been developed in much smaller designs. No matter the focal length of the lens, the closer you are, the bigger the subject. You need a pretty good reason to trade up from Panasonics 100-400mm zoom lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras and it might just be this Olympus prime. This lens of course belongs to the S-line, which means superior performance. Which Nikon Camera Is Best For Bird Photography? If you are one of those, the best combination for bird photography would be something like the Nikon D5 or D500 + one of the above-mentioned lenses + 1.4x TC ( TeleConverter ), which will give you the best performance and reach. Instead, it has one telephoto length, so it is best for searching the skies and the trees, rather than capturing birds right in front of you. The Canon EF . 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. Although it is an F-mount lens, it is still used by many Z-mount users with an FTZ adapter. 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. Should you use a full frame or cropped sensor camera for bird photography (opens in new tab)? It provides an edge-to-edge sharpness and compatibility with all Nikon teleconverters for greater reach. Nikons Silent Wave Motor AF system allows for super fast autofocusing, but with just a turn of the manual focus ring, you can take control yourself. The uprated ring-type autofocus system is faster and more accurate, and a fluorine coating is added to the front element. Still, it is heavy and big to carry around and takes time to set up. The Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM is a lens that works really well in birds and wildlife photography, a great tele-zoom of choice, and whose weight, although very unbalanced, we do not believe to be excessive even for carrying out wandering photographic hunting activities. This latest generation optic is significantly lighter than its predecessor thanks to the Flourite lens elements used. With advancement, the quality has come quite close to prime. VR: Vibration Reduction is essential in unforgiving conditions. I added this lens to the list because it is so good, but it is also questionable whether it is still worth its price, given that you can get a Nikon Z9 and a Z 800mm f/6.3 and still have over $4000 to spare. The Nikon 500mm f/4E VR is sort of a sweet middle between the 400mm and 600mm lenses. View at Amazon. What are the best Nikon lenses for wildlife photography? These are 600mm, 750mm and 900mm equivalent (35mm), i.e. Wildlife situations come and pass quickly and this lens is easy to deploy quickly, fast optics, feather weight, and has VR. You can switch focus mode by simply turning the focus ring. When done well, you can get some truly magnificent photographs. The maximum effective focal length stretches from 600mm to around 900mm when shooting on an APS-C camera. The Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 is also an insanely sharp lens, so it still looks good at 560mm and thus is suitable for many varieties of wildlife. One of the newest Nikon telephoto lenses at the moment is the 600mm f/4 TC VR S. Just like the 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S, this 600mm lens has a built-in 1.4x teleconverter. In particular, its much easier to use a 1.4x teleconverter with this lens, turning it into a very reasonable 560mm f/6.3. Nikon 80-400mm VR. The 800mm focal length, while not easy to use, certainly shines when it is used properly. 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. This translates to a high price tag, with the lowest end of the spectrum averaging between $500 to $1,500, and the highest-quality / best reach lenses costing as much as $10,000+. Lens Weight: Heavier lenses are challenging to use without tripods. But lenses are an expensive purchase, so its important to really think through your decision about which Nikon lens to buy for bird photography. A cheap APS-C macro lens is coming, for almost all mounts, Shots fired! The Nikon Z 100-400mm is currently the only Nikon zoom for Z-mount that has some reach. Tamron 150-600mm Review and how to use it for Wildlife Photography, 24 Tips for Fantastic Flower Photography (2022), Video Courses from Friends of Photography-RAW. However, its weight and size are its biggest enemy. It goes without saying that you need a good support system for this lensa very sturdy Gitzo Systematic series tripod with a Wimberley Gimbal head is what I would get to hold this monster. First, it is 0.63 stops faster, which although small, does make a difference in challenging wildlife conditions. The Nano Crystal Coat eliminates internal reflections and removes all chromatic aberration to provide the finest picture quality. The silent wave matter is added for an extra-fast and noise-free bird photography experience. The opening in the lens that allows light to pass through. The best cameras for bird photography will help ensure that your patience pays off. The Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM (and the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM (opens in new tab)) is designed for EOS R-series mirrorless cameras and offers a very different experience to a typical prime telephoto lens. It has very impressive optical features and it delivers exceptionally good-looking images, especially at its maximum aperture of f/2.8. Since this lens offers a 1.4X TC with still excellent image quality and significant 850g weight savings over the Nikon 400mm f/2.8E, this new Z mount 400mm f/2.8 could indeed be the ultimate wildlife lens. For sensors smaller than full-frame, there is a trade-off in terms of image quality but you'll get the advantage of a crop factor that amplifies the telephoto reach of the lens. lighter. This has seen a weight saving of some 25%, though it still tips the scales at an arm-wobbling 3,810g. If you are passionate about bird photography, but want to keep your costs under $10,000, the Z-mount 800mm f/6.3 offers an insane amount of reach at a lower cost than the traditional f/4 primes. I would suggest that for most people, this lens is a little bit short for wildlife, especially at $9500. This is the lens that many wildlife photographers get, especially those that photograph birds. Continuous high-speed photography is achievable through this type of AE control. They improve the all-weather shield for shooting in the most severe conditions. In addition to using the twist-action control ring, you can alter the zoom setting in a push-pull fashion. This grouping covers just about every bird-photography situation, from birds at rest to the most challenging erratically flying raptors. It is optimized to deliver results quickly and perfectly. The Nikon 600mm f/4E FL ED VR is one of the company's longest focal length lenses available, and with a price tag that's nudging five figures, it's squarely aimed at the professional sports and wildlife photographer. Nikkor 400mm f2.8E FL ED VR is the next-gen model of the 2007 Nikkor 400mm f2.6G ED VR. It is capable of producing relatively good bokeh, especially on its longest end, although its sharpness performance also drops quite a bit at 300mm. The best lenses for bird photography let you get closer to birds and capture incredibly sharp, beautiful images. The second edition of the lens has a more typical twist-action zoom ring and a host of upgrades. The second is that 400mm isnt always long enough for smaller or more distant birds. Best wide-angle lens for landscapes: NIKON Z 14-24MM f/2.8 S. Best super telephoto lens for wildlife photography: SIGMA 60-600MM F/4.5-6.3. It took a while, but Sigma's 150-600mm Sports lens finally got a mirrorless makeover. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); I have kept my Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E VR AF-P as I moved from DSLR to Nikon Z5 and Z7-II. The Nikon 300mm f/4E PF is the smallest 300mm f/4 lens because of its phase-fresnel (PF) technology that has subsequently been used in the F-mount 500mm f/5.6 PF and the Z-mount 800mm f/6.3. Do you want a zoom lens that offers a focal range from up close to far in the distance? 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. Bird photographers carrying a lot of gear find the 500mm f/4 a bit easier to travel with compared to the 600mm f/4. If well-cared for, such F-mount lenses can still last many years. It's the NIKKOR VR 70-300mm /4.5-5.6 for the Nikon 1 system. This makes the lens very versatile, giving 400mm and 560mm at the flick of a switch. As we've touched on, Canon's EF 100-400mm zoom has been an incredibly popular lens for Canon DSLR shooters, so it's no surprize to see something arrive for the brand's EOS R range of full-frame mirrorless cameras. The next big jump (in terms of size, weight and cost) gets us to the Nikon 300mm f/2.8G VR II a phenomenal lens. You now know how to do the calculation: the 200-500 is the equivalent of 300 mm to a whopping 750 mm. November 14, 2018 May 6, 2019; . It really depends on the types of subjects that you shoot. An extreme telephoto lens, it can beautifully capture birds at a very long distance. The lens needs to be ready for the same. It is still just possible to handhold, and it offers a lot of versatility with its zoom and very decent image quality. Looking to turn pro? If one plans to use the camera hand-held, it is better to look for lighter lenses while compromising slightly on the range. Next comes getting closer to the birds. We also have bird lenses for Nikon and Canon. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). No also f/1.4. Out of the many options available for you in the market, here are the bird photography cameras that are worth the purchase. Power O.I.S. A lens that can vary between focal lengths. Or do you want a high-quality prime lens with a set focal length? 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. Hand-held shooting is possible with the newer model. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Basically, if youre not sure which lens youll need, you definitely dont need this one. Further anti-reflection technologies help create even sharper pictures with great picture quality. Generally, the longer the lens (in focal length), the better. As in the Sigma and Tamron lenses, this enables more consistency in rapid-fire exposures but, with older Nikon bodies, youll only be able to shoot at the widest aperture. Its more comfortable for long periods of handheld shooting and you can also use it with the camera body mounted on a tripod or monopod. On your Nikon, the 300mm is 450mm equivalent (35mm), i.e. 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. The lens is designed for Canon and Nikon DSLRs but is also an option for Canon RF and Nikon Z mirrorless cameras using a mount adapter. It is fairly wide on a full-frame camera at 180mm so it can also be used to capture tighter landscapes. It is easy to get carried away by the camera body. A 70-300mm lens, providing them an effective focal length of 450mm. A system that automatically focuses on the subject to keep it crisp and clear. There are two versions of this lens: VR and non-VR. When engaged, it turns the lens into an 840mm f/5.6. Image quality is fabulous throughout the entire zoom range. If you like birds, you might also like to see the best camera for wildlife (opens in new tab), as well as the best bird feeder cameras. It comes at half the price of a decent 300mm prime. A stunning lens if you can justify the price - see our full Nikon 600mm f/4E FL ED VR review (opens in new tab). Its my favorite because i can get it up and shooting anytime Im in a hurry, which is often. Add 4.5 stops of vibration reduction, and this lens qualifies as a mini beast for bird photography. Similar to the Nikon 300mm f/2.8G VR II, it also works exceptionally well with all teleconverters, including the Nikon TC-20E III. The equivalent lenses in full frame would be approximately 24mm f2, 45mm f2, and 85mm f2. Nikon Lenses for Bird Photography Nikon 200-500 mm Telephoto. Please keep in mind that the information I present below is a personal opinion based on my experience so far, which is subject to change. This Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM super-telephoto lens for Canon EOS R-series full-frame mirrorless cameras gives phenomenal reach but is much smaller and more lightweight than competing lenses for DSLRs. Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 VR. A major plus point is that the aperture rating of f/4 is relatively fast, compared with most zoom lenses that drop to f/5.6 or f/6.3 at a similar focal length. View at Amazon. It offers the quality and construction of Nikon, a top-notch auto-focus, and unparalleled versatility. Due to its slower f/4 aperture, it is a much lighter lens than the 400mm f/2.8E VR. Best Canon: Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens Best Canon premium: Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM Lens Best Nikon: Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED Best Nikon premium: Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED Optically it is an insanely sharp lens, I would say about the same as the Nikon 600mm f/4E below. The Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm is a great introductory telephoto lens for bird photography at a very good price point. Sigma is not reporting equivalent focal lengths or f-numbers. Theres no other difference between the two versions. The lens has 11 elements (3ED) in 8 groups. 1,725g (1,880g with tripod mounting ring), Amazing shot of angry birds wins Nature in Action Photo Competition, Sony releases first pictures of Earth from its Star Sphere space satellite, Hipster camera alert: A full-frame Nikon Z fc could be on the way, Should you use a full frame or cropped sensor camera for bird photography, 2. Taking inspiration from the Nikon 180-400mm F-mount lens, the Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 was Nikons first Z-mount lens to feature a built-in 1.4X teleconverter. The sheer range provided by Tamrons 150-600, especially when clubbed with a crop frame, is enough to enchant the buyers. Its equivalent focal range is so large, at 190-810mm, it just may inspire wildlife photographers to switch to the compact mirrorless Nikon 1 line of cameras. The only downside of this lens is its eye-watering cost of $14000. Its also not quite as sharp, but it comes very close and its overall image quality is pleasing. Zoom lenses carry the advantage of flexibility. More so, it has a focal range of 70-300mm. 17. Or would you prefer the 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S, which is a 400mm f/2.8 and a 560mm f/4? These enable different behaviors in the autofocus speed and stabilization effect, as well as fine-tuning for autofocus accuracy for individual camera bodies, plus the application of firmware updates. 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. Sony budget: Sony 6400. Would love to hear the reasons, if any. It is about $550 more expensive than the 100-400mm, so why would you get this lens instead? It all works together very well, except that stabilization can be relatively ineffective for panning. Get the best camera deals, reviews, product advice, competitions, unmissable photography news and more! 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. The Nikon COOLPIX P1000 features a 3000mm super telephoto lens, . In this list, we've included some of the best telephoto lenses (opens in new tab) around right now. Although significantly less expensive to buy, it features the same range of dual-mode stabilization, dual-mode autofocus and custom setup options, as well as fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements. Your prices on the three lenses are off by over $2000.! Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2, 16. 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. For Nikon, a good choice is the Nikon 200-500mm lens for DSLR cameras. One can also double their effective focal length using teleconverters. Im the owner and editor of Photography-RAW. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. But, since you have a crop sensor camera, a lens zooming to 400mm, 500mm or even 600mm would be an option. Using DO (Diffractive Optics) and a relatively narrow f/11 fixed aperture rating, it's also pretty light at 930g. Its a superfast (f/2.8) 400mm lens with a built-in 1.4x teleconverter (thats what the TC, stands for in the lens name). VR is Vibration Reduction that minimizes blur due to camera shake. B&H offers a good rundown of. Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L. Finally, the Nikon Z 400mm is also 190 g lighter than the 100-400mm, which makes a difference if you are carrying the lens and other equipment all day. A VR lens helps create sharper pictures and provides three stops insurance. Featured key specs: Notable reviews: 5. You can only shoot at the widest aperture possible on older Nikon bodies. I am a wildlife photographer, started in the 70s. If you like our content, you can subscribe to our newsletter to receive weekly email updates using the link below: Getting F-mount Lenses in a Z-mount World, Best Nikon Lenses for Landscape Photography, Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G DX VR AF-P Review, Best Nikon Lenses for Wedding Photography. Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary, 15. A fast aperture of a constant f/5.6 works well in low light conditions such as sunset and provides the effect of a blurred background to highlight the birds. The cost difference between the two is significant. The VR II provides up to 3 stops of insurance, resulting in sharper images overall. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. What is the best one you would suggest for wild life (perched birds) with Z6 and FTZ adapter ? Bought it because it can be hand held. However, neither of them seems to have impressed you. The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports isn't just a quick reskin of the DSLR version (below); it's actually been retooled from the ground up with mirrorless cameras in mind, and it's an impressive 760g lighter. The best lenses for bird photography provide you with enough magnification to fill the frame with a feathery subject and have a fast enough autofocus to track it as it moves. Instead, the Nikon 180-400 f/4E lens is for those shooters who shoot larger mammals and landscapes, and wider shots of animals in their habitat. The lighter weight helps in more rapid framing and composition, giving the extra few milliseconds to create the masterpiece. And you'll also find lenses for Sony, Fujifilm, and Olympus cameras. 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 Nikkor 70-300 f4.5-5.6G VR must be on the list of bird photography lenses purely to provide an entry. Forget about trying to hand-hold it, even if you have arms as big as Schwarzeneggers. Its a very good lens but rather expensive for a 100-400mm, and lacks the outright telephoto reach of more recent 150-600mm independent designs. Sophisticated controls include switchable dual-mode autofocus options with priority given to autofocus or manual override, static/panning stabilization modes and dual custom setups. You are a bit mixed up. Important command dials for wildlife and bird photography are located on the camera body itself. Having VR is a definite plus when hand-holding the lens. A prime lens that excels for bird photography, the telephoto Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm is a quality addition to your camera kit. This zoom lens offers a range from portrait to telephoto, so you can always get the shot. Theres more, however, with the construction boasting an upgraded lens construction. Bird photography is unimaginable without the use of a quality telephoto lens. Fancy features include a dual-mode, 4.5-stop VR (Vibration System) system and an electromagnetically controlled diaphragm for adjusting the aperture. Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR A good option zoom lens for bird photography and it comes at a reasonable cost. Download our FREE Macro Photography Quick Start Guide. That makes it easier to capture sharp, frame-filling images of birds. On the other hand, if you like to shoot when the sun is almost down or even set, f/5.6 is a little slow even with todays amazing sensors. The 400mm f/2.8 lens is ideal for situations where even an f/4 lens would be too slow. 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. Thus, if you are still using a Nikon 200-500 on an F-mount camera and are looking to transition to Z-mount, I would wait for this lens to come out, instead of buying one of the other Nikon Z lenses above. This is not the lens you would pack in a backpack for hiking. We check out the best cameras for professionals (opens in new tab). I hope youll excuse the lack of sample photos, but by all indications, this lens is just as sharp and versatile as the 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S. Would you find more use with this lens, which is a 600mm f/4 and an 840mm f/5.6? You can follow him on Instagram and Facebook. The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 is our choice as the best lens for bird photography. Additionally, 2 ED glass elements work towards eliminating chromatic aberration. A prime lens may force you to, though, unless you know the exact bird locations and schedule. Surprisingly u didnt included Nikon 200-500 /f5.6 lens one of the best selling lens for wildlife photography. It's pretty much the same weight as the Sigma and Tamron 100-400mm lenses for full-frame cameras. A full set of weather seals is incorporated, and a fluorine coating on the front element helps to repel moisture and fingerprints. 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). A unique Sport-VR helps take sharper images even while panning and using continuous shooting mode. but the lens you're using will quite obviously play an important part of the equation as well. Theres a more effective, triple-mode image stabilizer and the Mark II also gains weather-seals and fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements. A tack-sharp AF precision allows panning shots to be perfectly sharp. Compatible Camera Mount: Canon EF Features Dust And Water Resistant Design Autofocus Is Both Smooth And Quiet Wide Focal Range Allows A Wide Variety Of Shots A specially shaped lens hood with a thumb and finger groove helps with this. Instead, you need to decide which camera is perfect for YOU. You cant move much during wildlife photography, as you may disturb the surroundings. Hand-holding, the Nikon D500, feels better. All of these can be used on Z-mount cameras with the FTZ or FTZII adapter, and since some of these do not yet have Z counterparts, they are worth a look whether you shoot a Nikon DSLR or a Nikon Z mirrorless camera. You will be able to capture all sorts of birds in the perfect frames with these cameras for sure. At 400mm, it's a powerful super-telephoto lens suited to wildlife and action photography, with or without a tripod. The Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 is a compact and ridiculously sharp lens that is perfect for larger birds and birds in flight. The lens is fully weather-sealed and features a fluorine coating on its front and rear elements. Pls. The modern model is almost 2 lbs. That is all the reach you will need. This lens is great for general wildlife, especially if you often shoot the large kind like moose and bears. Fujifilm XF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR, 11. From the basics of My 350 Nikon Wildlife Photography Kit D300 300mm F4 Af Lens to the latest trends and innovations, you'll find a wide range of articles that cover all aspects of this field. I have the 80-400, never use it. Small and light for such a long zoom, the lens retails for about $1,000. The Silent Wave Motor further boosts this ability, helping create stable and dramatic images in the wild. Canon premium: Canon EOS R3. Its also the sharper lens at 400mm, although the 100-400mm is no slouch. Scouting for birds in national parks and bird sanctuaries is accessible with this range. We've tested the best lenses for bird photography to bring you options for a range of prices, from budget telephoto lenses to professional lenses. The Nikon 500mm f/5.6 PF lens was a breakthrough lens for Nikon. The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary is half the weight of the larger 150-600mm Contemporary lens and just a third of the weight of the Sports edition.