A 70-300mm lens, providing them an effective focal length of 450mm. Due to its slower f/4 aperture, it is a much lighter lens than the 400mm f/2.8E VR. lighter. You might be wondering, does it still make sense to get an F-mount lens now that Nikon is focusing its effort and support on Z-mount? Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sport, 14. Image quality is fabulous throughout the entire zoom range. B&H offers a good rundown of how to build your camera kit for birding, and a Nikon ambassador Moose Peterson shares his favorite setup to give you some ideas. Nikon has always been a great choice for wildlife shooters. but the lens you're using will quite obviously play an important part of the equation as well. In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide. It renders the lens incompatible with older Nikon DSLRs. If any reason pls explain. 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+. So you conclude with what you have- The article is intended for ALL.. judging and justifying availability with a Brand? Capturing stunning images of birds is not easy, and you definitely need the right lens to be able to do it. This lens is great for general wildlife, especially if you often shoot the large kind like moose and bears. The Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm is a great introductory telephoto lens for bird photography at a very good price point. The Nikon Z 100-400mm is currently the only Nikon zoom for Z-mount that has some reach. Takes continuous shots at 8 frames per second. The lens is under $600 and is among the cheapest lenses to achieve any bird photography. There are two versions of this lens: VR and non-VR. 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. My super favorite lens is the AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4E PF ED VR. The lens is meant to be used with fast Nikon DSLRs from the high-end range. Theres no clear winner between the prime or telephoto debate. If you can find a way to deal with the weight, this lens with a D500 would still be a very capable wildlife setup. The construction is uncompromised with the new magnesium alloy barrel and fluorite elements. Nikons 200-500mm f5.6E has carved a space of its own among hobbyist and semi-professional wildlife photographers. This lens is the real winner for use on any Nikon body: a 200-500 mm zoom with vibration reduction. Im the owner and editor of Photography-RAW. Except that one. Scouting for birds in national parks and bird sanctuaries is accessible with this range. Seeing a gorgeous bird in flight is awe-inspiring, but it can be difficult to translate that beauty into a photo. 7 Best Camera for Bird Photography. Auto White Balance requires zero input from you, the photographer. 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 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. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. It does feature a Tripod Mode, to reduce camera shake from ground vibrations you might not even notice, as well as a Sport Mode that can be useful when youre following birds in flight. Autofocus itself is very fast and image quality is fabulous. For more of our top outdoor photography gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides: Kate is a climber, creator, and community builder. Sony budget: Sony 6400. VR is Vibration Reduction that minimizes blur due to camera shake. Nikon 500mm f/4 VR. They, however, are prone to more lens aberrations and vignettes. Similar to the Nikon 300mm f/2.8G VR II, it also works exceptionally well with all teleconverters, including the Nikon TC-20E III. Impeccably turned out, the XF100-400mm looks and feels a high-quality item Looks arent deceiving either, as the internals include a super-fast autofocus system based on dual linear stepping motors, and a high-performance 5-stop optical stabilizer. If you love birdwatching, visit our best bird feeder camera (opens in new tab) guide! An eliminated ghosting and flare while shooting backlit or semi-back-lit subjects results from this improved optics capability. Yet, professional bird photographers prefer prime. With advancement, the quality has come quite close to prime. Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports, 13. The VC Mode II is specifically for panning, aiding the birds-in-flight photography. A full set of weather seals is incorporated, and a fluorine coating on the front element helps to repel moisture and fingerprints. Sharpness is very good at or near 600mm but less impressive towards the short end of the zoom range. 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 many cases, it still does. This fast lens features snappy autofocus, a 400mm telephoto, and top-quality lens construction by Nikon. Want to learn more about a technical term? This lens keeps pushing the boundaries. A tack-sharp AF precision allows panning shots to be perfectly sharp. If you are still shooting with a DSLR, then this might be a good option, since you cannot use the new Z-mount version. Interestingly, it is 3.25kg, which is not much heavier than the 2.9kg of the 300mm f/2.8. Read the full Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C review (opens in new tab). Best low light lens for Z-Mount - Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S (2,299) Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S. The Nikon Z 50mm f1.2 S is Nikon's premium 50mm lens for Nikon Z series cameras, giving excellent image quality, as well as beautiful bokeh. An accurate, high-quality focus powered by an upgraded Ultra Silent Drive (USD) motor results from fine engineering. As each birder's requirements are a little different, there is no one perfect camera and lens for bird photography. Still, it is heavy and big to carry around and takes time to set up. 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. Its three-mode stabilisation system helps out here too birders will probably get the most use out of Mode 3, which only applies the stabilisation effect during actual exposures, making it easier to track erratically moving subjects. The construction involves 3 ED glass elements, minimizing chromatic aberration and achieving super sharpness. Sophisticated controls include switchable dual-mode autofocus options with priority given to autofocus or manual override, static/panning stabilization modes and dual custom setups. This large lens, when coupled with the DX-format sensor, gives him the optical equivalent of an 18x binocular. 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. And you'll also find lenses for Sony, Fujifilm, and Olympus cameras. They help cut down on any reflection, including the reflection of the camera sensor. Tamrons 150-600mm was a gamechanger. When done well, you can get some truly magnificent photographs. Generally, the longer the lens (in focal length), the better. The Nikon TC-17E II nor the new Nikon TC-20E III can work but not as reliably. Many aspiring wildlife shooters will no doubt be aware of the stratospheric prices of supertelephotos. Nikon has one more wildlife lens on its roadmap: a 200-600mm zoom, which competes directly with the Sony 200-600mm lens. Let us know which is your favorite lens for bird photography. Zoom lenses carry the advantage of flexibility. This is 1.4 stops faster than the Nikon 400mm f/4.5 and thus will perform much better than slower lenses, both in terms of light-gathering and autofocus. It is an upgraded version of the earlier lens. It's heavily weatherproofed, with oil-repellent coatings on the elements, and it's got 4-stop optical stabilisation to help keep things sharp at the telephoto end. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens is one of the sharpest and fastest lenses available. Nikon 200-500mm f5.6E redraws creative boundaries with a constant-aperture telephoto zoom. It is also only about 2.4kg, which means it is handholdable for longer periods compared to most supertelephotos. Sir, Pls. You can switch focus mode by simply turning the focus ring. It brought everyone into action with this insane zoom range of 150-600mm. See sample zoom photography (View in a lightbox) View the COOLPIX P1000 Product Tour . This is a very specialized tool. Camera body with a lens without zoom for shooting portraits. Its built-in teleconverter means you can reach 560mm. Theres also considerably lower quality owing to the higher number of lens elements. Even so, the 2x crop factor of MFT cameras gives the Panasonic a maximum effective focal length of 800mm, much like using a 150-600mm lens on an APS-C format body. Birds are often tiny, very fast, and since it happens in the wild, theres no control over the light. But this aint your daddys 400mm f/2.8. I may have got lucky because mine is very sharp. A long lens to capture subjects in the distance. 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. But it will come in handy on a third camera at some point on some wildlife expedition. very long. 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. The Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S is a classic example, costing more than some new cars. They can also be used on DSLRs, and I would say for 90% of wildlife, a mirrorless camera will not provide any significant advantages over a DSLR and an F-mount lens. Fancy features include a dual-mode, 4.5-stop VR (Vibration System) system and an electromagnetically controlled diaphragm for adjusting the aperture. 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. 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. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. When photographing wildlife, whether capturing birds in flight or photographing bears in Alaska, one of the most important factors in choosing a lens is its focal length. Theres also lens lightness that helps them enjoy the process and learn the art of bird photography. View at Amazon. But it is only half part of the story. 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. The autofocus is extremely fast, thanks to an internal focus element, and you can easily override the autofocus if you want manual control. 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. Instead, you need to decide which camera is perfect for YOU. They have some great F-mount lenses that have been supplemented in the past few years with some amazing new Z-mount lenses. Corner-to-corner sharpness and vivid colors are essential for bird photography. Sigma stops developing Micro Four Thirds lenses; APS-C "also in decline", Every issue is packed with photo tips, kit reviews and inspiration. 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. 2. 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. It results in faster and more precise exposure control and exposure consistency. It is the lightest native 800mm lens that Nikon makes. Digital Camera World is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. The Nikon 500mm f/4E VR is sort of a sweet middle between the 400mm and 600mm lenses. The main problem with prime is that it requires a photographer to observe the birds behavior and spots. Among other notable features are a lag-free switch from automatic to manual focus. Sporting a clever retractable design, this lens collapses down to 200mm. Its my favorite because i can get it up and shooting anytime Im in a hurry, which is often. So get the best lens you can afford, then learn to use . 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! 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. Due to its massive size, this lens requires a good tripod setup. If youre new to wildlife photography and you have only one lens in your kit, a zoom lens is the best option since it provides you more flexibility, But if youll be switching lenses out, you can use a variety of prime lenses based on the situation and terrain you find yourself in. Again, not much to complain about in terms of optics and features. It's not cheap, but less than half the price of the Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S. This recent addition to Sonys E-mount line-up has the same 600mm maximum focal length as Sigma and Tamron 150-600mm zooms for Canon and Nikon SLRs. A VR lens helps create sharper pictures and provides three stops insurance. The main downside of this lens is its 2.3kg weight, which is not very comfortable compared to some lighter options like the 500mm f/5.6PF. 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. The upgraded VR II provides three stops of image stabilization. Or would you prefer the 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S, which is a 400mm f/2.8 and a 560mm f/4? Landscape vs Portrait Orientation in Photography. 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. 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. 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. These are 600mm, 750mm and 900mm equivalent (35mm), i.e. Nanocrystal provides for even better construction. 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. Should you use a full frame or cropped sensor camera for bird photography (opens in new tab)? By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. I would say a much longer lens would be significantly harder to aim. Simply, getting close is the best way to get a bigger subject in your viewfinder. An image stabilization system that reduces the effects of camera shake and the consequent blur that causes. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But no matter what camera system you use, we've found the best lenses for bird photography. This telephoto zoom lens can capture beautiful images of birds far in the distance as well as birds who fly closer to you. 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. 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. Bird photographers carrying a lot of gear find the 500mm f/4 a bit easier to travel with compared to the 600mm f/4. However, the price tag is hefty at just above $12,000. The Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 is a compact and ridiculously sharp lens that is perfect for larger birds and birds in flight. Hand-held shooting is possible with the newer model. Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM 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. More so, it has a focal range of 70-300mm. 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. The Nano Crystal Coat eliminates internal reflections and removes all chromatic aberration to provide the finest picture quality. His expertise with equipment doesnt end there, though. Going up to 500mm, while not the longest lens on this list or even in the Sony section, is pretty handy, and it's helped by the Tamron lens's real ace in the hole: it's super-fast autofocus system. 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. 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 No matter the focal length of the lens, the closer you are, the bigger the subject. If you're shooting on the Nikon Z-mount system, then the newly released 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 is a good choice. 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. 2. Basically, if youre not sure which lens youll need, you definitely dont need this one. Fortunately, your camera offers a neat solution: Auto White Balance, also known as AWB. Many hobbyists are foraying into this field who start with a crop frame body. Pros It all depends on the budget, the shooting style, prime or telephoto choice, and brand preference. Our readers often ask us about lenses for nature photography, and while I have already written about which Nikon lenses I consider to be the best for landscape photography, I have received numerous requests to write about lenses for wildlife photography as well.