Ergonomically, the Nikon D500 feels just right. We also have bird lenses for Nikon and Canon. 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. Bought it because it can be hand held. The lens is under $600 and is among the cheapest lenses to achieve any bird photography. Zoom lenses carry the advantage of flexibility. The Nikon Z 100-400mm is currently the only Nikon zoom for Z-mount that has some reach. This zoom lens offers a range from portrait to telephoto, so you can always get the shot. 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. 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. This is especially true with mammals, which like to come out during such times. 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. In addition, you will have to buy a good heavy duty tripod + accessories (batteries, memory cards, etc). Give your opinion for 80-400 G ED VR.I believe the autofocus issue is on the D version. 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. Starts with the 70-300, but ignores the 200-500 or new 100-400s also ignores all the pf lenses .. the 500pf being one of the best wildlife lenses out there. 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. It has fully professional-grade build quality with comprehensive weather-seals and a dust-, freeze- and splash-proof construction. For the first time, it allowed shooters to reach 500mm at a fairly low cost compared to the 500mm f/4, and it is an easy lens to handhold all day at only 1.5kg. Nikons 200-500mm f5.6E has carved a space of its own among hobbyist and semi-professional wildlife photographers. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The Nikon 70 300mm telephoto lens with f/4.5 -5.6 maximum aperture is best for Nikon digital SLR cameras. Its tripod-compatible VR offers up to 4 stops of Vibration Reduction. 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. It provides an edge-to-edge sharpness and compatibility with all Nikon teleconverters for greater reach. The only possible con for the lens is the electromagnetically controlled aperture. 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. A Nano-crystal coat and fluorine coat cut down on all reflections. This lens will let you shoot birds up close, and although the zoom isnt the longest out there, it will still allow you to capture birds in the distance. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! The best cameras for bird photography will help ensure that your patience pays off. If you're looking for affordable options, these are the best budget telephoto lenses (opens in new tab). How to Improve your Bee Photography and Capture Amazing Photos? Nikon budget: Nikon Z50. In fact, for many situations, it will be too long, and f/6.3 may not be bright enough. 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! Image quality is impressive, while the size of the lens makes it excellent for handheld shooting and, overall, its a great choice for bird photography. Forget about trying to hand-hold it, even if you have arms as big as Schwarzeneggers. and a game-changer for birders, sports and wildlife enthusiasts, travel photographers and even those aspiring to venture to the moon and beyond without leaving their backyard. 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. This latest generation optic is significantly lighter than its predecessor thanks to the Flourite lens elements used. You now know how to do the calculation: the 200-500 is the equivalent of 300 mm to a whopping 750 mm. The Nikon 200-600mm lens in particular will be the generalist wildlife lens suitable for most shooters who need the versatility of a zoom. They have some great F-mount lenses that have been supplemented in the past few years with some amazing new Z-mount lenses. Best macro lens: TAMRON 90MM F/2.8 Di VC USD. Even so, the difference isnt particularly noticeable in practical terms and the Nikon lens has the advantage of a constant-aperture design, so f/5.6 remains available throughout the zoom range, rather than dropping to f/6.3 at the long end. They help cut down on any reflection, including the reflection of the camera sensor. 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. There are plenty of options available for everyone who has a good Nikon camera body in bird photography lenses. Additionally, some good wildlife lenses simply are not available for Z-mount, such as a 300mm f/2.8 or 500mm f/4. 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. This telephoto zoom lens can capture beautiful images of birds far in the distance as well as birds who fly closer to you. This helps you to change the settings quickly. November 14, 2018 May 6, 2019; . The 400mm f/2.8 lens is ideal for situations where even an f/4 lens would be too slow. The best bird photography lenses help you grab those moments. If one plans to use the camera hand-held, it is better to look for lighter lenses while compromising slightly on the range. Traditionally, 400mm f/2.8 lenses were much more specialized tools, being very heavy and a bit short for smaller wildlife. Bird photographers carrying a lot of gear find the 500mm f/4 a bit easier to travel with compared to the 600mm f/4. 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! It offers bird photographers an opportunity to capture almost anything in the wild. The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | S is a pro-grade zoom that goes all-out for speed and performance. When engaged, it turns the lens into an 840mm f/5.6. But if youre photographing small birds that are 10-15 meters away from you or greater (30+ feet), 800mm will be ideal. It also features 2 FL (fluorite lens elements) to minimize weight and improve optics. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Neutral Color NC Filter and Circular Polarizing Filter II have been specially crafted for this lens. So, join me on this journey of discovery, and let's explore the many wonders of My 350 Nikon Wildlife Photography Kit D300 300mm F4 Af Lens together! Sophisticated controls include switchable dual-mode autofocus options with priority given to autofocus or manual override, static/panning stabilization modes and dual custom setups. No also f/1.4. 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. Except that one. It's an easy-to-carry, (relatively) affordable, and fast-focusing long lens, which makes it ideal for photographing birds in the field. The autofocus is extremely fast, thanks to an internal focus element, and you can easily override the autofocus if you want manual control. Yet, professional bird photographers prefer prime. When looking at lenses, consider how they'll interact with your camera sensor. Instead, it will automatically adjust as the light changes. Bird photography is unimaginable without the use of a quality telephoto lens. It also has a retractable mechanism to cut down on stowage size, making it ideal for use anywhere and everywhere from local sporting events to wildlife shoots in far-flung corners of the world. However, the modest f/11 rating enables a relatively compact and lightweight build with smaller-diameter lens elements. For absolute beginners with a lesser budget, a non-VR version may suffice. 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 stunning lens if you can justify the price - see our full Nikon 600mm f/4E FL ED VR review (opens in new tab). Looking to turn pro? You will be able to capture all sorts of birds in the perfect frames with these cameras for sure. Handling highlights include a customizable Lens-function button, a four-stop image stabilizer that gives up to a six-stop benefit when combined with in-camera stabilization, and an autofocus range limiter that can lock out either short or long focus distances. 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. Again, not much to complain about in terms of optics and features. Bird photography is a tough job. It comprises 21 elements in 13 groups, having three LD (low dispersion) lens elements. The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 is our choice as the best lens for bird photography. The auto-focus works a charm in broad daylight. This is a lens you'll want to partner with a sturdy monopod for long periods of shooting. The best lenses for bird photography will help you get close to wildlife and there are great options for every camera mount Included in this guide: 1 Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM Check Price 2 Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Check Price 3 Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM Check Price 4 Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM Check Price 5 Nikon Diaphragm control via electric signals from the camera body provides reliable AE control. ED glasses are Extra-Low Dispersion Glass, an optical glass developed by Nikon to reduce or remove chromatic aberration. Very informative write up, What about 200-500 mm lens? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. See sample zoom photography (View in a lightbox) View the COOLPIX P1000 Product Tour . The modern model is almost 2 lbs. Fujifilm XF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR, 11. VR: Vibration Reduction is essential in unforgiving conditions. Naturally, it has a fixed focal length, equivalent to 600mm in full-frame terms, and lacks the versatility of a zoom. This lens of course belongs to the S-line, which means superior performance. 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. If you want to get into wildlife photography on a tight budget, the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E VR AF-P is the lens you want to get. Camera body with a lens without zoom for shooting portraits. 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. PL provides various digital photography news, reviews, articles, tips, tutorials and guides to photographers of all levels, By Nasim Mansurov 305 CommentsLast Updated On January 13, 2023. And if you need an 800mm equivalent lens, you could always put a 2x TC on the 400mm f/2.8. 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. But if you have the budget, then the Nikon 200-400mm f/4 VR II is the best option for image clarity. I have been shooting with the Nikon 200-400mm f/4 VR lens for the last 4-5 years and I can assure you that the Nikon 300mm f/2.8G VR II is overall a better lens to buy (unless you shoot large animals from a close distance, like bears in Alaska). Triple-mode image stabilization is switchable for static and panning shots, with an additional option for applying stabilization only during exposures. The Nikon 500mm f/5.6 PF lens was a breakthrough lens for Nikon. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Its built-in teleconverter means you can reach 560mm. So get the best lens you can afford, then learn to use . 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. 11 Best Lenses for Macro Photography (2023) Sigma Announces Three Lenses for Nikon Z-Mount Cameras 10 Best Travel Tripods You Can Buy (in 2023) Upcoming E-Mount Lenses: . 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. Capturing stunning images of birds is not easy, and you definitely need the right lens to be able to do it. Id argue that the 400mm f/2.8 is actually more versatile, because sometimes youll really need that f/2.8 maximum aperture. If you have a favorite lens of yours for wildlife photography that is not listed below, please feel free to add a comment at the bottom of the page with some information and links to pictures (if you have any that you would like to share). A specially shaped lens hood with a thumb and finger groove helps with this. 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. Weather Resistance: Bird photography is out there in the wild. 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. Canon EF 100-400mm IS II. The older model was bulky and heavy and needed a tripod for support at all times. 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. Nikon ambassador Moose Peterson shares his favorite setup, If youre heading out into the backcountry, Best Lenses for Wildlife Photography of 2022, Best Tripods for Wildlife Photography of 2022, Best Point and Shoot Cameras for Wildlife Photography of 2022, Aperture Allows for Good Low Light Performance, Super Integrated Coating Reduces Lens Flare, Or Glare From The Lens That Can Show Up On A Photo, Electromagnetic Aperture Gives Good Exposure Control So The Lighting Level Doesnt Get Too Dark Or Too Light, Internal Focus Allows For Speed In Focusing, Provides Shallow Depth Of Field For Selective Focus, Tripod Mode Reduces Shake From Ground Vibration, Vr Image Stabilization Compensates For Camera Shake, Coating On Front Of Lens Protects From Water & Dirt. Continuous high-speed photography is achievable through this type of AE control. The best lenses for bird photography will help you get close to wildlife and there are great options for every camera mount. Sold all other FX lenses to get a full set of Z lenses. And I dont want to spend thousands more on new zooms. In this article, I will not only talk about which Nikon lenses I believe are the best for wildlife and nature photography but also when I use a particular lens, along with plenty of image samples from each lens. Although it is an F-mount lens, it is still used by many Z-mount users with an FTZ adapter. At 400mm, it's a powerful super-telephoto lens suited to wildlife and action photography, with or without a tripod. A lens that can vary between focal lengths. Basically, if youre not sure which lens youll need, you definitely dont need this one. Pros Theres more, however, with the construction boasting an upgraded lens construction. Using DO (Diffractive Optics) and a relatively narrow f/11 fixed aperture rating, it's also pretty light at 930g. Nasim Mansurov is the author and founder of Photography Life, based out of Denver, Colorado. Many aspiring wildlife shooters will no doubt be aware of the stratospheric prices of supertelephotos. Hand-holding, the Nikon D500, feels better. It has a tripod detection mode that helps minimize shutter release vibration, making it an intelligent VR workhorse. Compared with Sigmas 150-600mm Sports lens, the Contemporary edition is smaller and almost a whole kilogram lighter in weight. Aperture: A faster lens like f/2.8 or f/4 allows you to use faster shutter speed, which is essential for bird photography. The NIKKOR 300mm is not a zoom lens with a varied focal length. Let us know which is your favorite lens for bird photography. It has a vibration reduction of up to 5.5 stops. Its main advantage over the 600mm f/4 is its weight and its length. It has very impressive optical features and it delivers exceptionally good-looking images, especially at its maximum aperture of f/2.8. 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. 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. It brought everyone into action with this insane zoom range of 150-600mm. You can switch focus mode by simply turning the focus ring. The Nano Crystal Coat eliminates internal reflections and removes all chromatic aberration to provide the finest picture quality. As each birder's requirements are a little different, there is no one perfect camera and lens for bird photography. Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens Deputy Director of Audubon North Carolina Walker Golder uses the discontinued Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4G ED VR lens on his Nikon DSLR to capture images of birds. If youre heading out into the backcountry, you might not want to lug around a heavy lens, but if youre only planning to hike short trails, that might be okay. A decent lens is an essential piece of camera equipment for capturing beautiful bird photos. However, this lens is fairly hefty, so it will add some weight to your pack, which is something to consider if youre going on a long adventure in the backcountry. This lens gives you telephoto superpowers in a relatively lightweight package. 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. 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. Important command dials for wildlife and bird photography are located on the camera body itself. The price is quite hefty though, at close to $14,000. 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. Id love to hear in the comments! Fancy features include a dual-mode, 4.5-stop VR (Vibration System) system and an electromagnetically controlled diaphragm for adjusting the aperture. 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. We check out the best cameras for professionals (opens in new tab). A long lens to capture subjects in the distance. 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 Nikon 800mm f/5.6 is no doubt an astounding and absurdly expensive lens. 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. 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. Autofocus is very quick and highly accurate and image quality is excellent overall, although sharpness drops off a little at the longest zoom setting. 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. 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. 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. As always, this makes it a challenge to keep everything steady while shooting, but the Panasonic has excellent build quality and comes complete with a zoom lock ring, tripod mounting collar and optical image stabilizer, to help beat the shakes. It's pretty much the same weight as the Sigma and Tamron 100-400mm lenses for full-frame cameras. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). This grouping covers just about every bird-photography situation, from birds at rest to the most challenging erratically flying raptors. And lastly, I present you the Cadillac of all Nikon super telephoto lenses: the Nikon 600mm f/4E VR. Canon premium: Canon EOS R3. __CONFIG_colors_palette__{active_palette:0,config:{colors:{62516:{name:Main Accent,parent:-1}},gradients:[]},palettes:[{name:Default Palette,value:{colors:{62516:{val:var(tcb-color-4) ,hsl:{h:46,s:0.87,l:0.58}}},gradients:[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__, __CONFIG_colors_palette__{active_palette:0,config:{colors:{62516:{name:Main Accent,parent:-1}},gradients:[]},palettes:[{name:Default Palette,value:{colors:{62516:{val:var(tcb-color-4),hsl:{h:46,s:0.8692,l:0.01}}},gradients:[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__. Nikons 300mm F2.8 is fondly called a super-telephoto lens. First, it is 0.63 stops faster, which although small, does make a difference in challenging wildlife conditions. But no matter what camera system you use, we've found the best lenses for bird photography. The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm is a versatile lens that lets you get up close and personal with birds, whether they are nearby or far away.