I have the 80-400, never use it. The best lenses for bird photography will help you get close to wildlife and there are great options for every camera mount. 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. The camera is built to be used with a tripod. The Nikon COOLPIX P1000 features a 3000mm super telephoto lens, . 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). Fancy features include a dual-mode, 4.5-stop VR (Vibration System) system and an electromagnetically controlled diaphragm for adjusting the aperture. With advancement, the quality has come quite close to prime. It is a great buy that will get you to 300mm at just under $600 USD. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. The uprated ring-type autofocus system is faster and more accurate, and a fluorine coating is added to the front element. If you're looking for affordable options, these are the best budget telephoto lenses (opens in new tab). But there are still good values to be found, and I hope that this article can point you in that direction, too, if thats what youre after. So you conclude with what you have- The article is intended for ALL.. judging and justifying availability with a Brand? In addition, you will have to buy a good heavy duty tripod + accessories (batteries, memory cards, etc). The Canon EF . 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. Due to its slower f/4 aperture, it is a much lighter lens than the 400mm f/2.8E VR. A lens of a fixed focal length that cannot be zoomed. In many cases, it still does. Undoubtedly, the Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 is the most popular budget lens for bird shooters. Heres how it works. Camera body with a lens without zoom for shooting portraits. Lots of opinions why this and that lens is not on the list. Nikon 80-400mm VR. When engaged, it turns the lens into an 840mm f/5.6. It really depends on the types of subjects that you shoot. 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! 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. 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. The Silent Wave Motor further boosts this ability, helping create stable and dramatic images in the wild. Canon EF 100-400mm IS II. The optical path is top drawer too, featuring no less than five ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements plus a Super ED element. Additionally, some good wildlife lenses simply are not available for Z-mount, such as a 300mm f/2.8 or 500mm f/4. ED glasses are Extra-Low Dispersion Glass, an optical glass developed by Nikon to reduce or remove chromatic aberration. This is the lens that many wildlife photographers get, especially those that photograph birds. Triple-mode image stabilization is switchable for static and panning shots, with an additional option for applying stabilization only during exposures. 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! DOWNLOAD THE ADVANCED AFFINITY PHOTO COURSE NOW! It also helps reduce weight and is ideal for outdoor shooting. But if youre photographing small birds that are 10-15 meters away from you or greater (30+ feet), 800mm will be ideal. If youre looking for the longest reach without teleconverters, the Nikon 800mm f/6.3 is your lens! The main problem with prime is that it requires a photographer to observe the birds behavior and spots. However, its weight and size are its biggest enemy. This makes the lens very versatile, giving 400mm and 560mm at the flick of a switch. Both DSLR and mirrorless full-frames should be considered. It was originally introduced as an answer to third-party large focal length telephoto zoom lenses. Usually, hobbyist photographers are happy with a good bird in natural surroundings. 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. Here at The Adventure Junkies, we have sorted through a variety of Nikon lenses to give you the lowdown on your options and help you choose the best Nikon lens for bird photography to keep in your camera kit. It is the professional photographers who strive to go that extra mile and look for perfect pictures. Its also the sharper lens at 400mm, although the 100-400mm is no slouch. Best portrait lens: CANON EF 85MM F/1.2L II USM. The construction is uncompromised with the new magnesium alloy barrel and fluorite elements. 2. The Best Canon Lens For Bird Photography Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L is II USM Lens, Lens Only Compact, high performance L-series super-telephoto zoom makes it ideal for sports and wildlife photography Rotation-type zoom ring allows for more precise composition and excellent balance when handholding 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. VR: Vibration Reduction is essential in unforgiving conditions. 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? Autofocus is fast and image quality is impressive in all respects, making this lens great value for an own-brand Nikon. 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. And what about probably the most popular Nikon lens the 500 f5.6 PF, why would you not include this as it is actually sharper than the 200-500, 1/3 of the price and so much lighter than the f4 500mm which you would need a mono all the time. Fujifilm XF150-600mm F5.6-8 R LM OIS WR, 12. That is all the reach you will need. very long. This is not the lens you would pack in a backpack for hiking. 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. A prime lens may force you to, though, unless you know the exact bird locations and schedule. It has a super-fast ring-type ultrasonic autofocus system, a highly effective optical stabilizer with switchable static and panning modes, dual switchable autofocus modes giving priority to either automatic focusing or manual override, and switchable custom modes that you can set up via Sigmas optional USB Dock. Hand-held shooting is possible with the newer model. Power O.I.S. That makes it easier to capture sharp, frame-filling images of birds. 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. Hand-holding, the Nikon D500, feels better. When you need to nail the definitive moment in wildlife photography, this is a lens you can surely count on. A prime lens that excels for bird photography, the telephoto Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm is a quality addition to your camera kit. Generally, the longer the lens (in focal length), the better. A 70-300mm lens, providing them an effective focal length of 450mm. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sport, 14. So, this is a great lens for bigger or closer wildlife, but its not the right choice for all wildlife photographers. Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access, Enjoy your first month for just 1 / $1 / 1, *Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription. 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. 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 For full compatibility with Canon EOS R and Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras, V2 or later firmware can be applied via Tamrons optional USB-linked TAP-in Console. It also features 2 FL (fluorite lens elements) to minimize weight and improve optics. 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. If you love birdwatching, visit our best bird feeder camera (opens in new tab) guide! Costing $6500, this lens is the cheapest way to reach this focal length. 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. On your Nikon, the 300mm is 450mm equivalent (35mm), i.e. At F2.8, it is the fastest lens for bird photography. November 14, 2018 May 6, 2019; . 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 No matter the focal length of the lens, the closer you are, the bigger the subject. Many hobbyists are foraying into this field who start with a crop frame body. Read the full Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C review (opens in new tab). 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 Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD, 10. Theres more, however, with the construction boasting an upgraded lens construction. longer. 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 biggest consideration when buying a Nikon lens for bird photography is focal length. This is especially true with mammals, which like to come out during such times. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. What is the best one you would suggest for wild life (perched birds) with Z6 and FTZ adapter ? Dont worry, this article will be updated in October! The modern model is almost 2 lbs. On the other hand, mirrorless doesnt necessarily mean spending more money. Capturing stunning images of birds is not easy, and you definitely need the right lens to be able to do it. As each birder's requirements are a little different, there is no one perfect camera and lens for bird photography. It's tough to do, especially when photographing moving birds. Its built-in teleconverter means you can reach 560mm. Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports, 13. It's an easy-to-carry, (relatively) affordable, and fast-focusing long lens, which makes it ideal for photographing birds in the field. In fact, it is significantly lighter than the F-mount 300mm f/2.8G II lens, which is very impressive! Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary, 15. My second best buy of my life. Birds are often tiny, very fast, and since it happens in the wild, theres no control over the light. The opening in the lens that allows light to pass through. Pros The silent wave matter is added for an extra-fast and noise-free bird photography experience. 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. Auto White Balance requires zero input from you, the photographer. 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). Capture birds in flight or bears on the hunt without disturbing them with powerful, high-quality Nikkor wildlife photography lenses designed for the nature enthusiast. There are two potential downsides with this lens, and they go hand-in-hand. Nikons 300mm F2.8 is fondly called a super-telephoto lens. Built from the ground up as an APS-C format lens, it only needs to produce a relatively small image circle, compared with a full-frame compatible lens, but is still pretty weighty for a 100-400mm zoom. Bird photography is a tough job. This lens has a fixed aperture of f/11, and many birders might consider that rather too narrow, while others might be unimpressed that you cant alter the aperture. The Nikon 500mm f/4E VR is sort of a sweet middle between the 400mm and 600mm lenses. Compared with Sigma and Tamron 150-600mm zooms for Nikon cameras, this own-brand competitor comes up slightly short in maximum reach. One caveat is the video recording button is located a bit oddly. It has fully professional-grade build quality with comprehensive weather-seals and a dust-, freeze- and splash-proof construction. It is also dust and moisture resistant, and built for rough conditions, like the home of the birds. View at Amazon. Because this lens is so new, its the only one here that our team at Photography Life hasnt used yet. One can also double their effective focal length using teleconverters. It boasts 2 focus modes with fast auto, silent focusing with a minimum focus range of 4.9 feet. The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 is our choice as the best lens for bird photography. And lastly, I present you the Cadillac of all Nikon super telephoto lenses: the Nikon 600mm f/4E VR. A specially shaped lens hood with a thumb and finger groove helps with this. 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C for Canon, DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 ASPH Power OIS, Massive telephoto reach in a compact, affordable package, The latest premium super-telephoto zoom for EOS R mirrorless cameras, This shouldn't be ignored for bird photography, Best own-brand Nikon lens for bird photographers, Nikon's mighty 600mm prime is a beast of a lens, A monster performer, if you don't mind the modest aperture and weight, Sonys biggest and best super-telephoto zoom for birding, Tamron's affordable tele-zoom for Sony boasts fearsome autofocus, Best Fujifilm lens for bird photographers, The longest X-mount lens is also lightweight and affordable, Sony E-mount and Leica L get a Sports lens to call their own, Best lens for bird photography for Canon & Nikon DSLRs, Best budget lens for birding for Canon and Nikon DSLRs, This Tamron lens combines the attractions of both Sigma lenses, A great lightweight, budget super-telephoto zoom, Best MFT zoom lens for birding, thanks to the 2x crop factor, Best prime lens for Olympus and Panasonic MFT cameras, We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices. It also has a dust- and moisture-resistant rubber gasket on the mounting plate, although it lacks the additional weather seals of the Sports lens. Id argue that the 400mm f/2.8 is actually more versatile, because sometimes youll really need that f/2.8 maximum aperture. No also f/1.4. It is still just possible to handhold, and it offers a lot of versatility with its zoom and very decent image quality. 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. The best lenses for bird photography let you get closer to birds and capture incredibly sharp, beautiful images. Sold all other FX lenses to get a full set of Z lenses. View at Amazon. I believe this article might have been written before that lens, not sure but an update to this article is coming soon. 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 Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD is a lens designed exclusively for Sony E-mount; it's made for full-frame bodies, but will work with APS-C, delivering an effective focal length of 225-750mm (though it will produce a pretty unbalanced setup). The Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm is a great introductory telephoto lens for bird photography at a very good price point. Scouting for birds in national parks and bird sanctuaries is accessible with this range. Weather Resistance: Bird photography is out there in the wild. Sharpness is very good at or near 600mm but less impressive towards the short end of the zoom range.