Therefore, it makes a lot of sense to look at some lightly used F-mount lenses, the E-versions of which are still optically outstanding. Seeing a gorgeous bird in flight is awe-inspiring, but it can be difficult to translate that beauty into a photo. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. It is possible due to the diaphragm blade unit with a drive mechanism. A system that automatically focuses on the subject to keep it crisp and clear. Scouting for birds in national parks and bird sanctuaries is accessible with this range. The best lenses for bird photography let you get closer to birds and capture incredibly sharp, beautiful images. 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. The first is that the maximum aperture of f/5.6 on the long end doesnt let in as much light as an f/4 or f/2.8 lens, which also makes it harder to use teleconverters. Its my favorite because i can get it up and shooting anytime Im in a hurry, which is often. Capturing stunning images of birds is not easy, and you definitely need the right lens to be able to do it. Its built-in teleconverter means you can reach 560mm. Due to its massive size, this lens requires a good tripod setup. 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. Sharpness is very good at or near 600mm but less impressive towards the short end of the zoom range. Sony a7 III ILCE7M3/B Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Sony premium: Sony 1. Nikon 200-500mm f5.6E redraws creative boundaries with a constant-aperture telephoto zoom. These include a refined optical path with fluorite and Super UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) elements and high-tech Air Sphere coating. It's tough to do, especially when photographing moving birds. This means that with the teleconverter switched on you have a 560mm lens. So get the best lens you can afford, then learn to use . The NIKKOR 300mm is not a zoom lens with a varied focal length. 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. It also helps reduce weight and is ideal for outdoor shooting. Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM, 9. Costing $6500, this lens is the cheapest way to reach this focal length. NY 10036. 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. Whereas 400mm and 600mm lenses work better for general wildlife photography outings. Buy Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens: $2,696.95 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama. However, the price tag is hefty at just above $12,000. It provides an edge-to-edge sharpness and compatibility with all Nikon teleconverters for greater reach. Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. Which Nikon Camera Is Best For Bird Photography? This is especially true for mammals that are often active during these dark periods. 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. Its also plausible that Nikon will eventually release a 300mm f/2.8 and 500mm f/4 to match the F-mount lenses it already makes. You are a bit mixed up. A specially shaped lens hood with a thumb and finger groove helps with this. But no matter what camera system you use, we've found the best lenses for bird photography. With its MFT mount, it will work on Olympus mirrorless cameras, as well as compatible Panasonic Lumix models. Landscape vs Portrait Orientation in Photography. 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. More so, it has a focal range of 70-300mm. 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? There are two potential downsides with this lens, and they go hand-in-hand. Id argue that the 400mm f/2.8 is actually more versatile, because sometimes youll really need that f/2.8 maximum aperture. The only downsides of the mirrorless version are that the Z 800mm f/6.3 is a PF lens, it is very slightly slower, and so may show slightly worse bokeh in some rare instances. Except that one. A prime lens that excels for bird photography, the telephoto Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm is a quality addition to your camera kit. 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. The Nikon TC-17E II nor the new Nikon TC-20E III can work but not as reliably. Get the best camera deals, reviews, product advice, competitions, unmissable photography news and more! 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 XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR covers the focal length of 229mm 914mm in equivalent 35mm film terms and also supports Fujifilm's 1.4x and 2x teleconverters. The Nano Crystal Coat eliminates internal reflections and removes all chromatic aberration to provide the finest picture quality. It is optimized to deliver results quickly and perfectly. Guide To Nikon Cameras For Birds. The biggest consideration when buying a Nikon lens for bird photography is focal length. The only downside of this lens is its eye-watering cost of $14000. His expertise with equipment doesnt end there, though. The Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3s main application is birds and other small animals. So you conclude with what you have- The article is intended for ALL.. judging and justifying availability with a Brand? Lots of opinions why this and that lens is not on the list. Fortunately, your camera offers a neat solution: Auto White Balance, also known as AWB. 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. The addition of highly effective optical VR that works in tandem with IBIS in Z system full-frame cameras should ensure exceptionally sharp avian images. It is about $550 more expensive than the 100-400mm, so why would you get this lens instead? The Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm is a great introductory telephoto lens for bird photography at a very good price point. Personally, I prefer to shoot landscape, nature and macro photography. That makes it easier to capture sharp, frame-filling images of birds. 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. 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 the other hand, mirrorless doesnt necessarily mean spending more money. The Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm is a great introductory telephoto lens for bird photography at a very good price point. 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). Diaphragm control via electric signals from the camera body provides reliable AE control. Surprisingly u didnt included Nikon 200-500 /f5.6 lens one of the best selling lens for wildlife photography. View at Amazon. If you want the ultimate versatility in a single lens, it would be hard to go wrong with the Nikon 180-400mm f/4E lens. Many hobbyists are foraying into this field who start with a crop frame body. The Sonys size and weight are fairly typical but feel a little more imposing on comparatively lightweight Sony Alpha mirrorless bodies. Performs well at broad daylight with quick auto focus. Today's clever optical designs like the CanonRF 800mm F11 IS STM (opens in new tab) offer massive telephoto reach in a refreshingly compact and affordable package. Fujifilm XF150-600mm F5.6-8 R LM OIS WR, 12. Personalized Recommendations Show All AF-S Nikkor 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR AF-S Nikkor 600mm f/4E FL ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR They have some great F-mount lenses that have been supplemented in the past few years with some amazing new Z-mount lenses. 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. These are 600mm, 750mm and 900mm equivalent (35mm), i.e. My second best buy of my life. What is the best one you would suggest for wild life (perched birds) with Z6 and FTZ adapter ? We check out the best cameras for professionals (opens in new tab). If one plans to use the camera hand-held, it is better to look for lighter lenses while compromising slightly on the range. 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. Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2, 16. One caveat is the video recording button is located a bit oddly. VR: Vibration Reduction is essential in unforgiving conditions. 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. Autofocus is very quick and highly accurate and image quality is excellent overall, although sharpness drops off a little at the longest zoom setting. Zoom lenses carry the advantage of flexibility. It is a great buy that will get you to 300mm at just under $600 USD. Read the full Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C review (opens in new tab). Interestingly, it is 3.25kg, which is not much heavier than the 2.9kg of the 300mm f/2.8. Canon EF 100-400mm IS II. Fancy features include a dual-mode, 4.5-stop VR (Vibration System) system and an electromagnetically controlled diaphragm for adjusting the aperture. This is the lens that many wildlife photographers get, especially those that photograph birds. I agree with all the conclusions, my thoughts are the same, why and how. It has a vibration reduction of up to 5.5 stops. The sheer range provided by Tamrons 150-600, especially when clubbed with a crop frame, is enough to enchant the buyers. I am a wildlife photographer, started in the 70s. 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. 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. Additionally, some good wildlife lenses simply are not available for Z-mount, such as a 300mm f/2.8 or 500mm f/4. 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. Learn more about the Panasonic Lumix S5 at Adorama, Amazon, and B&H. FUJIFILM's X-T4 is the only APS-C sensor type in our round-up. View at Amazon. It all depends on the budget, the shooting style, prime or telephoto choice, and brand preference. The second edition of the lens has a more typical twist-action zoom ring and a host of upgrades. 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. Nikon Lenses for Bird Photography Nikon 200-500 mm Telephoto. Optical quality is first-rate as you'd expect for a high-end Nikon prime, while the autofocus performance doesn't disappoint either. Nikkor 600mm is the no-compromise lens for bird photography. 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. It results in faster and more precise exposure control and exposure consistency. In addition to using the twist-action control ring, you can alter the zoom setting in a push-pull fashion. Give your opinion for 80-400 G ED VR.I believe the autofocus issue is on the D version. The upgraded VR II provides three stops of image stabilization. It took a while, but Sigma's 150-600mm Sports lens finally got a mirrorless makeover. Power O.I.S. 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). 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 A decent lens is an essential piece of camera equipment for capturing beautiful bird photos. 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. The Nikkor 70-300 f4.5-5.6G VR must be on the list of bird photography lenses purely to provide an entry. Other features include an OLED display, plus a customisable function button. 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. Best lens for street photography: NIKON AF NIKKOR 35MM F/2D. One of my favorite lenses for photographing birds at my feeders is the AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED. And I dont want to spend thousands more on new zooms. Forget about trying to hand-hold it, even if you have arms as big as Schwarzeneggers. 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. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Sigma is not reporting equivalent focal lengths or f-numbers. For more of our top wildlife photography gear recommendations, check out the Best Lenses for Wildlife Photography. The price is quite hefty though, at close to $14,000. They, however, are prone to more lens aberrations and vignettes. Sold all other FX lenses to get a full set of Z lenses. Instead, you need to decide which camera is perfect for YOU. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Introducing the 7 Best Nikon Lenses For Wildlife Photography Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED - Best Overall Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR - Best for Pros Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3G ED VR - Best on a Budget Nikon AF-S Nikkor DX 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6G ED VR II - Landscape and Nature in One Do you want a zoom lens that offers a focal range from up close to far in the distance? The optical path is top drawer too, featuring no less than five ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements plus a Super ED element. Basically, if youre not sure which lens youll need, you definitely dont need this one. Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR The Nikkor 70-300 f4.5-5.6G VR must be on the list of bird photography lenses purely to provide an entry. 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+. 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. If you just want one lens that can do it all for bird photography, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm is an excellent option. You will be able to capture all sorts of birds in the perfect frames with these cameras for sure. At F2.8, it is the fastest lens for bird photography. Instead, it will automatically adjust as the light changes. Looking to turn pro? The older model was bulky and heavy and needed a tripod for support at all times. 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. Camera body with a lens without zoom for shooting portraits. If you dont have your lens with you, it cant help you capture stunning bird images, so youll want to factor in the weight of lens you choose. 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. 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. Has a 20.9MP resolution and records 4K video in ultra-high definition. Find out more about how we test. the best birds in flight photography lenses cost thousands of dollars, which just doesn't make sense for a beginner. Neutral Color NC Filter and Circular Polarizing Filter II have been specially crafted for this lens. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. very long. Focusing is very swift on Canon's two new mirrorless cameras, but could be quicker on the R and RP. 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 2. Theres more, however, with the construction boasting an upgraded lens construction. At 1,260g, its perfectly viable for long periods of handheld shooting, aided by a highly effective optical image stabilizer. The silent wave matter is added for an extra-fast and noise-free bird photography experience. But if you have the budget, then the Nikon 200-400mm f/4 VR II is the best option for image clarity. Corner-to-corner sharpness and vivid colors are essential for bird photography. Best macro lens: TAMRON 90MM F/2.8 Di VC USD. 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. Image quality wise: an entry level Nikon DSLR matches the image quality you can get from any other camera in Nikon's line up . The flip side is that no optional tripod mounting ring is available, which would have enabled a better balance, especially in portrait orientation shooting. 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. 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 long lens to capture subjects in the distance. Birds are often tiny, very fast, and since it happens in the wild, theres no control over the light. Among other notable features are a lag-free switch from automatic to manual focus. In this list, we've included some of the best telephoto lenses (opens in new tab) around right now. The lens is light and compact, making it easy to carry it around when scouting for wildlife in parks and wildlife spots. The Nikon Z 100-400mm is currently the only Nikon zoom for Z-mount that has some reach. Autofocus is fast and image quality is impressive in all respects, making this lens great value for an own-brand Nikon. For hobbyists, a zoom lens might be a better shot. I have in fact met some people using this lens on a monopod. 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. They improve the all-weather shield for shooting in the most severe conditions. You now know how to do the calculation: the 200-500 is the equivalent of 300 mm to a whopping 750 mm. The 5-axis stabilization mechanism will keep shots sharper towards the far end of the zoom range, and while the f/5.6-8 is limiting in low light conditions, you can't argue with the lens's performance overall especially given its price. 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 well-cared for, such F-mount lenses can still last many years. 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. This zoom lens offers a range from portrait to telephoto, so you can always get the shot. 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's the NIKKOR VR 70-300mm /4.5-5.6 for the Nikon 1 system. He is recognized as one of the leading educators in the photography industry, conducting workshops, producing educational videos and frequently writing content for Photography Life.