best lens for bird photography nikon
The Best Lens for Bird Photography - Birda This is the lens that many wildlife photographers get, especially those that photograph birds. Ergonomically, the Nikon D500 feels just right. 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. Focusing is very swift on Canon's two new mirrorless cameras, but could be quicker on the R and RP. 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. The biggest consideration when buying a Nikon lens for bird photography is focal length. Diaphragm control via electric signals from the camera body provides reliable AE control. 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 D850 is Nikon's best all-purpose DSLR, striking a great balance between capability and affordability. 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. Quick Answer - The Best Lenses for Bird Photography. Weather Resistance: Bird photography is out there in the wild. Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD, 10. The optical path is top drawer too, featuring no less than five ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements plus a Super ED element. Moose Peterson: The Challenge of Bird Photography | Nikon 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 has a vibration reduction of up to 5.5 stops. This grouping covers just about every bird-photography situation, from birds at rest to the most challenging erratically flying raptors. Sigma is not reporting equivalent focal lengths or f-numbers. For Z-mount users, the Nikon 100-400mm seems far more attractive at 1.4kg, and the 500mm f/5.6 PF is a great alternative if you are mostly at 500mm. It is a great buy that will get you to 300mm at just under $600 USD. In fact, Nikon specifically released the TC-20E III together with this lens, which makes this lens almost like a reference lens for use with teleconverters (with the TC-20E III, the lens becomes a 600mm f/5.6 lens). It is capable of producing relatively good bokeh, especially on its longest end, although its sharpness performance also drops quite a bit at 300mm. 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). Review of the Nikon D500 for Wildlife and Bird Photography Sony: Sony a7 IV. If you always find yourself at the long end of your zoom, it definitely makes sense to get this lens instead of the 100-400mm. Nikon COOLPIX P1000 Super-telephoto digital camera 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. 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. 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. Sporting a clever retractable design, this lens collapses down to 200mm. It is an upgraded version of the earlier lens. Nanocrystal provides for even better construction. Although it is an F-mount lens, it is still used by many Z-mount users with an FTZ adapter. 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. Theres no other difference between the two versions. And feeders, offering . It is about $550 more expensive than the 100-400mm, so why would you get this lens instead? Or do you want a high-quality prime lens with a set focal length? This lens is great for general wildlife, especially if you often shoot the large kind like moose and bears. When looking at lenses, consider how they'll interact with your camera sensor. 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. Birds are often tiny, very fast, and since it happens in the wild, theres no control over the light. 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. A prime lens may force you to, though, unless you know the exact bird locations and schedule. 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. 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. 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. You cant move much during wildlife photography, as you may disturb the surroundings. This helps you to change the settings quickly. Find out more about how we test. 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. Aperture: A faster lens like f/2.8 or f/4 allows you to use faster shutter speed, which is essential for bird photography. 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. Compared with Sigmas 150-600mm Sports lens, the Contemporary edition is smaller and almost a whole kilogram lighter in weight. 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! Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 VR. 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. Scouting for birds in national parks and bird sanctuaries is accessible with this range. Download our FREE Macro Photography Quick Start Guide. It's pretty much the same weight as the Sigma and Tamron 100-400mm lenses for full-frame cameras. Has a 20.9MP resolution and records 4K video in ultra-high definition. The 800mm focal length, while not easy to use, certainly shines when it is used properly. It is the lightest native 800mm lens that Nikon makes. The cost difference between the two is significant. The Best Nikon Cameras for Wildlife Photography (2023) That makes it easier to capture sharp, frame-filling images of birds. Wildlife situations come and pass quickly and this lens is easy to deploy quickly, fast optics, feather weight, and has VR. A camera that takes high-definition images and comes with a lens for up-close shots of subjects. 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. But lenses are an expensive purchase, so its important to really think through your decision about which Nikon lens to buy for bird photography. Give your opinion for 80-400 G ED VR.I believe the autofocus issue is on the D version. The Nikon 70 300mm telephoto lens with f/4.5 -5.6 maximum aperture is best for Nikon digital SLR cameras. A Guide to Birding with Long Lenses | B&H eXplora 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. 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! Works well with Nikon Z6 using FTZ lens adapter. B&H offers a good rundown of. Best Budget Lens for Bird Photography Best Budget Lenses for Wildlife Photography of 2022 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. Still, its hard to beat the price of this lens at $1400. First, it is 0.63 stops faster, which although small, does make a difference in challenging wildlife conditions. 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 unique Sport-VR helps take sharper images even while panning and using continuous shooting mode. As of January 2022, Nikon just released their latest addition to the Z mirrorless system lens line-up. Then again, for maximum image quality at the longer focal lengths, the 600mm f/4 TC VR S would be the one to beat. Best lenses for bird photography in 2023 | Popular Photography 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. 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 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. 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 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. It also makes it very easy to use teleconverters, especially the built-in 1.4x TC. Its also the sharper lens at 400mm, although the 100-400mm is no slouch. Top 10 Best Nikon Lenses for Wildlife Photography Generally, the longer the lens (in focal length), the better. And I dont want to spend thousands more on new zooms. If you can find a way to deal with the weight, this lens with a D500 would still be a very capable wildlife setup. This means that with the teleconverter switched on you have a 560mm lens. This makes it easier to track the erratic movement of birds in flight. Takes continuous shots at 8 frames per second. It is still just possible to handhold, and it offers a lot of versatility with its zoom and very decent image quality. When done well, you can get some truly magnificent photographs. It results in faster and more precise exposure control and exposure consistency. Instead, it will automatically adjust as the light changes. 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. Best lenses for wildlife photography in 2023 - Amateur Photographer For more of our top outdoor photography gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides: Kate is a climber, creator, and community builder. Continuous high-speed photography is achievable through this type of AE control. On the other hand, mirrorless doesnt necessarily mean spending more money. 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. Should you use a full frame or cropped sensor camera for bird photography (opens in new tab)? Usually, hobbyist photographers are happy with a good bird in natural surroundings. These cookies do not store any personal information. It literally eliminates axial and transverse chromatic aberrations. Panasonic DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 Asph. 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. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Without a doubt, wildlife photography is a very expensive hobby to have (unless you are so good that you can sell your pictures and make good money), especially once you add up all the gear and travel costs. 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. The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 is our choice as the best lens for bird photography. This latest generation optic is significantly lighter than its predecessor thanks to the Flourite lens elements used. The Sports model is a superior lens for photographing birds. Unique VR modes like the Sports VR take the VR game a notch higher. 5 Best Nikon Mirrorless Camera Lens For Bird Photography Seeing a gorgeous bird in flight is awe-inspiring, but it can be difficult to translate that beauty into a photo. Additionally, 2 ED glass elements work towards eliminating chromatic aberration. Traditionally, 400mm f/2.8 lenses were much more specialized tools, being very heavy and a bit short for smaller wildlife. 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. It also helps reduce weight and is ideal for outdoor shooting. It is a workhorse tool used by professionals for sports, wildlife and portrait photography. 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. Featured key specs: Notable reviews: 5. Camera body with a lens without zoom for shooting portraits. This makes the lens very versatile, giving 400mm and 560mm at the flick of a switch. 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. Small and light for such a long zoom, the lens retails for about $1,000. It offers bird photographers an opportunity to capture almost anything in the wild. Read more about Nasim here. On your Nikon, the 300mm is 450mm equivalent (35mm), i.e. I get 10 times more keepers with this lens than with my 500mm, and 20 times more keepers than with my 80-400. 17. Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. They have some great F-mount lenses that have been supplemented in the past few years with some amazing new Z-mount lenses. The construction involves 3 ED glass elements, minimizing chromatic aberration and achieving super sharpness. I have the 500mm f4g VR, a crazy sharp lens. Whereas 400mm and 600mm lenses work better for general wildlife photography outings. You are a bit mixed up. A mixture of zooms and primes, these are the lenses that bring distant subjects closer, filling the frame with birds and animals and making the most of your camera's sensor to capture them in all their gorgeous detail. An extreme telephoto lens, it can beautifully capture birds at a very long distance. 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. Capturing stunning images of birds is not easy, and you definitely need the right lens to be able to do it. The Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3s main application is birds and other small animals. 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. A specially shaped lens hood with a thumb and finger groove helps with this. Nikon has always been a great choice for wildlife shooters. 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. Very informative write up, What about 200-500 mm lens? The best bird photography lenses help you grab those moments. 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. The main problem with prime is that it requires a photographer to observe the birds behavior and spots. Zoom lenses carry the advantage of flexibility. Its main advantage over the 600mm f/4 is its weight and its length. 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 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. Theres also considerably lower quality owing to the higher number of lens elements. 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 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! Give your opinion for 80-400 G ED VR on D850 and D500. A full set of weather seals is incorporated, and a fluorine coating on the front element helps to repel moisture and fingerprints. The camera is built to be used with a tripod. If youre looking for the longest reach without teleconverters, the Nikon 800mm f/6.3 is your lens! The one thing I would not use this lens for is birding. Nikon bird photography lenses Nikon AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR Nikon AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR Rating: 8/10 Mount: Nikon F Autofocus: Ultrasonic (ring type) Stabilised: Yes (although it's labelled as "vibration reduction") Filter size: 95mm Minimum focus distance: 2.2m Weight: 2.3kg Cost: ~1250-1500 Pros: Great zoom range 7 Best Camera for Bird Photography. It has very impressive optical features and it delivers exceptionally good-looking images, especially at its maximum aperture of f/2.8. 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. At 1,260g, its perfectly viable for long periods of handheld shooting, aided by a highly effective optical image stabilizer. 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. It's tough to do, especially when photographing moving birds. Theres more, however, with the construction boasting an upgraded lens construction. Bird photography is unimaginable without the use of a quality telephoto lens. Out of the many options available for you in the market, here are the bird photography cameras that are worth the purchase. Triple-mode image stabilization is switchable for static and panning shots, with an additional option for applying stabilization only during exposures. Optical quality is first-rate as you'd expect for a high-end Nikon prime, while the autofocus performance doesn't disappoint either. See my detailed Nikon 300mm f/2.8G VR II Review for more information on this lens. Nikkor 600mm is the no-compromise lens for bird photography.
best lens for bird photography nikon