best lens for bird photography nikon

On the other hand, mirrorless doesnt necessarily mean spending more money. More so, it has a focal range of 70-300mm. Let us know which is your favorite lens 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. Theres no clear winner between the prime or telephoto debate. 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. Nikons 300mm F2.8 is fondly called a super-telephoto lens. However, the price tag is hefty at just above $12,000. Canon: Canon EOS R7. How to Create an Online Portfolio Using Format? Again, not much to complain about in terms of optics and features. 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. The modern model is almost 2 lbs. A tack-sharp AF precision allows panning shots to be perfectly sharp. 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. Id love to hear in the comments! 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. Performs well at broad daylight with quick auto focus. The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C (opens in new tab) is more manageable for long periods of handheld shooting, without the aid of a monopod or tripod, and easier to carrier around. Is This the Best Bird Photography Lens? | Fstoppers Read the full Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C review (opens in new tab). Costing $6500, this lens is the cheapest way to reach this focal length. A lens of a fixed focal length that cannot be zoomed. Naturally, it has a fixed focal length, equivalent to 600mm in full-frame terms, and lacks the versatility of a zoom. 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. 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. It also makes it very easy to use teleconverters, especially the built-in 1.4x TC. 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. They have some great F-mount lenses that have been supplemented in the past few years with some amazing new Z-mount lenses. No also f/1.4. See sample zoom photography (View in a lightbox) View the COOLPIX P1000 Product Tour . 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. 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. A finely-crafted lens, the Panasonic 100-400mm is relatively large for a Micro Four Thirds format zoom and weighs almost a kilogram. This means that with the teleconverter switched on you have a 560mm lens. November 14, 2018 May 6, 2019; . Using DO (Diffractive Optics) and a relatively narrow f/11 fixed aperture rating, it's also pretty light at 930g. It is fairly wide on a full-frame camera at 180mm so it can also be used to capture tighter landscapes. 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. 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. If any reason pls explain. 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. If you're looking for affordable options, these are the best budget telephoto lenses (opens in new tab). 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. 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). The Nikon 500mm f/4E VR is sort of a sweet middle between the 400mm and 600mm lenses. A useful range of handling extras ensure top-quality results time after time, with excellent consistency even in handheld shooting. The camera makes the images. The construction involves 3 ED glass elements, minimizing chromatic aberration and achieving super sharpness. I have in fact met some people using this lens on a monopod. It is an upgraded version of the earlier lens. The Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 is a compact and ridiculously sharp lens that is perfect for larger birds and birds in flight. 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 construction is uncompromised with the new magnesium alloy barrel and fluorite elements. First, it is 0.63 stops faster, which although small, does make a difference in challenging wildlife conditions. It comes at half the price of a decent 300mm prime. Id argue that the 400mm f/2.8 is actually more versatile, because sometimes youll really need that f/2.8 maximum aperture. Wildlife situations come and pass quickly and this lens is easy to deploy quickly, fast optics, feather weight, and has VR. This is the lens that will get you to 800mm at f/5.6 with a 2x teleconverter! Autofocus is very quick and highly accurate and image quality is excellent overall, although sharpness drops off a little at the longest zoom setting. Check out our, For more of our top wildlife photography gear recommendations, check out the, For the best experience turn your device horizontally, BEST FOR: BUDGET-CONSCIOUS BIRD PHOTOGRAPHERS, BEST FOR: TAKING YOUR PHOTOS TO THE PRO LEVEL, THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING NIKON LENSES FOR BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY, A decent lens is an essential piece of camera equipment for capturing beautiful bird photos. The biggest consideration when buying a Nikon lens for bird photography is focal length. The NIKKOR 70-300mm lens functions very well in daylight, but performance notably suffers in low light conditions, so youll want to invest in another lens if you plan to shoot often at nightfall. On your Nikon, the 300mm is 450mm equivalent (35mm), i.e. NY 10036. Although the very light 500mm f/5.6 PF has replaced it for many shooters, and the 400mm f/4.5 in an attractive alternative for Z-mount users, it is still lest costly than both (especially used), and so it is worth considering if you need quality in a very small package. Works well with Nikon Z6 using FTZ lens adapter. The sheer range provided by Tamrons 150-600, especially when clubbed with a crop frame, is enough to enchant the buyers. Personally, I prefer to shoot landscape, nature and macro photography. With advancement, the quality has come quite close to prime. The lens is designed for Canon and Nikon DSLRs but is also an option for Canon RF and Nikon Z mirrorless cameras using a mount adapter. 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. The best mirrorless cameras for bird photography - BirdWatching View at Amazon. 1. the best birds in flight photography lenses cost thousands of dollars, which just doesn't make sense for a beginner. A specially shaped lens hood with a thumb and finger groove helps with this. 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. 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. Best Nikon Lenses for Bird Photography - Photography-Raw.com Or would you prefer the 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S, which is a 400mm f/2.8 and a 560mm f/4? 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 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. Being around for much longer than the Z-mount, the F-mount currently has more lenses suitable for wildlife. Compared with Sigmas 150-600mm Sports lens, the Contemporary edition is smaller and almost a whole kilogram lighter in weight. Theres no other difference between the two versions. It is easy to get carried away by the camera body. Shell climb just about anything, from leading fun sport to projecting boulders to following multi-pitch trad (as long as its not slab). Pls. Sony a7 III ILCE7M3/B Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera. If you like the idea of a 300mm f/2.8G II but in a zoom, this is your lens. 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. 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: . Nikon has always been a great choice for wildlife shooters. I believe this article might have been written before that lens, not sure but an update to this article is coming soon. You are a bit mixed up. I would suggest that for most people, this lens is a little bit short for wildlife, especially at $9500. Nikon: Nikon Z9. Bird Photography Camera on a Budget - Birdseed & Binoculars So, this is a great lens for bigger or closer wildlife, but its not the right choice for all wildlife photographers. Its also not quite as sharp, but it comes very close and its overall image quality is pleasing. 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. Nikkor 400mm f2.8E FL ED VR is the next-gen model of the 2007 Nikkor 400mm f2.6G ED VR. Among other notable features are a lag-free switch from automatic to manual focus. 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. 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. Sir, Pls. Want to learn more about a technical term? This lens gives you telephoto superpowers in a relatively lightweight package. In addition, you will have to buy a good heavy duty tripod + accessories (batteries, memory cards, etc). Compared with Sigma and Tamron 150-600mm zooms for Nikon cameras, this own-brand competitor comes up slightly short in maximum reach. Many hobbyists are foraying into this field who start with a crop frame body. Our Top Picks Best Price: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR Best Choice: Nikon 300mm f/4E PF VR AF-S ED-IF Telephoto Nikkor Lens Best Overall: Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 80-400mm f.4.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens Most Durable: Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II AF-S Nikkor Zoom Lens Still, it is heavy and big to carry around and takes time to set up. They improve the all-weather shield for shooting in the most severe conditions. Neutral Color NC Filter and Circular Polarizing Filter II have been specially crafted for this lens. 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 Optical quality is first-rate as you'd expect for a high-end Nikon prime, while the autofocus performance doesn't disappoint either. The Nikon 800mm f/5.6 is no doubt an astounding and absurdly expensive lens. 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. Ergonomically, the Nikon D500 feels just right. Its also the sharper lens at 400mm, although the 100-400mm is no slouch. A stunning lens if you can justify the price - see our full Nikon 600mm f/4E FL ED VR review (opens in new tab). The lens is under $600 and is among the cheapest lenses to achieve any bird photography. First, it is 0.63 stops faster, which although small, does make a difference in challenging wildlife conditions. 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! A full set of weather seals is incorporated, and a fluorine coating on the front element helps to repel moisture and fingerprints. The D850 is Nikon's best all-purpose DSLR, striking a great balance between capability and affordability. 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. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. I agree with all the conclusions, my thoughts are the same, why and how. If you are looking for the best lens for bird photography with extreme capabilities, then this universal model is worth considering. 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 The Nano Crystal Coat eliminates internal reflections and removes all chromatic aberration to provide the finest picture quality. Having VR is a definite plus when hand-holding the lens. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. Simply, getting close is the best way to get a bigger subject in your viewfinder. Other features include an OLED display, plus a customisable function button. Unique VR modes like the Sports VR take the VR game a notch higher. One caveat is the video recording button is located a bit oddly. It is also quite lightweight for a lens, so you can easily take it with you into the wild. A prime lens that excels for bird photography, the telephoto Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm is a quality addition to your camera kit. Birds are often tiny, very fast, and since it happens in the wild, theres no control over the light. It has a tripod detection mode that helps minimize shutter release vibration, making it an intelligent VR workhorse. These are 600mm, 750mm and 900mm equivalent (35mm), i.e. Camera body with a lens without zoom for shooting portraits. It is a great buy that will get you to 300mm at just under $600 USD. One of the newest Nikon telephoto lenses at the moment is the 600mm f/4 TC VR S. Just like the 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S, this 600mm lens has a built-in 1.4x teleconverter. This typically happens in wildlife after the sun goes down. 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. The Nikon 500mm f/5.6 PF lens was a breakthrough lens for Nikon. It is still just possible to handhold, and it offers a lot of versatility with its zoom and very decent image quality. 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 best telephoto lenses (opens in new tab) are generally getting lighter, and optical image stabilization systems make it possible to capture sharp images at the outer edge of a telephoto zoom, without having to use a tripod. My second best buy of my life. 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). 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. The Best Lens for Bird Photography: What To Look For When Shopping for 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. Do you want a zoom lens that offers a focal range from up close to far in the distance? A Guide to Birding with Long Lenses | B&H eXplora An image stabilization system that reduces the effects of camera shake and the consequent blur that causes. The opening in the lens that allows light to pass through. 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. You now know how to do the calculation: the 200-500 is the equivalent of 300 mm to a whopping 750 mm. 3 Best Nikon DSLR Cameras - Mar. 2023 - BestReviews Nikons 200-500mm f5.6E has carved a space of its own among hobbyist and semi-professional wildlife photographers. Instead, you need to decide which camera is perfect for YOU. 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. longer. This lens is great for general wildlife, especially if you often shoot the large kind like moose and bears. Theres more, however, with the construction boasting an upgraded lens construction. It was originally introduced as an answer to third-party large focal length telephoto zoom lenses. 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. The Nikon TC-17E II nor the new Nikon TC-20E III can work but not as reliably. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR At a glance: 95mm filter thread 2.2m minimum focus 268mm length x 108mm diameter Weighs 2300g Nikon F mount Price: 1,399 / $1396 And I dont want to spend thousands more on new zooms. Nikon has made several innovations to make this lens lighter, but it is still quite a large lens, so you will benefit from a sturdy tripod setup to hold it steady. 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. 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 Nikon Z 100-400mm is currently the only Nikon zoom for Z-mount that has some reach. This fast lens features snappy autofocus, a 400mm telephoto, and top-quality lens construction by Nikon. That makes it easier to capture sharp, frame-filling images of birds. 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. What are the Best Lenses for Bird Photography? - Nature TTL It is about $550 more expensive than the 100-400mm, so why would you get this lens instead? Sony premium: Sony 1. The Nikkor 70-300 f4.5-5.6G VR must be on the list of bird photography lenses purely to provide an entry. 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. This latest generation optic is significantly lighter than its predecessor thanks to the Flourite lens elements used. Power O.I.S. Optically it is an insanely sharp lens, I would say about the same as the Nikon 600mm f/4E below. 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. Important command dials for wildlife and bird photography are located on the camera body itself. Sharpness is very good at or near 600mm but less impressive towards the short end of the zoom range. Sophisticated controls include switchable dual-mode autofocus options with priority given to autofocus or manual override, static/panning stabilization modes and dual custom setups. The uprated ring-type autofocus system is faster and more accurate, and a fluorine coating is added to the front element. 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. 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+. Further anti-reflection technologies help create even sharper pictures with great picture quality. It has a vibration reduction of up to 5.5 stops. It's pretty much the same weight as the Sigma and Tamron 100-400mm lenses for full-frame cameras. View at Amazon. For longer reach, you can use the Nikon TC-14E III, which will give you 840mm of effective focal length to work with at f/5.6, although it certainly does not reach the insane resolving power of the native 800mm f/5.6 as we have shown in our tests on Photography Life. 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. The upgraded VR II provides three stops of image stabilization. A Nano-crystal coat and fluorine coat cut down on all reflections. 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. VR: Vibration Reduction is essential in unforgiving conditions. Forget about trying to hand-hold it, even if you have arms as big as Schwarzeneggers. And you'll also find lenses for Sony, Fujifilm, and Olympus cameras. In many cases, it still does. Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary, 15. Dont worry, this article will be updated in October! You will be able to capture all sorts of birds in the perfect frames with these cameras for sure. The Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 is a compact and ridiculously sharp lens that is perfect for larger birds and birds in flight.