It is the professional photographers who strive to go that extra mile and look for perfect pictures. This makes the lens very versatile, giving 400mm and 560mm at the flick of a switch. The best lenses for bird photography provide you with enough magnification to fill the frame with a feathery subject and have a fast enough autofocus to track it as it moves. If any reason pls explain. An accurate, high-quality focus powered by an upgraded Ultra Silent Drive (USD) motor results from fine engineering. Nasim Mansurov is the author and founder of Photography Life, based out of Denver, Colorado. It renders the lens incompatible with older Nikon DSLRs. Should you use a full frame or cropped sensor camera for bird photography (opens in new tab)? VR: Vibration Reduction is essential in unforgiving conditions. AF performance is top notch, with super fast and accurate autofocus acquisition, even in low-light situations. Find out more about how we test. Buy Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens: $2,696.95 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama. I am a wildlife photographer, started in the 70s. In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide. The Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm is a great introductory telephoto lens for bird photography at a very good price point. The VR II provides up to 3 stops of insurance, resulting in sharper images overall. Takes continuous shots at 8 frames per second. Want to learn more about a technical term? It's not cheap, but less than half the price of the Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S. This recent addition to Sonys E-mount line-up has the same 600mm maximum focal length as Sigma and Tamron 150-600mm zooms for Canon and Nikon SLRs. 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. Sold all other FX lenses to get a full set of Z lenses. Sigma stops developing Micro Four Thirds lenses; APS-C "also in decline", Every issue is packed with photo tips, kit reviews and inspiration. 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. longer. It also helps reduce weight and is ideal for outdoor shooting. The best lenses for bird photography will help you get close to wildlife and there are great options for every camera mount. 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. 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. 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. If well-cared for, such F-mount lenses can still last many years. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. The electro-mechanics diaphragm mechanism works in conjunction with the cameras shutter. 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. Optically it is an insanely sharp lens, I would say about the same as the Nikon 600mm f/4E below. The optical image stabilizer is effective on its own and even better when coupled with in-body stabilization, featured in later Sony Alpha A7 and A9 mirrorless cameras. 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. Since this lens offers a 1.4X TC with still excellent image quality and significant 850g weight savings over the Nikon 400mm f/2.8E, this new Z mount 400mm f/2.8 could indeed be the ultimate wildlife lens. After falling head over heel hooks for climbing in a gym in Boston, she moved to Golden, Colorado because the mountains were calling. Now Kate spends as much time as possible exploring the crags of the Front Range and beyond, usually with her camera in hand. This lens of course belongs to the S-line, which means superior performance. In addition to using the twist-action control ring, you can alter the zoom setting in a push-pull fashion. 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 If you love birdwatching, visit our best bird feeder camera (opens in new tab) guide! 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. 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. Add 4.5 stops of vibration reduction, and this lens qualifies as a mini beast for bird photography. 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. It is also quite lightweight for a lens, so you can easily take it with you into the wild. The silent wave matter is added for an extra-fast and noise-free bird photography experience. Weighing a whopping 3.8 kilos, it is about as heavy as Nikons longest 600mm f/4 lens (more on the 600mm below). Or would you prefer the 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S, which is a 400mm f/2.8 and a 560mm f/4? This lens still has no equal in Z mount (or any other mount) and thus I have seen quite a few people adapting it to their Z50 cameras for a very lightweight and capable setup. And feeders, offering . The linear stepping motoris blisteringly speedy and practically silent in other words, exactly what you want for birding. 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. Two screw-on types of 95mm lens filters are available that are handy during bird photography. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. First, it is 0.63 stops faster, which although small, does make a difference in challenging wildlife conditions. It results in faster and more precise exposure control and exposure consistency. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. On the other hand, mirrorless doesnt necessarily mean spending more money. 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. The Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 is a compact and ridiculously sharp lens that is perfect for larger birds and birds in flight. Do you have any recommendations or questions? A prime lens that excels for bird photography, the telephoto Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm is a quality addition to your camera kit. 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. The Nikon COOLPIX P1000 features a 3000mm super telephoto lens, . It is easy to get carried away by the camera body. The construction involves 3 ED glass elements, minimizing chromatic aberration and achieving super sharpness. 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. 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. 2. 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 full set of weather seals is incorporated, and a fluorine coating on the front element helps to repel moisture and fingerprints. 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). How to Create an Online Portfolio Using Format? 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. We also have bird lenses for Nikon and Canon. 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). 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. Nikon has one more wildlife lens on its roadmap: a 200-600mm zoom, which competes directly with the Sony 200-600mm lens. 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. 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 provides an edge-to-edge sharpness and compatibility with all Nikon teleconverters for greater reach. Seeing a gorgeous bird in flight is awe-inspiring, but it can be difficult to translate that beauty into a photo. The Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm is a great introductory telephoto lens for bird photography at a very good price point. 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. 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+. This fast lens features snappy autofocus, a 400mm telephoto, and top-quality lens construction by Nikon. At 1,260g, its perfectly viable for long periods of handheld shooting, aided by a highly effective optical image stabilizer. Works well with Nikon Z6 using FTZ lens adapter. Sharpness is very good at or near 600mm but less impressive towards the short end of the zoom range. When done well, you can get some truly magnificent photographs. Very informative write up, What about 200-500 mm lens? It all depends on the budget, the shooting style, prime or telephoto choice, and brand preference. You cant move much during wildlife photography, as you may disturb the surroundings. the best birds in flight photography lenses cost thousands of dollars, which just doesn't make sense for a beginner. Its tripod-compatible VR offers up to 4 stops of Vibration Reduction. Read the full Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C review (opens in new tab). Basically, if youre not sure which lens youll need, you definitely dont need this one. __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__. Traditionally, 400mm f/2.8 lenses were much more specialized tools, being very heavy and a bit short for smaller wildlife. This is the lens that many wildlife photographers get, especially those that photograph birds. Nikon Lenses for Bird Photography Nikon 200-500 mm Telephoto. These are 600mm, 750mm and 900mm equivalent (35mm), i.e. 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. It also lets you play with selective focus to highlight the birds in your shot, due to the aperture opening and the amount of light it lets in. It is also only about 2.4kg, which means it is handholdable for longer periods compared to most supertelephotos. Nikkor 600mm is the no-compromise lens for bird photography. And lastly, I present you the Cadillac of all Nikon super telephoto lenses: the Nikon 600mm f/4E VR. 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. Bought it because it can be hand held. Featured key specs: Notable reviews: 5. For bird photography, the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 Contemporary is the perfect complement to the S5's light and streamlined ergonomics perfect for the hand-held photographer on the go. Having VR is a definite plus when hand-holding the lens. With its MFT mount, it will work on Olympus mirrorless cameras, as well as compatible Panasonic Lumix models. 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 best lenses for bird photography let you get closer to birds and capture incredibly sharp, beautiful images. This lens keeps pushing the boundaries. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Wildlife situations come and pass quickly and this lens is easy to deploy quickly, fast optics, feather weight, and has VR. It took a while, but Sigma's 150-600mm Sports lens finally got a mirrorless makeover. But lenses are an expensive purchase, so its important to really think through your decision about which Nikon lens to buy for bird photography. 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. 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. Autofocus itself is very fast and image quality is fabulous. Then again, for maximum image quality at the longer focal lengths, the 600mm f/4 TC VR S would be the one to beat. VR is Vibration Reduction that minimizes blur due to camera shake. It is more compact than the flagship gripped cameras like the Z9 and D6, and yet it still is very capable in the autofocus department. The Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 is a compact and ridiculously sharp lens that is perfect for larger birds and birds in flight. 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. And you'll also find lenses for Sony, Fujifilm, and Olympus cameras. A lens that can vary between focal lengths. Do you want a zoom lens that offers a focal range from up close to far in the distance? At F2.8, it is the fastest lens for bird photography. 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. Sigma is not reporting equivalent focal lengths or f-numbers. The sheer range provided by Tamrons 150-600, especially when clubbed with a crop frame, is enough to enchant the buyers. It is a massive lens for a reason its large aperture of f/2.8 requires huge glass elements to transmit so much light into the camera.
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best lens for bird photography nikon