Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD, 10. Whereas 400mm and 600mm lenses work better for general wildlife photography outings. 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. 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. It is also dust and moisture resistant, and built for rough conditions, like the home of the birds. 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. This is the lens that will get you to 800mm at f/5.6 with a 2x teleconverter! This lens of course belongs to the S-line, which means superior performance. Due to its massive size, this lens requires a good tripod setup. Canon felt that it would be hard to improve on the image quality of the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM so opted to extend the focal range even further with the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM. Canon EF 100-400mm IS II. +80Photoshop Actionsfor NATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS. 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 These are 600mm, 750mm and 900mm equivalent (35mm), i.e. 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! Triple-mode image stabilization is switchable for static and panning shots, with an additional option for applying stabilization only during exposures. Which Nikon Camera Is Best For Bird Photography? __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__. I have the 500mm f4g VR, a crazy sharp lens. 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. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Dont worry, this article will be updated in October! A tack-sharp AF precision allows panning shots to be perfectly sharp. Lenses are the second half, and in some cases, the better half. Fujifilm XF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR, 11. 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 NIKKOR 300mm is not a zoom lens with a varied focal length. the best birds in flight photography lenses cost thousands of dollars, which just doesn't make sense for a beginner. Astrophotography in March 2023: what to shoot in the night sky this month, "Thats the beauty of photography, it is a democratic medium", AI portraits are hard work, says deceitful Instagrammer with 28K followers, The Lumix S5 II is a serious tool for content creators here's why, GuruShots: Winning photos from the Beautiful Nights competition, Sony's new camera is a "baby A7S III for vloggers", Motorola's mini $99 widget turns any phone into a satellite communicator, Good news! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The Nikon TC-17E II nor the new Nikon TC-20E III can work but not as reliably. 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. I make sure that you get the best articles about photography. Takes continuous shots at 8 frames per second. Nikon has always been a great choice for wildlife shooters. These include a refined optical path with fluorite and Super UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) elements and high-tech Air Sphere coating. The NIKKOR 200-500mm also features an autofocus system that you can override by turning the manual focus ring. It is good. Buy Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens: $2,696.95 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama. Image quality is fabulous throughout the entire zoom range. It brought everyone into action with this insane zoom range of 150-600mm. Id argue that the 400mm f/2.8 is actually more versatile, because sometimes youll really need that f/2.8 maximum aperture. It is about $550 more expensive than the 100-400mm, so why would you get this lens instead? The second edition of the lens has a more typical twist-action zoom ring and a host of upgrades. 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 next best wildlife lens is Nikons heavyweight super telephoto bazooka, the Nikon 400mm f/2.8E VR. 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. The camera is built to be used with a tripod. What is the best one you would suggest for wild life (perched birds) with Z6 and FTZ adapter ? Still, weighing just 1,725g without the tripod collar, the Tamron 150-500mm is perfectly useable hand-held. Theres no clear winner between the prime or telephoto debate. This makes the lens very versatile, giving 400mm and 560mm at the flick of a switch. 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. It is capable of producing relatively good bokeh, especially on its longest end, although its sharpness performance also drops quite a bit at 300mm. Forget about trying to hand-hold it, even if you have arms as big as Schwarzeneggers. The VC Mode II is specifically for panning, aiding the birds-in-flight photography. A special Phase Fresnel element (the glass is cut in concentric circles instead of a solid piece) in the lens significantly reduces the size and weight of this lens, so you can take it with you wherever you go to search for birds. Give your opinion for 80-400 G ED VR on D850 and D500. Some of the features that one needs to keep track of for bird photography lenses are: The above lenses cover a variety of focal length ranges and lens features, covering both hobbyists, semi-professionals, and professionals along the way. And lastly, I present you the Cadillac of all Nikon super telephoto lenses: the Nikon 600mm f/4E VR. Wildlife situations come and pass quickly and this lens is easy to deploy quickly, fast optics, feather weight, and has VR. A system that automatically focuses on the subject to keep it crisp and clear. More so, it has a focal range of 70-300mm. 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. View at Amazon. It results in faster and more precise exposure control and exposure consistency. Bird photography is a tough job. 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. A VR lens helps create sharper pictures and provides three stops insurance. A useful range of handling extras ensure top-quality results time after time, with excellent consistency even in handheld shooting. DOWNLOAD THE ADVANCED AFFINITY PHOTO COURSE NOW! 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. We check out the best cameras for professionals (opens in new tab). Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens is one of the sharpest and fastest lenses available. 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. The uprated ring-type autofocus system is faster and more accurate, and a fluorine coating is added to the front element. but the lens you're using will quite obviously play an important part of the equation as well. Lens Weight: Heavier lenses are challenging to use without tripods. It all depends on the budget, the shooting style, prime or telephoto choice, and brand preference. Do you want a zoom lens that offers a focal range from up close to far in the distance? That makes it easier to capture sharp, frame-filling images of birds. Its my favorite because i can get it up and shooting anytime Im in a hurry, which is often. There will barely be anything you cant catch that you cant see with the iconic Nikkor 500mm F4G ED R. It is rugged, having a magnesium die-cast barrel which makes it highly resistant to dust and moisture. 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. 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. This telephoto zoom lens can capture beautiful images of birds far in the distance as well as birds who fly closer to you. Pros There are two versions of this lens: VR and non-VR. This typically happens in wildlife after the sun goes down. 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. If you can find a way to deal with the weight, this lens with a D500 would still be a very capable wildlife setup. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Even so, thats rarely a disadvantage for birding, as youre likely to use a zoom lens at its longest available focal length anyway. The only possible con for the lens is the electromagnetically controlled aperture. My second best buy of my life. 7 Best Camera for Bird Photography. The Nikkor 70-300 f4.5-5.6G VR must be on the list of bird photography lenses purely to provide an entry. 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. His expertise with equipment doesnt end there, though. The silent wave matter is added for an extra-fast and noise-free bird photography experience. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. Should you use a full frame or cropped sensor camera for bird photography (opens in new tab)? It has a tripod detection mode that helps minimize shutter release vibration, making it an intelligent VR workhorse. 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. Birds are often tiny, very fast, and since it happens in the wild, theres no control over the light. This lens is great for general wildlife, especially if you often shoot the large kind like moose and bears. Let us know which is your favorite lens for bird photography. Performs well at broad daylight with quick auto focus. The price is quite hefty though, at close to $14,000. This is a lens you'll want to partner with a sturdy monopod for long periods of shooting. The Nikon COOLPIX P1000 features a 3000mm super telephoto lens, . If well-cared for, such F-mount lenses can still last many years. Zoom lenses carry the advantage of flexibility. They help cut down on any reflection, including the reflection of the camera sensor. Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM. 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 is more compact than the flagship gripped cameras like the Z9 and D6, and yet it still is very capable in the autofocus department. One caveat is the video recording button is located a bit oddly. Sony budget: Sony 6400. 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. B&H offers a good rundown of. It really depends on the types of subjects that you shoot. 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. For Nikon, a good choice is the Nikon 200-500mm lens for DSLR cameras. 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. These cookies do not store any personal information. 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. Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary, 15. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. 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. For sensors smaller than full-frame, there is a trade-off in terms of image quality but you'll get the advantage of a crop factor that amplifies the telephoto reach of the lens. Hand-holding, the Nikon D500, feels better. In this article, I will not only talk about which Nikon lenses I believe are the best for wildlife and nature photography but also when I use a particular lens, along with plenty of image samples from each lens. The second is that 400mm isnt always long enough for smaller or more distant birds. Read more about Nasim here. It is the professional photographers who strive to go that extra mile and look for perfect pictures. But lenses are an expensive purchase, so its important to really think through your decision about which Nikon lens to buy for bird photography. An extreme telephoto lens, it can beautifully capture birds at a very long distance. 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. How to Create an Online Portfolio Using Format? The Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 is a compact and ridiculously sharp lens that is perfect for larger birds and birds in flight. 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. 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 In addition, you will have to buy a good heavy duty tripod + accessories (batteries, memory cards, etc). Its tripod-compatible VR offers up to 4 stops of Vibration Reduction. It was originally introduced as an answer to third-party large focal length telephoto zoom lenses. The Nikon 800mm f/5.6 is no doubt an astounding and absurdly expensive lens. Again, not much to complain about in terms of optics and features. Undoubtedly, the Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 is the most popular budget lens for bird shooters. And if you need an 800mm equivalent lens, you could always put a 2x TC on the 400mm f/2.8. This is the first ultra-telephoto lens made for the APS-C format. Instead, you need to decide which camera is perfect for YOU. 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). 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. If you're looking for affordable options, these are the best budget telephoto lenses (opens in new tab). Camera body with a lens without zoom for shooting portraits. Would love to hear the reasons, if any. But this aint your daddys 400mm f/2.8. Other features include an OLED display, plus a customisable function button. It also makes it very easy to use teleconverters, especially the built-in 1.4x TC. It has a vibration reduction of up to 5.5 stops. It renders the lens incompatible with older Nikon DSLRs. For absolute beginners with a lesser budget, a non-VR version may suffice. However, neither of them seems to have impressed you. Both DSLR and mirrorless full-frames should be considered. And I dont want to spend thousands more on new zooms. Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary. Nikon 500mm f/4 VR. 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 Using DO (Diffractive Optics) and a relatively narrow f/11 fixed aperture rating, it's also pretty light at 930g. View at Amazon. 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 comes at half the price of a decent 300mm prime. No matter the focal length of the lens, the closer you are, the bigger the subject. 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). Lots of opinions why this and that lens is not on the list. Traditionally, 400mm f/2.8 lenses were much more specialized tools, being very heavy and a bit short for smaller wildlife. Best wide-angle lens for landscapes: NIKON Z 14-24MM f/2.8 S. Best super telephoto lens for wildlife photography: SIGMA 60-600MM F/4.5-6.3. Small and light for such a long zoom, the lens retails for about $1,000. It comprises 21 elements in 13 groups, having three LD (low dispersion) lens elements. 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 category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. All of these can be used on Z-mount cameras with the FTZ or FTZII adapter, and since some of these do not yet have Z counterparts, they are worth a look whether you shoot a Nikon DSLR or a Nikon Z mirrorless camera. A 70-300mm lens, providing them an effective focal length of 450mm. Get the best camera deals, reviews, product advice, competitions, unmissable photography news and more! The main problem with prime is that it requires a photographer to observe the birds behavior and spots. Best macro lens: TAMRON 90MM F/2.8 Di VC USD. Weighing a whopping 3.8 kilos, it is about as heavy as Nikons longest 600mm f/4 lens (more on the 600mm below). 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. NY 10036. Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 VR. 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. So get the best lens you can afford, then learn to use . The Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 is about the same size and weight as Sigmas competing Contemporary lens, but adds a more comprehensive set of weather seals, similar to those of Sigmas more exotic Sports edition while splitting the difference in terms of price. 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. A prime lens that excels for bird photography, the telephoto Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm is a quality addition to your camera kit. 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. Handling highlights include a customizable Lens-function button, a four-stop image stabilizer that gives up to a six-stop benefit when combined with in-camera stabilization, and an autofocus range limiter that can lock out either short or long focus distances. That said, pair it with the EOS R5 or R6 and the combined image stabilisation delivers up to 6 stops compensation (5 stops on the EOS R or RP). This makes it easier to track the erratic movement of birds in flight. And you'll also find lenses for Sony, Fujifilm, and Olympus cameras. Fancy features include a dual-mode, 4.5-stop VR (Vibration System) system and an electromagnetically controlled diaphragm for adjusting the aperture. 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. 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. A cheap APS-C macro lens is coming, for almost all mounts, Shots fired! Similar to the Nikon 300mm f/2.8G VR II, it also works exceptionally well with all teleconverters, including the Nikon TC-20E III. 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. 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 Nikon 200-500mm f5.6E redraws creative boundaries with a constant-aperture telephoto zoom. The construction is uncompromised with the new magnesium alloy barrel and fluorite elements. A unique Sport-VR helps take sharper images even while panning and using continuous shooting mode. 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. You now know how to do the calculation: the 200-500 is the equivalent of 300 mm to a whopping 750 mm. Usually, hobbyist photographers are happy with a good bird in natural surroundings. The Nikon 500mm f/5.6 PF lens was a breakthrough lens for Nikon. 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. 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. Why you can trust Digital Camera World Continuous high-speed photography is achievable through this type of AE control. Its also the sharper lens at 400mm, although the 100-400mm is no slouch. But lenses are an expensive purchase, so its important to really think through your decision about which Nikon lens to buy for bird photography. See my detailed Nikon 300mm f/2.8G VR II Review for more information on this lens. For most wildlife, the move from f/4 to f/5.6 will not impact image quality, and it is a fair trade for the increased versatility of never needing a tripod. 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. 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. The VR II provides up to 3 stops of insurance, resulting in sharper images overall.